Who Are WABBA?
In short, WABBA began in 1975 as the vision of legendary 5 times world champion Serge Nubret, who had just competed against Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno in the Mr Olympia contest, and famously a film called Pumping Iron features this momentous occasion. WABBA at the time was known by its full name of World Amateur Body Building Association, but soon began to be referred to by its shortened acronym of WABBA, which still survives today.
Who Are WABBA Qualifications?
WABBA Qualifications are the professional training arm of WABBA and began in 1992 as the vision of internationally respected coach, lecturer and multi-published author Alan Runacres. He eventually became WABBA Director of Training, and today WABBA Qualifications are an Independent World Governing Body recognised in over 100 countries across the world, delivering a platform of highly respected and specialised training courses to equip fitness instructors and personal trainers with the world’s best training programme of qualifications gained from over 35 years of the professional training experiences of some of the most knowledgeable trainers in the world.
WABBA Qualifications hold Centre Approval with the leading Quality Assurance, Teaching Standards & Certification Awarding Bodies, and runs internet based training courses backed up with e-training webinars, and practical skills seminars to deliver the world’s best & most effective learning of vocational skills aimed at maximising your potential as a full-time professional fitness industry trainer.
Alan Runacres is the founder of WABBA Qualifications and a 3x Published author on Gym and Fitness Training, plus he has had over 100 articles published in industry magazines such as Workout and Muscular Performance.
Alan left school at 16 and became a self-employed freelance gym trainer, more than 25yrs before the term ‘Personal Trainer’ was invented! Now in the fitness industry for over 40 years, along the way Alan became a GB Olympic Weightlifting & Senior National Powerlifting Coach and has trained over 50 British, European and World Sports Champions.
Additionally he has personally taught 25,000+ Personal Trainers, Strength Coaches and Fitness Instructors, plus Armed Forces Instructor Personnel in just the UK alone. The $Billion fitness industry is fuelling demand for WABBA Trainers worldwide, with the unique training and education system created by Alan.
WABBA teach the true science of weight training & nutrition to Members of the Elite Armed Forces, National & International Athletes, plus have certified Staff from 65% of UK County Councils, Cruise Ship Personnel & People just like YOU, who want to be a successful Personal Trainer or Strength Coach.
How Long Have WABBA Qualifications Been Providing Vocational Training?
Since we first started way back in 1992 with our first ever gym instructor training courses. Before that Alan Runacres was training students in colleges and universities in readiness for graduating with their sports science degrees.
Are WABBA Qualifications A Quality-Assured Organisation?
Yes we are! WABBA are proud to hold the highly prestigious ISO 9001:2000 New Millennium seal of quality assurance. You will see this on many of our products. ISO stands for International Standards Office and has replaced the British Standards BS 5750 award for quality as the preferred International community sign of recognition by corporate companies and bodies.
Why should I choose WABBA instead of another training provider?
There are many reasons why people make decisions of importance. Choosing a training provider for a qualification that is going to provide you with a livelihood and income is an important occasion. Considering WABBA as your first choice is the right move for you if you want to have:-
1. An organisation that has been built upon real results from real clients just like you.
2. The trainers teaching you have been at world level themselves and take working at a level of excellence to be an everyday occurrence, including training and advising champion athletes.
3. You want World Governing Body recognition.
Does WABBA undertake corporate training and staff development programmes?
Yes. WABBA offers In-house staff development programmes including Fitness Instructor training, specialised and bespoke programmes covering a wide spectrum of vocational skills modules.
Does WABBA promote natural training?
Yes. WABBA Qualifications believes in the promotion of correct exercise and nutrition to lead towards the physical goals we aim to aspire to along with a healthy lifestyle like we all used to have before the boom in fast foods and a non-active lifestyle of the 80’s and 90’s.
Does WABBA have a constitution?
Yes. WABBA Qualifications has had a constitution since shortly after its formation in 1992.
Does WABBA have an anti-drugs policy in place?
Yes. Part of the WABBA Qualifications Constitution includes a section on our anti-drugs policy.
Does WABBA offer members advice on their own training and nutrition questions?
Yes wherever possible we will try and answer questions put to us by active members. We do not answer training and nutrition questions from non WABBA members.
Do WABBA offer advice on weight-loss or muscle gaining?
Yes wherever possible we will try and answer questions put to us by active members. We do not answer training and nutrition questions from non WABBA members.
How qualified and experienced are WABBA Trainers who lead the courses?
All Team WABBA members are highly qualified, having been through the WABBA Education Programme themselves, plus achieving other qualifications in specialised areas. Also, a leading WABBA officer will be personally in charge of overseeing your progress through our course structure and qualifications. They know and understand the kinds of questions that may be going through your mind and are well equipped to answer these questions for you.
WABBA RECOGNITION
Does holding a WABBA Qualification mean I am also qualified to teach aerobics or other types of studio classes in a health club?
Unless you have undertaken a specific qualification for this, you will not be qualified to lead general aerobic exercise to music classes, but will know how to undertake and supervise circuit type classes in addition to your main gym based work schedule.
Am I qualified to teach in schools and colleges?
Depending upon the age of the children in question you may need an additional specialised qualification to teach juniors. We generally recommend that the minimum age for someone to begin training in a gym is at an age of 14-16 dependent upon several issues including physical maturity (some people are more physically developed than others at set ages) and mental capacity to deal with the inherent dangers of a gym environment. The final decision should be left to the parents and your senior manager to the junior’s suitability to attend a gym session.
Are WABBA Certificates Recognised By UK and Overseas Fitness Operators?
Yes, currently we have staff working in health & fitness clubs in 100 countries across the world. Many have qualified here in the UK and then moved abroad, with a large amount of students qualifying with us in the UK because an ‘English Qualification’ is seen as a superior qualification to have.
WABBA are the World Governing Body for bodybuilding and fitness education, a unique situation alongside other internationally recognised governing bodies of sport such as FIFA and the IOC Olympic Body are. WABBA are also an ISO 9000:2008 organisation and hold I.A.B (International Accreditation Board) recognition too.
Are WABBA Qualifications Recognised by the Dept of Education?
Yes WABBA Qualifications have been continually on the Department of Education’s Approved list of vocational qualifications since 1995.
WABBA MEMBERSHIP
How Do I Become A WABBA Member?
Just go to the WABBA Shopping Cart and select "WABBA Member Enrolment". You will need to register your details on the simple to complete Registration Page before proceeding through the secure trading area to the check-out. Your membership will be activated almost instantly after your payment has been confirmed, and you will be notified via email of your new WABBA Member Number and Login Details to the Exclusive Member Resources Area. Whilst your membership stays live you can use all of the Membership Privileges.
What Do I Get As A WABBA Member?
Belonging to WABBA Qualifications as a fully paid up member gives many advantages. These include free news bulletins covering training tips, news articles, nutritional advice, special offers before they are officially launched to the general public, PLUS access to the WABBA Alumni, WABBA Members Resources Library, containing 10 specialised sections featuring hundreds of topics and pieces of advice, with literally 1,000's of Pdf's and the FREE Members Online Support System to answer your questions not covered in FAQ’s.
What Types Of WABBA Membership Are There?
WABBA operate a single tier membership system, you are either in or you are out! This way there are no ‘additional hidden costs’ for receiving information, support and good service you require.
How Long Does My Membership Last/Cancelling My Membership?
As long as your membership payments are up to date your membership will remain in force all of your life! It's up to you if you do decide you want to leave us (you can of course do this anytime), by logging-in to the Update Profile Area of your Members Resources page and clicking onto the Cancel Membership Button. This will stop any further payments being made and remove your access to all resources and support as mention above under the "What Do I Get As A Member?" question, but we hope you will never feel the need to have to do this!
How Do I Pay For My Membership?
Just go to the WABBA Shopping Cart and select "WABBA Member Enrolment". You will need to register your details on the simple to complete Registration Page before proceeding through the secure trading area to the check-out. The WABBA Membership Programme is an automatic process, so you don't ever have to remember to pay.
What if a Subscription Payment Fails?
If for some reason a member payment fails, then we send you a reminder email to let you know, and temporarily suspend access to Members Resources. We will continue to try and collect payment for the next 5 days. Within that time, if payment succeeds, access to Members Resources will be restored. After 5 consequetive daily attempts failing, membership has to be renewed via the WABBA Shopping Cart. Please note that attempts to collect payments will be based on the credit or debit card you used when you purchased your subscription.
What if I want to change my Card Details?
If you want to change your card details, we cannot change this for you, as credit/debit card information is not held by us. Under these circumstances, you will need to cancel your existing Membership and then purchase a Membership Renewal via the WABBA Shopping Cart which will enable you to provide your new cards details through our secure online gateway and re-start the process to gain immediate access to Members Resources.
How Do I Renew My Membership?
The new simple to set up membership scheme we now operate means there should be no need to have to renew again in the future as your membership will automatically stay live.
If you have already registered on our new system, and have a new WABBA Member Number, Username & Password and you need to renew your membership, just go to the WABBA Shopping Cart and select "WABBA Membership Renewal". Login in with your Registered Username and Password to proceed through the secure trading area to the check-out. This will retain your New Member Number and will re-establish your membership as being paid.
Does being a WABBA Qualifications Member mean I can take part in bodybuilding shows?
Yes it does, but most show promoters expect you to pay an entry fee in the form of a 1 year membership to their federation. A WABBA Qualifications membership is an educational institution membership.
Does being a WABBA Qualifications Member mean I am qualified to do personal training?
A WABBA Qualifications Membership is not a qualification within its own right as you have not completed a course of study followed by an assessment to become qualified in a subject area.
Does being a WABBA Qualifications Member mean that I am insured?
A WABBA Qualifications Membership is not an insurance policy within its own right. We can recommend excellent insurance policies for you to choose from. Please read the article ‘Getting Insured’ from within the Exclusive Members Area for more information.
FINANCE
How much do WABBA personal trainers charge?
WABBA Personal Trainers charge fees depending upon several factors, including area of the country, amount of time spent per session, and number of sessions booked in advance. Typically though, based upon 2009 prices a WABBA Pro trainer will charge anywhere from £25 to £100 per 1 hour slot as part of a package of sessions (usually 10 paid for in advance) or £100 for a single 1 hour slot.
How much do WABBA Instructors earn?
WABBA Instructors usually earn between £7 and £15 per hour as employed fitness Instructors based upon 2009 prices, bearing in mind the fact that Instructors are not qualified, or licensed to undertake personal training.
Do I have to pay extra for my exams?
All WABBA training courses leading to a qualification have a free credit for 1 set of assessments included into the tuition fees charged for undertaking the WABBA Qualification. Additional fees may be charged for students having to re-sit an assessment where the assessment is not completed online (practical skills tests or observations) or incorporates other external governing body fees.
Do I have to pay the full amount of the course fees beforehand?
A Minimum deposit is required followed by the balance 1 month later unless otherwise stated in an agreement which is emailed to you, which forms part of an interest free offer advertised on our website. Once the fees have been paid we authorise the release of the training course materials to you in readiness for you to gain your qualification. This is a standard practice amongst most training providers. Occasionally though, we do make exceptions and allow students to pay for their qualification in instalments.
Do WABBA do any interest free payment schemes?
Normally no unless it is for one of the Diploma Qualifications we run. In these instances you authorise the release of the payment to us in a set amount of instalments and receive the training course materials likewise in readiness for you to gain your qualification. These terms are strictly for payments of an agreed set amount to be received on consequitive months without break and on an agreed same date for each monthly payment. This is a standard practice amongst most training providers.
Are WABBA recognised for Career Development Loans (CDL’s)?
Yes. We have many students who have chosen to take a career development loan as a method of financing a change of career and to gain the qualifications necessary for that.
How do I get a valid vat receipt for my payment?
All online orders made through our secure trading shopping cart automatically generate a valid vat receipt. Should you place an order over the telephone please ask for a vat receipt at the time of booking. Requests for a receipt at a future date may incur an administration charge.
What payment methods does WABBA still accept?
WABBA accepts major credit and debit cards, along with cheques and cash if sent via the correct secure registered cash in transit postage system available at that time, where WABBA have to sign as receiving the postage payment.
Can I get credit from WABBA for courses and products?
Usually no, unless you are a company that has already dealt with us in the past and established a positive credit history with us. In these cases we authorise the release of training course content or goods placed on order against a valid Purchase Order Number only, which must be included with the requested order under the agreement that invoices can be emailed by WABBA to the purchaser and will be paid by BACS Transfer or cheque within 1 calendar month of the date of the original invoice from WABBA.
Are my travel and accommodation costs included in the course price?
Not usually, unless you have been quoted a training package by us, to include all training and accommodation and this has been paid for in advance against a WABBA invoice stating this was included.
How Expensive Are WABBA Courses?
All things considered, enrolling onto a WABBA training course is an extremely good deal. You will gain knowledge which will last a lifetime, have the chance to get all your questions answered by people from an organisation with a fountain of knowledge gained over a third of a century of real hands on industry experience. This makes WABBA courses very cheap indeed, and in comparison to our main competitors we are always the cheapest on ‘like-for-like’ courses, and also offer not only the most experience but also the most relevant content.
Are WABBA Courses Cost-Effective In Comparison To Other Training Providers?
Yes. Traditionally WABBA courses are very cheap and in comparison to our main competitors we are always the cheapest on ‘like-for-like’ courses, and also offer the most content due to our innovative cost saving measures meaning less wastage and harm to the environment and placing large savings in your pocket.
If I quit the course do I get a refund?
No. WABBA do not give refunds against training courses once you have received access to the information. Knowledge lasts a lifetime and can be used at any stage during your lifetime to benefit yourself, as well as being passed on for others to benefit from too.
If I change my mind can I get a refund?
No. WABBA do not give refunds against training courses once you have received access to the information. Knowledge lasts a lifetime and can be used at any stage during your lifetime to benefit yourself, as well as being passed on for others to benefit from too.
My circumstances have changed, can I get a refund?
No. WABBA do not give refunds against training courses once you have received access to the information. Knowledge lasts a lifetime and be used at any stage in your future as well as passed on for others to benefit from too.
Do WABBA Provide Discount Options?
Yes we do. Typically by purchasing a complete Diploma in Personal Training rather than in modular format it is possible for you to save over £1000 by comparison to the individual qualification module costs.
Can I get financial help with the course costs?
Yes this is possible for some people. CDL’s (Career Development Loans) offset the costs until you are qualified and established as a trainer in your new job. Also, various government grant schemes are available where WABBA students have managed to secure funding towards their qualification costs also.
Are there any extra costs apart from the course cost?
Usually no, unless you decide to take on extra modules within your WABBA Qualification or you decide to purchase additional WABBA Resources such as reference books etc. Also, re-assessments of an examination to gain a qualification have to be paid for just the same as with any awarding body.
Do WABBA give student/unemployed/single parent discounts?
No not any more, since unscrupulous people began claiming discount rates when they were in full-time paid employment!
Do WABBA give discounts for group bookings?
Yes we do, subject to certain simple criteria including a minimum of 5 people being trained at a training centre we mutually agree upon. Please call or email us with the full details of your request for a bespoke cost.
Does WABBA offer sponsorships to athletes or to students?
Yes occasionally we do sponsor individuals, who must show exceptional promise, already be an achiever and be willing to agree to endorse the WABBA brand as agreed in a contract.
WABBA QUALIFICATIONS & COURSES
Do I need to take time off work to get qualified?
This depends on the type of WABBA Qualification you enroll for. Usually some days will be required to attend WABBA seminars for courses such as Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer. However, in certain circumstances this is not required, including if you are working overseas or have the ability to record video evidence of competence and ability with exercise demonstrations and new client inductions. Please contact us to verify this with you in your circumstances.
How much home study time will I need to do?
This depends on the type of WABBA Qualification you enroll for. Usually some study time several days per week will be required before you attend WABBA seminars for courses such as Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer. The closer to a WABBA seminar you enroll, the more time per week you will need so it makes good sense to enroll early onto a WABBA Qualification.
Do my other fitness qualifications give me credits against WABBA qualifications?
This depends on the type of WABBA Qualification you enroll for. Usually some Accreditation for Prior Learning (APL) can be given before you attend WABBA seminars for courses such as Senior Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer, depending upon what qualifications you already hold.
How Tough Is It To Become WABBA Qualified?
WABBA Qualifications are known as the most in-depth training courses of their kind, which is to be expected of an organisation offering training leading to a world governing body qualification. The assessments are the toughest in the fitness industry, and if they were not we would instantly make them so! Having said that, we have a very high pass rate of students first-time through, and an almost 100% pass rate for trainers who had to re-sit an assessment. WABBA Pro Trainers are constantly smiling at the lack of knowledge held by their rival ‘Qualified & Recognised’ trainers!
Why do WABBA now have a Certificate Expiry Policy?
WABBA undertook the decision in 2009 to have an expiry date on all qualifications that are gained with the organisation. Because WABBA are a renowned World Governing Body for Weight Training Instructors and Personal Trainers, WABBA wanted to ensure that the quality of their qualifications remains robust, by re-examining all holders on a 2-yearly basis. This ensures that in the same way that first-aid qualification holders have to re-take assessments to keep their qualifications valid, all WABBA qualified personnel will also keep their knowledge both current and up to date. This ensures that knowledge first gained some years ago is not forgotten by the certified holder.
I have physical disabilities, can I still attend a training course?
This will depend upon the level of physical disability of the individual and the type of WABBA Qualification training seminar being undertaken. The person in question should contact us beforehand to confirm the suitability of the training seminar in question. We have many qualified personal trainers for whom having lost an arm or leg thought they would be excluded from this profession, but this is not the case.
I have learning difficulties, can I still qualify with WABBA?
This will depend upon the level of learning difficulties of the individual and the type of WABBA Qualification being undertaken. The person in question should contact us beforehand to confirm the suitability of the qualification in question. We have many qualified trainers for whom having a learning difficulty thought they would be excluded from this profession, but this is not the case.
Are WABBA Qualifications Recognised by the Dept of Education?
Yes WABBA Qualifications have been continually on the Department of Education’s Approved list of vocational qualifications since 1995.
Does WABBA offer In-house training courses?
Yes we carry out In-house training seminars leading to various WABBA Qualifications. This becomes a very cost effective way of gaining new skills and qualifications for an entire team of fitness professionals within a centre or centres being run by an operator. Savings are made from 5 employees upwards being trained together at the same time. Maximum numbers on an In-house training seminar are usually restricted to 20.
Where will I go for my training seminar?
Usually you will travel to your local WABBA National Training Centre of Excellence. These can be found on our website or identified by calling our office and speaking to a member of Team WABBA.
How long will the course take to pass?
This does depend upon the individual, and the qualification being gained. Usually a length of home-study time between 1 and 4 months followed by any required training seminars and the assessments will be enough time. Some people have completed a WABBA qualification within a month of enrollment.
Do WABBA have a qualifications route of progression?
Yes we do. The whole WABBA Qualifications structure was devised over a 4 year period to encompass 11 levels of qualifications and lead students from Fitness Instructor, to Senior Instructor, Personal Trainer and onto Management Diploma’s at level 5 before climbing the internal route of progression from level 6 to 11.
How long does a WABBA qualification last?
Knowledge lasts a lifetime, but people tend to start forgetting what they have learned after a 2-3 years. With this in mind WABBA have now implemented an additional quality assurance practice whereby every 2 years a WABBA Qualified Member must sit a simple online theory test to ensure that they are still current and up to date.
Can I do personal training with a WABBA Instructor qualification?
No you must no longer carry out the roles and responsibilities of a Personal Trainer if you only hold an Instructor qualification. Government legislation is becoming much stricter and it is viewed as false trading to masquerade as a qualified Personal Trainer charging an hourly/session fee when you do not hold a relevant Personal Training Qualification such as the WABBA Diploma in Personal Training.
Can I start my own business once I am qualified?
Yes once you hold a WABBA Diploma in Personal Training you are recognised as being fully qualified to begin trading under your own business name as a professional trainer.
What kinds of qualifications and courses can I undertake with WABBA?
WABBA provide certification programmes for Fitness Instructor, Senior Instructor, Personal Trainer and Health Management qualifications.
What type of clothing should I wear when coming to a WABBA seminar?
Always come dressed in comfortable training clothes in keeping with the time of year. Part of the time you will be sat listening to your WABBA officer go through the theory behind something, and then you will be jumping in and having a go at various exercises yourself under our guidance.
If I fail my exams, what happens next?
Always look on the positive mental attitude side of things and fully intend on listening to your WABBA officer as they explain things to you and look forward to doing well in your assessments. Should the worst case scenario happen and something does go wrong in your assessment you will be able to get feedback from an Assessor on what mistakes you made and given the option of doing another assessment in the near future.
Why do people fail a WABBA Assessment?
Should the worst case scenario happen and something does go wrong in your assessment you will more than likely have an idea about this yourself, although we won’t tell you your result at the time. The two most common reason for students failing an exam are firstly nerves on the day overcoming them and they lose part of their train of thought when answering questions, and secondly, being ill-prepared on the day by being out late at night with other course students beforehand, and turning up feeling tired and fatigued.
How many times can I take an assessment to get qualified?
WABBA Qualifications have a policy of allowing students to sit assessments a maximum of 3 times. Following this we ask students to undertake some additional training days with us at no extra charge.
Why do WABBA only do online theory tests instead of paper-based written exams?
WABBA Qualifications took the decision to move fully into the electronic learning age during 2006 and began implementing this process in stages starting in 2007 with online theory tests to stop the exclusion of students who write slower, or have a poor level of spelling from successfully passing a theory assessment. After all, WABBA are interested in the student’s base subject knowledge, not their academic level of English.
Why do WABBA only do electronic course learning material instead of printed training manuals?
WABBA Qualifications took the decision to move fully into the electronic learning age during 2006 and began implementing this process in stages starting in 2007 with online theory tests and this was followed by transferring all course work onto cd-rom format. This has dramatically reduced our carbon footprint and made us a more ethical company by helping to save the rainforests from further degradation.
Do I need a first-aid certificate before attending a WABBA seminar?
No. Although this is not necessary at the time of learning, it will become necessary after qualifying, so that you are current and up to date with emergency procedures when dealing with an accident involving a client.
What happens if I am injured during a WABBA seminar?
Every care is taken to ensure health and safety along with common sense is always used during a WABBA seminar, but should an injury occur, your WABBA officer will take charge of the situation and ensure your future welfare on the seminar including any medical attention that may or may not be required.
Do I have to be strong to become a WABBA Qualified Trainer?
No. WABBA Qualifications are primarily interested in your ability to teach exercise and nutrition correctly and not to use exercise demonstration as a means of showing clients how big and strong you are. You should however, be physically fit enough and able to lift unloaded barbells and lightweight dumbbells for demonstration purposes when asked to do so, subject to not having a permanent disability.
Do I have to be fit to become a WABBA Qualified Trainer?
No. WABBA Qualifications are primarily interested in your ability to teach exercise and nutrition correctly and not to use exercise demonstration as a means of showing clients how big and strong you are. You should however, be physically fit enough and able to walk on a treadmill or cycle for demonstration purposes when asked to do so, subject to not having a permanent disability.
Do WABBA training venues meet Health & Safety requirements?
Yes wherever possible we ensure that training venues meet health & safety requirements but we cannot accept responsibility on behalf of the owners or operators or management for a venue that did not correctly meet these standards at a time whilst we were there on a training seminar or for any purpose.
Am I able to use the training venue outside of WABBA seminar hours?
Yes we normally are given permission to do our own training workouts whilst staying at a venue for training seminars. But we respectfully ask you to approach a member of staff for permission first before beginning your own workouts and don’t take things for granted, as we are guests in the establishment.
Will I be expected to teach clients during the WABBA seminar?
You will be expected to practice teaching scenarios in a series of role-play situations with other students and Team WABBA members present. You will not be given live guinea pigs from the club’s membership to teach.
Where will I get something to eat and drink each day while on the WABBA seminar?
WABBA National Training centres of Excellence all either have on-site catering facilities or they can be located close-by to the centre. We usually take breaks both in the morning and afternoon in addition to a lunch break.
Also, there is usually no objection to students bringing something with them if they wish, but please ask permission to eat your own food on the premises before doing so.
Where can I stay while attending a WABBA seminar?
WABBA National Training centres of Excellence all either have Bed & Breakfast or Hotel facilities located close-by to the centre. These can be booked directly by you by looking on the internet or by checking any information we may have on our site under the Accommodation Finder tag. We do not guarantee your satisfaction at any accommodation we recommend, although we have stayed in them ourselves in the past.
How do I find a WABBA seminar venue?
Please look on our website and click on the Location Finder Map showing WABBA National Training centres of Excellence. This is where WABBA seminars will be held. Look up individual course dates by clicking onto the page in question or call us if you are unsure. WABBA head office telephone number is found on the Contact Us page.
How do I find WABBA seminar dates?
Please look on our website and click on the Course Location Finder Map showing WABBA National Training centres of Excellence. This is where WABBA seminars will be held. Look up individual course dates by clicking onto the page in question or call us if you are unsure. WABBA head office telephone number is found on the Contact Us page.
What should I expect to gain out of a WABBA seminar?
Be prepared for a full day or series of full days listening to your WABBA officer, practicing exercises, doing revision sessions and being totally immersed into the world of WABBA. Students always say they don’t know what to do with themselves for the first few days after leaving a WABBA seminar!
What will be expected of me during a WABBA seminar?
You will be expected to arrive each day in good time for your WABBA workshop seminars, be polite and courteous to all people you meet, be clean & tidy in your appearance and have a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness at all times. You should be prepared for full days of a combination of theoretical study and practical skills practice, having had suitable amounts of rest the evening before.
Do I need to know how to use all the gym equipment before I attend a WABBA seminar?
Whilst we do not expect you to know every exercise shown in the course content when you arrive at a WABBA training seminar, we would expect you to have been going to the gym regularly each week and practising the exercises in accordance with the instructions given and with descriptions / demonstrations found on the WABBA website in the members resources areas etc.
How important is it that I learn the theory knowledge before attending a WABBA seminar?
Whilst we do not expect you to know every piece of knowledge shown in the course content when you arrive at a WABBA training seminar, we would expect you to have been studying regularly each week and revising the key information to build a sound level of knowledge. Additional resource information can be found on the WABBA website in the member’s resources areas etc.
Are practical assessments done with training venue members or with WABBA Team members?
Usually practical assessments are carried out by demonstrating exercise techniques with a WABBA officer or Assessor in attendance.
What happens if WABBA cancel a course?
In the very unlikely event that WABBA have to cancel a course due to circumstances beyond their control, you will be notified as soon as possible about the re-scheduling of your WABBA training seminar. WABBA will not accept liability to any costs involved in this process other than their own.
What are the age limits for joining a WABBA workshop or seminar?
WABBA have a range of students and qualified members from 16 to over 80 years of age! At the time of attendance, a WABBA student must be a minimum of 16 years old.
Why do WABBA take photographs of students who attend courses?
WABBA take both a group photograph of all students together who have attended the workshop seminar, along with individual photographs of each student who attended. Group photographs may appear in WABBA promotional material from time to time along with being featured on the WABBA website. Student’s individual photographs are used for security purposes to help stop fraudulent use of qualifications and members facilities along with promotional usage when a WABBA member excels in some activity and we feature this in a WABBA news item or other.
OTHER GENERAL QUESTIONS
If I have a police or criminal record, will this stop me from learning / becoming a member with WABBA?
Usually no, but this must be declared at the point of enrollment and the decision of WABBA is final.
Do I need a CRB (Criminal records Bureau) check to work in the fitness industry?
This depends on what branch of the fitness industry you are going to work in. Some employers do insist on this as you may be coming into contact with juniors, or be dealing with sensitive information or clients who are deemed to be in an ‘at risk group’.
Do WABBA Provide Insurance For Qualified Fitness Instructors?
We can recommend excellent insurance policies for you to choose from. Please read the article ‘Getting Insured’ for more information.
Will WABBA come to my gym to train me?
Not unless your gym is either a WABBA National Training Centre of Excellence, in which case we will host qualifications there each year or you are one of a group of at least 5 people taking part in an In-house training program.
Can I work for anyone with a WABBA Qualification?
Whilst professional trainers holding a WABBA Qualification are employed in just about every type of position and venue within the fitness industry internationally, a position of employment can never be guaranteed, as part of the employment process is based around you selling yourself to a prospective employer the same as in any other industry.
Can I Get Employment References If I Become WABBA Qualified?
Yes you can, subject to your membership being in force and active, your qualifications being current and up to date, and you have not broken the law in a way which would stop us from providing you with a reference.
Can I work abroad with my WABBA Qualification?
Yes you can. Currently WABBA qualified personnel work in over 80 countries world-wide.
Can I work on Cruise Ships?
Yes you can. We have personnel on board many of the top cruise ships during each year and they work on a contract basis for a set amount of time, usually with each contract lasting between 6 and 9 months.
Do WABBA do course notes in other languages than English?
Yes we do. Depending upon the requested language, there can be an additional charge for the qualification.
Can I work in a gym whilst I am studying for a WABBA Qualification?
Yes but you will need to be supervised by an already qualified member of staff.
What happens if I have a question that needs answering is not featured here?
Please go to our Contact Us page and send an email to us, ensuring you choose the relevant email category from the drop down list that is provided for your ease of use of this support service. We will endeavor to answer your enquiry at the earliest opportunity with a satisfactory response whenever possible.