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The UK is apparently pioneering the first AIM (Advanced Instructor) modules*. Which makes the first one this weekend.

I believe they used to tallent spot at workshops for presenter / trainers. Now they are doing this through the AIM. In the UK it's 3 days total.

Day one is known as the Technique Intensive Module and is unique to each programme. Days 2 and 3 are similar to the old Professional Development Module (PDM). At the end of it all, you get Advanced Instructor Status and a nice warm feeling.

You may get selected for the mentoring programme to become a Presenter / Trainer at the end of second module or you may get asked to submit a video at a later date to be considered for selection for the mentoring programme.

Check here http://www.fitpro.com/bts/PDM.cfm

*According to Lisa O at the first Attack intensive module

Maybe this is not the same module, but there was some mention about an ATM (the first of its kind in the world) to be held in connection to the "Super Saturday 2009" there was some time ago now. Here's the notice from the SS folder, anyway:

At Trainers Summit here in Oz about a month ago we were exposed to the new Advanced Instructor Modules.  Basically it will be a 2 day module where day one is generic and explores more in depth our connection with the music, coaching language and teaching within the essence of each program etc.

 Day 2 is program specific - each program will have slightly different content but will be focussed on advanced technique drills and advanced coaching drills.

The idea is that every LM instructor will be put under a level/catergory.  Level 1 is people straight out of modules, level 2 are those that are certified, level 3 are those that have completed an advanced module (within this you either receive the result of advanced instructor or elite instructor) Level 4 are Trainers and Presenters and Level 5 are Master Trainers and PD's.

In Oz, this is getting rolled out in Jan 2010 and will be explained more at the next round of Q's in a couple of weeks!

Hope this helps a little bit - definately gonna be worth while for everyone to get on board with!

RobinHr's post looks like the same AIM as the UK. I don't follow why LM can't standardise thier new instructor grading *if* it does differ in the US. 

However, the UK did it's Technique intensive (Day 1) for Attack and Pump on 4th September in London (with Glen and Lisa) Days 2 and 3 are this weekend. So it looks like I will be one of the first Advanced Instructors in the World!

PS. I note in Robinhr's post the leaflet says "first to arrange", not first to hold. May be this is oversight, may be it's a subtle advertising trick ????

I have just returned from the 2 day PDM (Professional Development Module) with LM UK and I can confirm the following:

LM are beginning to "grade" instructors. This is being rolled out globally. The UK is the first counry to launch.

Those that have completed module trainining and passed their video are classed as "certified". No change there. The next level is "Advanced". To attain "Advanced" level you must have been certified for at least 1 year, completed the two day PDM, or as it is now known, Advanced Instrctor Module, AND completed at least one Technique Intensive day course for your programme of certification.

LM were vague on how "Elite" status is attained but I understand this is pre-presenter/trainer level.

Once advanced, you MAY be selected for mentoring on LMs "Bootcamp". You can be selected by being scouted at workshops, scouted through re-submitting a class video or by showing that magic something at any LM training course. You must also be certified in at least least two programmes.

Once bootcamp is completed, "Elite level" is awarded. Then assuming there is a business need or a space in the LM presenter /trainer team for your dicipline you may get selected for a presenter /trainer poisition. There is also a long process for completing this stage before you fly solo as presenter / trainer.

All in the technique intensive and AIM are well worth it. Personal attention from head trainers, technique tidy ups and better understanding of the essence of LM. i.e you learn what the top presenters know

Teaching RPM™ and BODYPUMP™ in Bowie Maryland!!

turnitup59:

Once bootcamp is completed, "Elite level" is awarded.

Superb - only the "elite" complete bootcamp training eh?

Also, sounds like a superb method of getting people to pay for something that they used to do via a kind of "interview" for the role of presenter/trainer... which makes excellent business sense! Unless, of course, they also send out certificates to all those people who've done bootcamps in the past?

Hmmmm, I'd been kicking around the idea of the PDM next year.....might have to kick it around a bit harder.

Got a balance module in a bit over a week to get through first though.

ck1-:

Superb - only the "elite" complete bootcamp training eh?

Also, sounds like a superb method of getting people to pay for something that they used to do via a kind of "interview" for the role of presenter/trainer... which makes excellent business sense! Unless, of course, they also send out certificates to all those people who've done bootcamps in the past?

With respect to "Elite" level, that's how I understand it BUT...

As I said, LM were very sketchy on what happens after the AIM (i.e. how to get from Advanced to Elite). One of the trainers said they had selected someone from module training to go to bootcamp. This person had not even been certified at that point!

The trainer "saw something in them". So yes, it makes business sense, but at the end of the day, LM will choose who they want to represent them in any way they want.

Will they award "Elite" status to those that have done bootcamps in the past? Guess if you have done an intensive and a PDM you have a good case to ask for it but note what I said above.

The crux of it all is, anyone could effectivley pay for the Advanced badge. But do you have *it*? I guess the only people who can say "yes" are those selected personally by LM.

I don't wish to take anything away from the two modules. Not by a long way. They are worthwhile and will take you to another level. I certainly teach (slightly) differently that I used to and feedback from my participants is they like it!

This really is just a way for LM to make more money though, which is fine.

My own personal view (which I'm sure other people will disagree with me on) is that development comes from a combination of experience and taking the time to understand the needs of your participants. They are the real judges. The way you teach can differ hugely from one class to another or one club to another, and I'm not sure that is something that can be taught.

I know instructors who've done this type of course before and some of them are rubbish. Yes, they are technically proficient when they want to be, but most of them have the charisma of a wet sock. They take their teaching style direct out of the LM handbook, and while no doubt some of them might have 'the look' and fit the cookie cutter mould of the perfect LM instructor because they tick all the boxes, the main thing that engages the participants is the personality and enthusiasm of the instructor, and if you don't have that - especially for Body Pump where you are mainly static - you're in trouble.

SG7982:

The way you teach can differ hugely from one class to another or one club to another, and I'm not sure that is something that can be taught.

This in the main is true. I agree there is natural skill is being an excellent instructor but tips and training can hone this skill or even reveal this skill within. I'm sure you could teach a BodyPump class before your module training, but are you a better instructor after the training?

SG7982:

I know instructors who've done this type of course before and some of them are rubbish. Yes, they are technically proficient when they want to be, but most of them have the charisma of a wet sock. They take their teaching style direct out of the LM handbook, and while no doubt some of them might have 'the look' and fit the cookie cutter mould of the perfect LM instructor because they tick all the boxes, the main thing that engages the participants is the personality and enthusiasm of the instructor, and if you don't have that - especially for Body Pump where you are mainly static - you're in trouble.

Again true that some instructors just don't have it - even after training. You could also apply that to module training. How many instructors have you seen and thought, "how the heck did they pass a video?"

There is far more to being a great instructor that personality and charisma as you put it. My cat has all that but couldn't coach a back track

As for looks, you know Jim S. He's a mile off the shaved, tanned, beachboy but he made it to trainer presenter and it's clear he does more than engage the participants.

Sorry for being blunt Stu (I know you're big enough not to take this personally) but if feel it's tunnel vison if you can't see there is far more to great coaching and instructing in the programme essence than personality. I'm not saying that if you go to these courses you will suddenly become a better or a great instructor but you will have more tools in your arsenal to help you deliver a better class if you can apply them and that ultimately benefits your clients.