Alongside the idea of ongoing affiliate development, the topic of becoming a GST Certified Trainer was discussed.
This issue ties in intimately with the issue of staff development.
At present we have the GB Trainer title, achieved after successfully passing mastery of Foundation progressions and a somewhat unclear process of invitation.
As the first generation of affiliates, we are so to speak on the front line of a new movement in the fitness world, GST. Bodyweight training is becoming more popular and Gymnastic inspired training growing all the time.
Developing staff in a structured, logical way is of course beneficial to affiliates and totally necessary for development and growth, but at present there is no central structure or course in place.
Having such a course and process in place would allow the following:
- Ensure a high quality control on Certified GST trainers representing GB
- Allow for a standard level of knowledge and ability amongst certified trainers
- Provide a potential staff source for and between affiliates
- Allow GB more dominance in this growing niche of the fitness market
- Develop another source of revenue for GB and affiliates to share
As the titles of 'GB Certified Trainer and 'Affiliate' are already distinguished it makes sense to develop these 2 lines separately.
If a course were to be designed and agreed upon, it could allow affiliate gyms to run the courses. We are aware of the potential risk of 'creating competition' within each of the locales but feel this is going to happen eventually anyway. Many of the affiliate gyms have PT's as students now, cross-fit coaches etc. We are already 'the place' where people come to learn GST properly. This would allow us to cement a position above competition and allow GB and GST to spread more readily.
Lay Yong & Daniel expressed ideas along these lines for Singapore & Asia, we have Forma in Europe ad Awaken in the states.
Personally, I see GST needing a Certification Course to maintain dominance. If someone thinks they want to become a Pilates Instructor they have quite a few options, the same with yoga. GST, bodyweight training etc should be GB.
I am happy to discuss the course we have run should this be of discussed and taken further.