PFS Healthy Spine Course® New in Ireland – Available from September 2025 Hybrid Course: Online Component + In-Person at Your Gym
About the Course: Back pain is one of the most common health issues of the 21st century, affecting 80% of adults. Our Healthy Spine course is a unique opportunity to learn how to effectively work with clients experiencing back pain and, most importantly, how to prevent injuries and sudden flare-ups associated with back issues.
Why is this course important for trainers and instructors?
Back pain is a widespread health issue. Back pain affects a significant portion of the population, and understanding its causes and how to manage it is crucial for any trainer. This course will equip your instructors with the knowledge and skills to effectively assist clients with back pain and prevent it from recurring.
Prevention is key. The course focuses on preventing sudden pain and injuries that may arise from poor posture, stress, inactivity, or overuse. Trainers will learn how to tailor workouts to meet the specific needs of clients to minimise the risk of spine-related injuries.
Holistic approach: The course combines knowledge of stretching techniques, stabilisation, posture improvement, and relaxation methods, making it a comprehensive tool for working with clients who have spine health issues. Understanding how stress contributes to back pain is also a critical element in a trainer's toolbox.
Working with clients experiencing pain: Conducting effective sessions with clients suffering from chronic back pain requires a specialised approach. The course will teach instructors how to create safe workout programs and how to adapt exercises for different fitness levels and conditions.
Course Structure:
Online Component: Start the course at your convenience by learning the basics of working with clients who have back pain. The theoretical part will help you understand the causes of back pain and introduce preventive techniques.
In-Person Component: The practical sessions will be held at your gym, where, under the guidance of an experienced trainer with over 20 years of experience, you’ll see how to implement the knowledge gained into real-world scenarios. You’ll learn how to lead safe and effective classes that help reduce back pain and improve posture.
Why choose this course?
Increase your team's expertise: Trainers will learn how to work with clients who experience back pain, making them more valuable to gym members and improving their skills in rehabilitation and injury prevention.
Tailor classes to clients' needs: With the knowledge gained from this course, your instructors will be able to adjust training programs to accommodate clients with back pain, increasing their comfort and satisfaction with the sessions.
Modern approach to fitness: The course will teach instructors how to prevent back pain and incorporate techniques such as stretching, stabilisation, and posture correction, bringing a modern and effective approach to your gym’s fitness offerings.
Course Benefits:
Enhance your gym's offerings: This course helps distinguish your gym from competitors by offering specialised classes and support for clients with back issues.
Better client care: Instructors will learn how to identify signs of spinal problems and how to conduct the appropriate sessions to address these issues.
Efficiency and comfort in coaching: Understanding the impact of stress on back pain will help instructors better manage situations that could lead to injuries and improve the overall atmosphere during classes.
Requirements
Who Should Attend?
This course is open to anyone who wants to enhance their teaching skills and broaden their knowledge in fitness training while striving for excellence in their career.
Clubs can nominate up to 10 participants per session to attend the course and elevate their qualifications.
Please inform us during the registration process if any attendees have learning difficulties or disabilities, so we can ensure appropriate accommodations.
What to Bring:
To make the most of the experience, attendees should bring:
A notepad,
Lunch and snacks,
A towel,
Sports/gym gear,
A change of clothes,
A bottle of water.
Duration
The PFS Healthy Spine Course® is designed to provide your instructors with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to work with clients who experience back pain or want to improve spinal health. The course consists of two components: an online component to be completed before the in-person session and a practical in-person session that takes place at your gym.
Online Component (Pre-Course Video Modules)
These videos should be completed by your instructors before attending the practical session at your gym. They will serve as an introduction to the theory and basic concepts of working with back pain and spinal health.
Video Topics (Approx. 2-3 hours of viewing content)
Introduction to Back Pain and Spinal Health
Overview of common causes of back pain (poor posture, inactivity, overuse, stress).
Statistics and impact of back pain on the general population.
The importance of preventing back pain and managing flare-ups.
Anatomy of the Spine
Basic anatomy of the spine, including the structure of vertebrae, discs, muscles, and ligaments.
Understanding how the spine supports the body and its role in overall posture and movement.
Causes and Risk Factors of Back Pain
Lifestyle factors contributing to back pain (sedentary work, poor posture, lack of movement).
Other factors that can affect spinal health (stress, nutrition, obesity).
Preventive Techniques and Corrective Posture
Strategies to prevent back pain, including postural awareness and techniques for proper spine alignment.
The role of stretching, strengthening, and stabilisation in reducing back pain.
Creating Safe and Effective Programs for Clients with Back Pain
How to assess a client’s needs and customize their workout based on their spinal health.
The importance of gradual progression and adaptation to reduce risk of injury.
Working with Clients in Pain
Modifying exercises for people with chronic or acute back pain.
Techniques to help clients manage and relieve pain during workouts.
How to communicate effectively with clients experiencing back discomfort.
In-Person Component (6.5 Hours of Practical Staff Training)
This practical session is the heart of the course, where your instructors will learn hands-on techniques for helping clients with back pain. The session will be guided by an experienced trainer, who will demonstrate the application of knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Course Schedule (In-Person Practical)
Start Time: 10:00 AM End Time: 4:30 PM (including a 30-minute break)
Morning Session (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Welcome & Overview (30 mins)
Brief review of online module content.
Introduction to the in-person session and objectives of the day.
Assessing Clients with Back Pain (45 mins)
How to perform a basic posture and movement assessment.
Identifying common patterns and habits that contribute to back pain.
Demonstrating functional movements and stretches for spinal health.
Creating Spine-Friendly Workouts (45 mins)
How to develop exercises tailored to clients with varying degrees of back pain.
Low-impact movements to prevent strain on the spine.
Focus on mobility, stability, and flexibility exercises for spinal health.
Break (12:30 PM - 1:00 PM)
Afternoon Session (1:00 PM - 4:30 PM)
Core Strength and Stability for Spinal Health (60 mins)
The importance of strengthening the core muscles to support the spine.
Practical exercises and demonstrations using bodyweight and resistance tools (e.g., resistance bands, Swiss ball).
Corrective techniques to address weak or tight muscle groups that may affect spinal alignment.
Posture Correction Techniques (45 mins)
Teaching clients how to improve their posture throughout daily activities.
The role of stretching and strengthening in posture correction.
Demonstrating posture drills and stretches that promote spinal health.
Practical Class Delivery (60 mins)
Instructors will take turns leading portions of a class focused on spinal health and back pain prevention.
Each participant will demonstrate key exercises and receive feedback from the trainer.
How to cue clients for proper form and posture during exercises.
Cool Down and Relaxation (30 mins)
Techniques for promoting spinal relaxation after a workout.
Stretching and breathing exercises to reduce muscle tension in the back.
How to finish a session with a focus on relaxation and recovery for spinal health.
Wrap-Up and Q&A (15 mins)
Open floor for questions and feedback.
Summary of the day’s learning and takeaways.
Next steps for certification and applying the knowledge in your gym.
Additional Details:
Trainer's Experience: Instructors will be guided by a seasoned trainer with over 20 years of experience in spinal health and fitness.
Certification: Upon successful completion of both the online and practical components, participants will receive the PFS Healthy Spine Course® certification, which will enable them to confidently lead spinal health-focused classes and programs in your gym.
This hybrid course provides a well-rounded approach to spinal health and back pain prevention, ensuring that your team is fully equipped to support clients with back issues and help them achieve long-term fitness goals safely and effectively.
Exam
To receive certification for the PFS Healthy Spine Course® Staff Training, participants must successfully complete two components of the assessment:
1. Multiple Choice Question Exam
Format: 12 questions
Passing Requirement: A minimum of 9 correct answers (75% or higher) is required to pass.
Covered Topics:
Spine health and anatomy
Correct posture and alignment
Safe and effective exercise techniques for spinal health
Health and safety guidelines during spine training
Techniques for working with clients with back pain or injuries
Planning and structuring a healthy spine workout
2. Practical Assessment
Demonstration: Each participant must deliver a 10-minute class demonstration.
The demonstration will assess:
Teaching skills, including clear communication and group engagement
Correct posture and spine-alignment techniques during exercises
Application of spine health principles in exercises
Ability to modify exercises for clients with back pain or limitations
Use of music or cues to enhance the class experience and flow
Certification
Certification:
Awarding Criteria: Participants who pass both the multiple-choice exam and the practical assessment will receive official certification for the PFS Healthy Spine Course®.
Certification Benefits:
Confirms participants' ability to deliver safe, effective, and professional spine-focused fitness classes.
Enhances instructors' knowledge in addressing clients' specific spinal health needs.
Provides a valuable certification to improve your club’s offerings and client satisfaction.
Price
The PFS Healthy Spine Course® is designed for fitness instructors who want to gain a deep understanding of how to work with clients experiencing back pain and how to prevent injuries related to the spine. The course provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, allowing your instructors to deliver safe and effective classes to clients who need to improve spinal health and prevent back pain.
Course Price:
Standard Price: €2200
Pre-Book Before May 10th: €1900 (Save €300!)
Payment Details:
Payment Deadline: Must be received at least one week before the scheduled course date. This ensures adequate time to print materials and make any necessary arrangements for the trainer, such as travel and accommodation.
The course fee covers all costs, including:
Training materials
Trainer logistics and travel
Certification fees
What's Included in the Course Fee:
Up to 10 participants from your team.
All training materials are provided (printed and online resources).
Trainer logistics and travel are included.
Certification upon successful completion.
Practical, hands-on training that is tailored to your gym and its equipment.
Course Structure
Hybrid Course – A blend of online and in-person training.
Online Component: Learn the theoretical aspects of back pain, spinal health, and preventive techniques at your own pace.
In-Person Training: A 6.5-hour practical course with hands-on training in your gym.
How to Book
Contact Michael Doocey, General Manager at ProFi Fitness, to confirm the number of attendees and any special requirements you may have.
