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 is the professional training arm of WABBA, Founded in 1992 as the vision of
internationally respected coach, lecturer and multi-published author Alan Runacres. WABBA are an
Independent World Governing Body recognised across the world, delivering a platform of highly
respected and specialised training courses to equip Fitness Instructors & Personal Trainers with
the world’s best training gained from over 50 years of the professional training of the Founder.
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 the UK's 1st self-employed freelance professional gym trainer,
more than a decade before the term ‘Personal Trainer’ was invented! He became a GB Olympic Weightlifting
& Senior National Powerlifting Coach and has trained over 50 British, European and World Sports
Champions. Alan has personally taught over 30,000 Personal Trainers, Strength Coaches and Fitness
Instructors, plus Armed Forces Instructor Personnel in just the UK alone.
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.
Why should I choose WABBA instead of another training provider?
Choose WABBA if you want;
1. World Governing Body recognition.
2. An organisation that has been built upon real results from real clients just like you.
3. Trainers teaching you who have been at world level themselves.
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?
WABBA Courses are directly overseen by Alan Runacres, the UK's most experienced trainer bar none.
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?
WABBA Graduates work in health & fitness clubs across the world. Many qualify in the UK before moving
abroad, because an ‘English Qualification’ is seen as a superior qualification to have.
What makes WABBA Unique?
WABBA are the only UK 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.
WABBA MEMBERSHIP
How Do I Become A WABBA Member?
Just go to the WABBA Membership Page on this site and follow the instruction.
What Do I Get As A WABBA Member?
* Direct Email and WhatsApp Support When Needed.
* Members Access To Resource Library Documents containing literally 1,000's of Pdf's
What Types Of WABBA Membership Are There?
WABBA have simplified everything into 1 level of Membership for everyone.
How Long Does My Membership Last/Cancelling My Membership?
3 Years Renewable Membership.
How Do I Pay For My Membership?
Just go to the WABBA Membership Page on this site and follow the instruction.
How Do I Renew My Membership?
Just go to the WABBA Membership Page on this site and follow the instruction.
Does being a WABBA Qualifications Member mean I am qualified to do personal training?
No. A WABBA Qualifications Membership is not a qualification within its own right. You have to gain a WABBA Certificate.
Does being a WABBA Qualifications Member mean that I am insured?
No. WABBA are not an insurance company. As a Qualified Member we have excellent insurance companies for you to choose from.
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 WABBA Pro Trainers
charge from £25 to £100 per 1 hour slot as part of a package of sessions.
Do I have to pay the full amount of the course fees beforehand?
Yes. Once paid your WABBA Qualifications come direct into your email inbox.
How do I get a valid vat receipt for my payment?
Once payment is received, your WABBA Qualifications Receipt comes direct into your email inbox.
What payment methods does WABBA accept?
Bank Transfer Only. WABBA stopped accepting card and cheque payments in 2020 pre-covid for security reasons.
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, whether used now or later in life.
Do WABBA Provide Discount Options?
Yes we do. Typically by purchasing a complete Diploma in Personal Training rather than in modular format.
Do WABBA give discounts for group bookings?
Yes we do, subject to certain simple criteria.
WABBA QUALIFICATIONS & COURSES
Do I need to take time off work to get qualified?
No. All WABBA Qualifications come straight into your email inbox to download and use.
How much home study time will I need to do?
This depends upon the WABBA Qualification you enroll for. Usually some study time several days per week will be required to familiarise yourself with the content.
Do my other fitness qualifications give me credits against WABBA qualifications?
Usually some Accreditation for Prior Learning (APL) can be given.
How Tough Is It To Become WABBA Qualified?
WABBA Qualifications are known as the most in-depth training courses of their kind.
This is to be expected of an organisation who is the world governing body qualification.
Why do WABBA now have a Certificate Expiry Policy?
WABBA took the decision in 2009 to have an expiry date on all qualifications. As the World Governing Body for Weight Training Instructors and Personal Trainers,
WABBA needed to ensure that the quality of their qualifications remains robust.
I have physical disabilities, can I still attend a training course?
Absolutely! WABBA Qualifications have many qualified personal trainers who have lost limbs or senses.
Does WABBA offer In-house training courses?
Yes we do! This is a very cost effective way of gaining new skills and qualifications for an entire team of fitness professionals!
How long will the course take to pass?
Usually 1 to 4 months depending upon Accreditation for Prior Learning (APL).
Do WABBA have a qualifications route of progression?
Yes we do. The whole WABBA Qualifications structure encompasses 11 levels of qualifications..
Can I do personal training with a WABBA Instructor qualification?
No. You must upgrade your WABBA Qualification to PT Level. This is a very easy straight forward process.
Government legislation is becoming much stricter and it is viewed as false trading to PT without a relevant Personal Training Qualification.
Can I start my own business once I am qualified?
Yes absolutely!
OTHER GENERAL QUESTIONS
If I have a police or criminal record, will this stop me from learning / becoming a member with WABBA?
No. WABBA believe that all people should be given equal opportunities whenever possible.
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 insist on this if you come into contact with juniors, or deal with clients who are deemed to be ‘at risk’.
Can I Get Employment References If I Become WABBA Qualified?
Yes Absolutely, subject to you being a fully paid up member.
Can I work abroad with my WABBA Qualification?
Yes you can. WABBA qualified personnel work world-wide.
Can I work on Cruise Ships?
Yes you can. We have had personnel on board many cruise ships each year, working on a contract basis lasting between 6 and 9 months.