Prisoners get certified as personal trainers

(CNS): Four inmates from the country’s jail house have taken the cliché prison yard body building to a professional level after successfully completing a personal trainer certification course. They are now building portfolios of ‘clients’ from among their fellow prisoners as they pass on their skills in fitness. Richard Parsons, Sherlock Bodden, Robert Schultz and Robert Girvan were regulars in the gym, who volunteered when the opportunity for training arose earlier this year, said Prison Director Neil Lavis.

Since August, the men pursued studies in 20 mandatory subject areas included first-aid and safety, muscle types, groups, muscles uses, heart rates and blood proteins.

Presenting the certificates this week, Lavis said that the three-month ExpertRating course isinternationally-recognized. The course format includes online lectures, discussions and practical exercises.

Northward’s Gym Supervisor/Instructor Steve Hansen said successful inmates were examined in detail throughout to determine their retention of the coursework.

“The syllabus covers all aspects of personal training, such as evaluating new clients, determining body types, demonstrating and explaining exercises, as well as developing tailor-made programmes,” he added.

It is expected that additional gym certification courses will be offered in the institution in the coming year.