Group Fitness Articles

Some controversy surrounds the role that stretching exercises play in regard to fitness training, especially group fitness classes. Perhaps more than ever, debate is brewing about the proper time and place to stretch. Exactly when and what type of stretching exercises do we need to include in our classes? Although little definitive research is available on the subject, fitness experts are trying to reach a consensus.

specialties According to IDEA's 2001 group fitness Trendwatch report, yoga and Pilates are increasing in popularity at fitness facilities around the country. What makes these activities so popular? Mind-body modalities boast benefits such as stress reduction and improved breathing, posture and body awareness. In addition, the calming and centering aspects of mind-body classes bring balance into in...

BY SHIRLEY ARCHER, JD, MA How to Building a successful aquatic fitness pro- Develop a Successful Wa t e r Fitness P ro g r a m With proper planning, you can build a profitable aquatic fitness program even if you've never taught a water class and don't have a pool! gram involves much more than simply putting water classes on a schedule. From coordinating use of the pool to budgeting to hiring qu...

Taking Clients to the Next Level of Concentration How to use specific and effective mental techniques to improve performance during all components of an exercise session, from warm-up to cool-down. wouldn't it be exciting if your students could be more focused all of the time? Most regular exercisers know that mental preparation is essential to improving W Y T O M S ouldn't it be awesome if yo...

Recent articles have focused on the benefits of teaching new, specialized classes, such as hybrids that combine several complementary elements into one group session. Perhaps you are toying with the idea of creating your own new class but are unsure how to start. How do instructors come up with innovative concepts and titles like “Indoor/Outdoor Intervals,” “Step ’n’ Sculpt” or Yogilates®? What has to happen for a new class to become a reality?

industry watch: program trends PROGRAMMING FOR MEN Getting men into group fitness classes has always posed challenges for program managers. "The biggest challenge is that old-fashioned image of the gym where men are in the weight room and women are in the dance studio," says Yordi Arteaga, a fitness business consultant in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fortunately, that image is slowly disappearing. Dan...

Our sixth annual report on what today's cuttingedge program directors are planning for tomorrow-- and why you should be, too! Group Fitness Trendwatch 2001 Now that the economy is slowing and consumer confidence is waning, it's more important than ever that your facility's programming schedule meet the needs and desires of your members. With less discretionary income to spend on fitness activitie...

B Y H E L E N VA N D E R B U R G How to Obtain and Retain Group Fitness Instructors Instructors are the key when it comes to delivering successful group exercise programs. What are you doing to hire and retain the best instructors? Quality group fitness programming fulfills members' motivational needs and has proven itself time and again in clubs through high memberretention rates. What's the se...