A lifetime of experience
My name is Carmen Scott, I just launched Carmen’s Fitness, exercise classes which are designed especially for the over 60’s
My journey started back in 2009 when I qualified as an exercise to music instructor. When I first started running classes I was quite surprised how many people over 60 approached me about my class. They were looking for classes suitable for them. I realised quickly that there weren’t many classes especially designed for this age group so I decided to make a difference and to qualify in fitness for the over 60’s. In 2010 I qualified as an Extend instructor which was a charity that specialised in fitness for the over 60’s and less able of all ages. The training was unique in the sector, providing exposure to physios, nurses and doctors throughout the course. The ethos was built around nurturing creativity, creating effective yet enjoyable routines that provide huge benefits. I learned specific exercises using the latest methods as well as gaining the knowledge of contra-indications and required adaptations to the exercises.
This was followed by a mentoring programme and ongoing professional development to ensure that skills were up to date and to the required standards. Since then I have expanded my knowledge and qualifications into complimentary areas. I attend regular workshops and conferences related to 60 plus exercise and meet with peers from across the UK to share experience and learn the latest methods & research which is important for anyone that has a condition or an ailment. I am also a qualified BACPR (Cardiac Rehabilitation) instructor and regularly refresh my knowledge through the certification program.
I am fully qualified and insured. I love what I do and want to do the best for all my class members. Most of all, I love getting to know class members. The pandemic re-emphasised for me that social interaction is just as important as the exercise. This is why I am keen that we share a tea and coffee after classes and also do additional social activities as often as possible!
Memberships
I am a member of the British Cardiovascular Society.
A registered member of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Exercise (CIMPSA at Level 4).
Qualifications
- Level 1 Zumba Instructor for Adults
- Level 2 OCR Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Instructing Exercise to Music)
- Level 2 YMCA Award in Delivering Chair-Based Exercise
- Level 3 Extend Diploma for the Over 60’s and less able of all ages
- Level 3 VTCT Award in Designing Physical Activity Programmes for Older Adults
- Level 3 FLexercise Instructor
- Level 4 BACPR Cardiac Specialist Instructor
- First Aid at Work (renewed annually)
Bagot Stack methodology
I have a qualification in the Bagot Stack methodology for exercise. These methods are well proven and help me to complement my wider skills set.
Both Extend and FLexercise are closely linked. Extend was born out of FLexercise to focus more in the 60+ and the less able of all ages. This means that Extend is slightly more specialised than FLexercise, however they are both based on the Bagot Stack system which promotes good posture, coordinated and relaxed movement to promote general health and well-being.
Additional knowledge
Cardiac Rehabilitation
In 2013, I was approached by a local charity which focussed on cardiac rehabilitation, with a view to providing some classes. This was a new area to me, so I took the decision to study and qualify as a cardiac rehabilitation instructor. This was at level 4, the highest level in the exercise arena. The course and exam were tough, but I also gained valuable practical experience supporting specialist nurses and physios working with patients who have experienced coronary heart disease and were going through a clinically supervised programme.
My classes were for people that had completed phase 3 and needed an exercise class that was supervised by a specialist cardiac instructor (BACPR) These classes are critical for long-term support for patients that have experienced coronary heart disease and can help reduce the risk of re-occurrence. Unfortunately, there are simply not enough of these classes in the community.
I delivered these classes through regular referrals from doctors until 2018 when I moved to the Scottish Borders area. These skills might seem quite specific but they certainly complement my skills in looking after the 60 plus age group.