The NAMSET/NAMSIT Method for Fitness Instructors
NAMSET is an acronym for a fitness instruction method that will help gym instructors teach beginners.
Using the NAMSET Approach to Teach Resistance Exercises
Those new to resistance training are often unfamiliar with the machines and free-weight exercises of this training style. NAMSET is an acronym for a basic teaching method that gives the instructor an outline for a consistent and logical introduction to any resistance exercise. It also allows the trainee to more easily understand an exercise's purpose and technique.
Meaning of the NAMSET Acronym
NAMSIT is used by some training courses in place of NAMSET, but the two are essentially the same. I recommend using whichever acronym makes the most sense to you or whichever one your gym instructor certification course uses. The acronym is defined as follows:
N: Name of the Exercise
The instructor introduces the name of the exercise or machine to the client.
A: Area of the Body Worked
The instructor tells the client which parts of the body the exercise will target.
M: Muscles Used
The instructor says which specific muscles will be used and shows the client where they are on the body.
S: Silent Demonstration
The instructor demonstrates the exercise so that the client can observe.
E or I: Explanation or Instruction of the Exercise
The instructor then explains the important details of how to perform the exercise.
T: Teaching of the Exercise
The instructor guides the client through the exercise as they attempt it themselves.
See the video below for an example of this complete method.
Example: Press-Up Teaching Script
If you were teaching a client how to do a press-up, here's how you would explain it using the NAMSET approach.
- Name: "This exercise is called the press-up."
- Area of the Body: "The press-up targets the chest, arms, shoulders and core."
- Muscles Used: "Your pectoralis major and minor, triceps, deltoids and abdominal muscles will be at work during this exercise."
- Silent Demonstration: Silently perform a press-up while the client observes.
- Explanation/Instruction: "To begin, come down onto all floors with your hands out slightly wider than your shoulders. Extend your legs back so you are in a high plank position. Pull your navel towards your spine to engage your core. Inhale as you bend your elbows and lower yourself towards the floor until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle. Exhale as you push through your hands to lift yourself back to a high plank position."
- Teaching: Have the client perform the exercise while you guide them through it, repeating necessary instructions, giving tips on their form or offering physical adjustments.
Why This Approach Works for Beginners
This approach is effective for teaching beginners because it can be used no matter what resistance machine or free-weight exercise is being taught. The highly visual nature of the demonstration provides a large amount of information for the client to take in. This should be supplemented with small amounts of verbal instruction.
The emphasis should always be on good form and technique. Note that the instructor should always ensure the correct exercise intensity is maintained for the client’s fitness level.
The above graphic illustrates the meaning of the NAMSET acronym used by fitness instructors.
Becoming Certified to Teach the NAMSET Method
This approach forms part of the curriculum of the CYQ (Central YMCA Qualifications) Gym Instructor Level 2 Qualification. This is the entry-level certification required to become a gym instructor at a health club or gym in the UK. According to YMCA Awards, the curriculum covers the following units:
- Anatomy and physiology (in relation to exercise, specifically)
- How to provide a positive client experience in the exercise environment
- Lifestyle management and health awareness
- How to plan and prepare a gym-based fitness programme
- How to deliver and professionally instruct a gym-based fitness programme
There are many programmes available to complete the certification, either online, in person or a blend of both. There are no prerequisites for the course, but you must be at least 16 years old to register. The length of the course depends on the programme you choose; they generally range from 4–12 weeks, after which you can go on to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training.
Good luck with your CYQ or any other qualification you may be studying for.
Has this article helped you? Please feel free to leave a comment below!
Sources
Ates, D. (October 20). NAMSET: Clear Introductions to Technique. Mr Deniz Ates | Boxing Training. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.mrdenizates.com/blog/namset
How to become a gym instructor (With qualifications). Indeed. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/gym-instructor-qualifications
Preiato, D. (2023, July 10). What Muscles Do Push-Ups Work?. Healthline. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/muscles-worked-push-ups
Quinn, Elizabeth. (2022, August 2). How to Do Push-Ups: Proper Form, Variations, and Common Mistakes. Verywell Fit. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.verywellfit.com/the-push-up-exercise-3120574
YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing. YMCA Awards. (n.d.). Retrieved February 29, 2024, from https://www.ymcaawards.co.uk/qualifications/level-2/gym-instructing
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
Comments
Worraphark from Thailand on June 11, 2016:
thank for this hub. I like it very much.
