Standard of Fitness in Malaysia

Just recently two representatives from every fitness center in Malaysia were invited to engage in a dialogue to discuss the implementation of Malaysia's "National Fitness Act." Essentially, the purpose of this act is to provide a regulatory body that sets the standards for exercise prescription and assures the professional qualifications of those conducting instruction of exercise for profit.

At the moment there is no central system or authority of any kind in Malaysia for fitness instructors and trainers seeking direction & opportunities for growth and development. The idea of legitimate certifying bodies and continuing education courses barely exists in Malaysia. Those opportunities that do present themselves are usually expensive, because the programs are priced in U.S. currency ($3.4 to every RM1).

To fill the void of knowledge most major fitness clubs in Malaysia have their own in-house master trainers or consultants (who are usually trained and educated outside of Malaysia) that establish training programs for developing their company's staff. Still it's not enough, a large number of instructors/personal trainers in Malaysia don't stack up to fellow fitness professionals in more established markets where the public demands expertise, accountability and measurable results.

Leaping from the U.S., I have been lucky enough to land at Gold's Gym, Kuala Lumpur. It is a relatively small single club operation in comparison to other fitness corporations in the country with numerous employees and multiple clubs like California Fitness ( which is 24 Hour Fitness in the U.S.), Fitness First, (U.K.) and Celebrity Fitness (U.S.) However, Gold's smaller fitness/instructor staff has allowed me to deliver a more thorough education of exercise theory and prescription, than compared to teaching to masses. Secondly, the staff has been together for over a year, making it easy to establish continuity and forward progression. Trainers and group x instructors come and go like the wind, so assembling and producing a polished staff can be a nightmare for club owners, managers, and master trainers.

With this said, the NFC is trying to bridge the gap for inspiring Malaysian trainers and exercise instructors to get up to par with the present standards and expertise of health & fitness. Thereby, these qualified professionals can best direct, influence, and improve the public health and well being of Malaysia.

My advice for those whose job it is to facilitate this act is to be patient. It may take a number of years to raise health awareness and professional practices in Malaysia to the level that the National Fitness Act hopes to evoke.

For more information contact the NFC:

Podium Menara KBS,
Aras G, Lot 4G4, Presint 4,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62570 Putrajaya
Tel: 03 – 8871 3702 / 3703 / 3756 / 3056 / 3058 / 3227
Fax: 03 – 8871 3707

http://www.kbs.gov.my/
http://www.nfc.net.my/