Scope of Practice

OFC RHEP - Group Exercise

An OFC Group Exercise Instructor/Trainer has met pre-requisites in Exercise Theory and also has been certified in an approved specialty course, including all theoretical and practical exams, based on one or more of the learning objectives designed for OFC Group Fitness Trainer registration. A Registered Group Fitness Trainer is able to:

1. Design, modify, and lead a safe land exercise group class or individual training session.  Provide effective and appropriate exercises in order to meet the needs of the individual or participants based on the Instructor/Trainer Sub-Scope(s) of Practice detailed within OFC Learning Objective Appendixes. * Note- Sub-Scope of Practice learning objectives are delivered through OFC individual TFL’s and approved TFL Business Member certifications for OFC Group Fitness Trainer registration. ALL items listed in Group Fitness Trainer Scope of Practice must be adhered to. Sub Scope of Practice only refers to what the OFC Registered Group Fitness Trainer specializes in.

Current specialties include:

 a) Portable Equipment Use and Conditioning b) Mind and Body c) Indoor Cycling or Spinning d) Choreography e) Step Hi-Lo

*Please note that in other NFLA organizations, members within the Step Hi-Lo Scope of Practice are recognized as group exercise or group fitness leader. 
*ALL of the following criteria applies to every OFC Registered Group Fitness Trainer.

2. Lead individuals and participants that provide a healthy self-report through the use of current unmodified PAR-Q or who have received medical clearance to participate in a general physical activity program. Provides initial health screening (ie. self reported Par Q, Consent Forms, Waivers, and if applicable, Par Med X or Par Med X for Pregnancy.)
3. Lead exercise groups or individuals that are based on NFLA and/or OFC professional practices, standards and guidelines.
4. Incorporate the use of appropriate exercise equipment based on the identified needs of the participant or individual.
5. Deliver nutritional information based on Canada’s Food Guide. Clients requests for advanced nutritional information must be referred to a qualified nutrition professional
6. Act as a consultant/educator based on the OFC Standards/Code of Ethics and NFLA guidelines.
7. ***National Transferability***Group Exercise Leaders certified in Step Hi-Lo and other aerobic based exercise are recognized nationally within NFLA. Contact individual provincial representatives for information on how to transfer.
8. OFC registered Group Fitness Trainers that move from Ontario to another province and their sub scope specialty is not delivered and or currently recognized by another NFLA representative,  WILL retain their registration benefits and standing within the OFC, provided that: Scope of practice, code of ethics, professional practice and all re-certification requirements are  adhered to. OFC Registered Group Fitness Trainers certified through an active OFC TFL Business Member Certification, must comply with the certification renewal criteria set forth by the approved provider including Continuing Education Credits, First Aid, CPR and applicable re-certification criteria and fees to maintain OFC Registered Fitness and Health Professional membership.

Scope of Practice

OFC RHEP - Resistance Trainer     

      An OFC Resistance Trainer has met prerequisites in Exercise Theory and has been certified in resistance training through theoretical and practical examinations. Students who participate in a health and fitness promotion diploma program at an Ontario based university, college, private career college, technical institute or secondary school (s), meet registration approval as part of the curriculum and or Personal Fitness Trainer certification. Resistance Training is recognized nationally by NFLA organizations and is also a prerequisite for other Personal Fitness Trainer certifications including OFC Registered Personal Fitness Trainer. Resistance Training is a major component and learning objective that also takes a considerable amount of skill and practice outside the theory component. An OFC Registered Resistance Trainer is able to:

1. Design, modify, and lead individuals or *small groups* of participants through safe basic/orientation exercise training programs focused on resistance training.  Provide effective and appropriate exercises in order to meet the needs of the participants based on the Instructor/Trainer Sub-Scope(s) of Practice detailed within OFC Learning Objective Appendixes (*Note - currently there are no sub scope learning objectives for Resistance Training)
2. Lead participants that provide a healthy self-report through the use of current PAR-Q, waiver, consent form, PAR MED X, or PAR MED X for pregnancy, or who have received medical clearance to participate in a general physical activity program.
3. Provide weight room/gym monitoring and equipment orientation.
4. **Design/prescribe individualized programs for apparently healthy individuals (PAR-Q and or additional medical clearance) to include warm-up, resistance, cardiovascular, and flexibility components using the F.I.T.T and S.A.I.D Principals.
5. Act as a resource and refer to appropriate health care providers when dealing with clients who have conditions that the Resistance Fitness Trainer is not specifically accredited to address.
6. **Lead *small groups* and or individuals through single training sessions based on resistance training exercises and techniques.
7. Deliver nutritional information based on Canada’s Food Guide. Client requests for advanced nutritional information must be referred to a qualified nutrition professional.
8. Small groups are defined as:  a maximum of 10 participants.
9. Act as a consultant/educator based on the OFC Standards/Code of Ethics and guidelines.
10. ***National Transferability***Resistance Fitness Trainers are recognized nationally within NFLA provinces. ALL numbers with asterisk MAY only apply to OFC Registered Resistance Trainer professional practice. Some other NFLA organizations may not recognize certain items within this detailed scope of practice and or have not obtained adequate insurance coverage for their members. If you wish to inquire about your scope of practice similarities/differences for transfer, please contact the NFLA representative in the province you are moving to. OFC Resistance Fitness Trainers are professionals, regulated, recognized and insured to work across Canada. Members who move to another province will retain their OFC Registered Fitness and Health Professional benefits provided that Scope of Practice, code of ethics, professional practice and all re-certification criteria is adhered to. OFC Registered Resistance Fitness Trainers certified through an active approved OFC TFL Business Member certification must comply with the certification renewal criteria set forth by the approved provider, including, Continuing Education Credits, first aid, cpr, and applicable re-certification criteria and fees.

Scope of Practice

OFC RHEP - Aquatic Fitness

1. An OFC Registered Aquatic Fitness Trainer or Leader has met pre-requisites in Exercise Theory and has been certified in an approved course on Aquatic exercise/fitness including all theoretical and practical exams. The Aquatic Fitness Trainer or Leader is able to:  Design, modify, and lead a safe aquatic exercise group or individual. Provide effective and appropriate exercises in order to meet the needs of the participants or individual  based on the Instructor/Trainer Sub-Scope(s) of Practice detailed within OFC Learning Objective Appendixes (*Note - currently there are no sub scope learning objectives applicable to Aqua Fitness Trainers or Leaders)
2. Lead participants that provide a healthy self-report through the use of current PAR-Q, waiver, consent form, PAR MED X or PAR MED X for Pregnancy, or who have received medical clearance to participate in a general physical activity program.
3. Lead exercise groups and or individuals, in a group class or single training session, that is based on Aquatic exercise and philosophy.
4. Incorporate the use of appropriate exercise equipment based on the identified needs of the participants.
5. Deliver nutritional information based on Canada’s Food Guide.
6. Act as a consultant/educator based on the OFC Standards/Code of Ethics.
7. **National Transferability**Aquatic Fitness Leaders are recognized nationally within NFLA provinces. OFC Aquatic Fitness Trainers are professionals, regulated, recognized and insured to work across Canada. Member who move to another province will retain their OFC Registered Fitness and Health Professional benefits provided that Scope of Practice, code of ethics, professional practice and all re-certification criteria is adhered to. OFC Registered Aquatic Fitness Trainers certified through an active approved OFC TFL Business Member certification (WaterArt) must comply with the certification renewal criteria set forth by the approved provider, including, Continuing Education Credits, first aid, cpr, and applicable re-certification criteria and fees.

Scope of Practice

OFC RHEP - Personal Trainer

An OFC Personal Trainer - works within the same Scope of Practice as an OFC Resistance Trainer, by meeting or exceeding OFC Registration criteria for Resistance Training, as well as:

1. Provides proof of successful completion of an OFC Registered TFL Personal Fitness Trainer certification course or curriculum, offered through an approved Ontario based university, college, private career college, technical institute or an OFC approved TFL Business Member Personal Fitness Trainer Certification Program (minimum curriculum duration of 100 hours including all course syllabus, study sessions, theoretical and practical exams)  Certification, degree or diploma meets or exceeds performance standards for and including, OFC fitness theory, resistance training and personal fitness training.
2. Ensures a safe exercise environment utilizing standard screening tools and ensures appropriate insurance coverage. (included in OFC registration)
3. Provides initial health screening (ie. self reported Par Q, Consent Form, Waivers, and if applicable , Par Med X, and  Par Med X for Pregnancy), monitors progress and makes regular adjustments to programs as needed.
4. Designs short and long-term programs based on OFC performance standards including the F.I.T.T and S.A.I.D principles, code of ethics and professional practice, covered in an approved PFT TFL Business Member certification course and or Ontario based university, community college/private career college curriculum delivered by a Registered OFC TFL.
5. Provides basic nutritional information based on Canada’s Food Guide.  Client requests for advanced nutritional information must be referred to a qualified nutrition professional.
6. Refers to appropriate health care providers when dealing with clients who have conditions that the Personal Fitness Trainer is not specifically accredited to address. Please contact the OFC for information on special populations and scope of practice guidelines when addressing possible higher risk clientele.
7. Acts as a consultant/educator based on the OFC Standards and Code of Ethics.
8. **National Transferability** as a Certified Personal Trainer (diploma) and or Certified Personal Trainer (degree).  OFC Registered Personal Fitness Trainers are able to transfer their Resistance Trainer certification if they choose to, and are recognized nationally with other NFLA organizations.

9. The member is a professional with a minimum of two year Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion related to the exercise sciences from an OFC approved College or University and has met or exceeded the performance standards for OFC Certified RHEP-PT. A member works with apparently healthy individuals or those with a stable health condition who are able to exercise independently. The member can also

   • Conduct basic pre-participation health screening assessments on all clients using evidence-based tools and gathers information about physical activity and lifestyle behaviours

   • Administer various fitness assessments on clients including submaximal aerobic fitness, musculoskeletal fitness (muscular strength, endurance, power, flexibility, and balance), and anthropometry. 

   • Gather and apply information about the physical activity, fitness, and lifestyle of a client or group of clients to design, implement, and monitor client-tailored submaximal exercise programs for healthier living. 

   • Recognize their own area of expertise and refers clients who fall outside that expertise to an OFC RHEP TFL, physician, or other appropriate health care provider.

   • Assess muscular strength using maximal 1RM assessment protocols or design programs based on resistance loads exceeding 90% of the predicted 1RM.

Scope of Practice

OFC RHEP - Yoga Fitness

1. Design, modify, and lead a safe land exercise group or individual.  Provide effective and appropriate exercises in order to meet the needs of the participants/individual based on the Instructor/Trainer Sub-Scope(s) of Practice detailed within OFC Learning Objective Appendixes. (*Note - currently there are no sub scope learning objectives for Yoga Fitness Trainers or Yoga Teachers)
2. Lead participants or individuals that provide a healthy self-report through the use of current unmodified PAR-Q, waiver, consent form, PAR MED X, PAR MED X for pregnancy and or who have received medical clearance to participate in a general physical activity program.
3. Lead exercise groups and or individuals, in a single session or group class that are based on Yoga exercise and philosophy.
4. Incorporate the use of appropriate exercise equipment based on the identified needs of the participant or individual
5. Deliver nutritional information based on Canada’s Food Guide.
6. Exclusions include Bikram style of Yoga classes and Inversion Asanas for members registered as Yoga Fitness Trainer. Yoga Teachers who meet Yoga TFL pre-requisite based on education and practical application,  have a broader scope of practice and can include Bikram style and Inversion Asanas. The following numbers 7 and 8 apply for Yoga Teacher OFC registration guidelines and Scope of Practice.
7. Yoga Teacher equivalency or TFL pre-requisite #1 - Letter of verification of comprehensive Yoga teaching experience for a minimum of 500 hours
8. Yoga Teacher equivalency or TFL pre-requisite #2 - 5 years verification of completion of 200 hours of formal study in yoga through workshops, courses and/or apprenticeship (must submit copies of certificates for courses/workshops and letters of confirmation for apprenticeship hours)
9. Act as a consultant/educator based on the OFC Standards and Code of Ethics.
10. ***National Transferability***Certain NFLA partners who offer and regulate a Yoga Fitness Trainer and or Yoga Teacher certification and registration, may allow transfer. Contact  OFC for details on transfer. OFC Registered Yoga Fitness Trainers and Yoga Teachers  are professionals, regulated, recognized and insured to work across Canada. Members who move to another province will retain their OFC Registered Fitness and Health Professional benefits provided that Scope of Practice, code of ethics, professional practice and all re-certification requirements are adhered to. OFC Registered Yoga Fitness Trainers and or Yoga Teachers, certified through an active OFC TFL Business Member certification, must comply with the certification renewal criteria set forth by the approved provider, including, Continuing Education Credits, first aid, cpr, and applicable re-certification criteria and fees.

Scope of Practice

OFC RHEP - Pilates Fitness

1. Design, modify, and lead a safe land exercise group or individual.  Provide effective and appropriate exercises in order to meet the needs of the participant/client based on the Instructor/Trainer Sub-Scope(s) of Practice detailed within OFC Learning Objective Appendixes (*Note- currently there are no sub scope learning objectives applicable to Pilates Fitness Trainers or Pilates Teachers)
2. Lead participants and or individuals, that provide a healthy self-report through the use of current unmodified PAR-Q, waiver, consent form, PAR MED X, PAR MED X for Pregnancy and or who have received medical clearance to participate in a general physical activity program.
3. Lead exercise groups and or individuals, in single session or group class, that are based on Pilates exercise and philosophy.
4. Incorporate the use of appropriate exercise equipment based on the identified needs of the participant or individual.
5. Deliver nutritional information based on Canada’s Food Guide.
6. Excluded are inversions and all exercises which incorporate Pilates apparatus if registered as Pilates Fitness Trainer. Pilates Teachers who meet Pilates TFL  pre-requisite based on education and practical application, have a broader scope of practice and can include inversions and apparatus use. The following numbers 7 and 8 apply for Pilates Teacher OFC Registration guidelines and Scope of Practice.
7. Pilates Teacher Equivalency or TFL pre-requisite #1 - Letter of verification of comprehensive Pilates teaching experience for a minimum of 500 hours
8. Pilates Teacher Equivalency or TFL pre-requisite #2 - 5 years verification of completion of 200 hours of comprehensive (must include a minimum of 50 hours of apparatus training) formal study in Pilates through workshops, courses and apprenticeship (must submit copies of certificates for courses/workshops and letters of confirmation for apprenticeship hours)
9. Act as a consultant/educator based on the OFC Standards and Code of Ethics.
10. **National Transferability**Certain NFLA partners who offer and regulate a Pilates Fitness Trainer and or Pilates Teacher certification and registration based on the above guidelines and criteria, may allow transfer. Contact OFC for details on transfer. OFC Registered Pilates Fitness Trainers and Pilates Teachers are professionals, regulated, recognized and insured to work across Canada. Members who move to another province will retain their OFC Registered Fitness and Health Professional benefits provided that Scope of Practice, code of ethics, professional practice and all re-certification requirements are adhered to. OFC Registered Pilates Fitness Trainers and or Pilates Teachers, certified through an active OFC TFL Business Member certification, must comply with the certification renewal criteria set forth by the approved provider, including, Continuing Education Credits, first aid, cpr, and applicable re-certification criteria and fees.

Scope of Practice

OFC RHEP - Older Adult/3rd Age

An OFC Older Adult/3rd Age Fitness Trainer -  has met pre-requisites in Exercise Theory, Resistance Training and Group Exercise (if working in a class setting) and has completed an approved certification course on senior fitness training and or instruction, and is able to:

1. Provide initial health screening and lead participants or individuals who provide a healthy self report (ie. The PAR Med-X, waiver, and consent form).
2. Design, modify, and instruct safe, effective and appropriate fitness programs to meet the needs of participants or an individual in a group class, small group or individual setting.
3. Lead exercise groups, or individual training based on CCAA Certification and/or OFC performance standards and guidelines.
4. Incorporate the use of appropriate exercise equipment based on the identified needs of the participants or individual.
5. Ensure a safe exercise environment utilizing standard screening tools.
6. Deliver nutritional information based on Canada’s Food Guide.  Participants’ requests for advanced nutritional information must be referred to a qualified nutrition professional.
7. Act as a resource and refer to appropriate health care providers when dealing with participants with Osteoporosis.
8. Act as a consultant/educator based on the OFC Standards/Code of Ethics and or CCAA
9. ***National Transferability***OFC Older Adult Fitness Trainers are professionals, regulated, recognized and insured to work across Canada. Member who move to another province will retain their OFC Registered Fitness and Health Professional benefits provided that Scope of Practice, code of ethics, professional practice and all re-certification criteria is adhered to.