Group Fitness Articles

The Sanford Health and Wellness Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, reminds members to bump against their edges with No Limits. This athletic-based cardio/strength class is “simple, easy to follow, yet demanding” and takes participants through a journey of function and endurance. Another class on the schedule, KDANZE, emphasizes dance moves with “rhythmic beat and style.” Music ranges from Top 40 to jazz, country and hip-hop.

How many times has one of your class participants complained of lower-back pain? It’s a common problem—and one you probably hear about whether you teach indoor cycling, step, strength fusion, yoga or hip-hop. As an instructor, you’re in a unique position to help participants reduce and prevent discomfort in the lumbar spine and hip musculature. Use a few basic tools to bring the body into balance. The cool-down is the perfect time to do it because the body is warm. Stretches The following movements emphasize

You walk into a group fitness class and never see the instructor’s face. Her back is to attendees as she checks herself out in the mirror. Another class turns into the most tedious workout ever because the instructor counts and counts—for a solid hour. These and other teaching flubs are common. And while newbies are most susceptible, even veterans fall into bad habits. Refine your subtle teaching skills and create an optimal experience that will keep students coming back. The following tips from veteran instructors help make a good instructor great.

There is much talk about certification, accreditation and licensure in the fitness industry today. As you start your career, it is important to have a grasp of this trio of topics because they can affect your ability to get hired and work legally. Just the terms themselves and their word cousins can be very confusing-—so confusing, in fact, that this article includes a glossary to help you navigate through and clearly understand the differences among them.

Rest-based training (RBT) is a system that makes rest, not work, the primary goal of the workout. It allows participants to take a rest for as long as necessary. Rest actually becomes a tool for increasing intensity, because exercisers can strategically use it to work harder than they could without rest. It also provides a buffer against overexertion, making even high-intensity workouts safe.newsletter_teaser: Rest-based training (RBT) is a system that makes rest, not work, the primary goal of the workout. It allows participants to take a rest for as long as necessary. Rest actually becomes a tool for increasing intensity, because exercisers can strategically use it to work harder than they could without rest. It also provides a buffer against overexertion, making even high-intensity workouts safe. The RBT system has four key components, which are represented by the acronym R-E-S-T: R = Rest-based. Rest, not work, is the goal of rest-based training. This automatically increases the quality of work done and makes exercise psychologically easier. When exercisers have permission to rest according to their needs, they voluntarily work harder without being consciously aware they are doing so. E = Extrinsic focus. Intrinsic sensations—such as breathlessness, burning and other sensations—are inhibitors of exercise intensity. Rest-based training incorporates techniques that focus exercisers on what they are doing (extrinsic factors) versus what they are feeling (intrinsic feelings). With this in mind, an RBT workout is often structured to be quick-moving and psychologically motivating.

Group Fitness Instructors teach general classes set to music, such as step and mixed-impact. Specialty Instructors teach classes requiring specialized training (e.g., indoor cycling or martial arts). Group exercise instructors are present at 47% of the facilities surveyed by IDEA, while 25% employ specialty instructors. The average number of group exercise instructors at each facility surveyed is 12, according to data from the 2010 IDEA Fitness Industry Compensation Trends Report.

When I began my career as a group exercise instructor 30 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the industry would be where it is today—an evolving, dynamic profession with boundless potential. Group exercise is diverse and offers unlimited options. However, finding the right job or deciding which direction to take can be overwhelming. This article takes you step by step through how to navigate a career in group exercise.

Creating a fitness DVD is a great way to generate additional income. However, making a DVD is also a time-consuming venture that requires a lot of planning. Step 1: Prepare a Production Plannewsletter_teaser: Creating a fitness DVD is a great way to generate additional income. However, making a DVD is also a time-consuming venture that requires a lot of planning. Your task will be simpler if you follow these 5 steps: prepare a production plan; find a production company; prepare to shoot; edit the material; and distribute the DVD.

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh has many targeted classes on its schedule, among them Silver Strut. This 45-minute cardio/strength class is “for active seniors who enjoy low-impact dance aerobics.” Silver Strut “keeps your heart pumping nonstop for 30 minutes” and is followed with a strength training routine using light weights.

squat jump In recent years, self myofascial release (SMR) has become a hot topic. As more research comes out, we are learning how fascial restrictions affect and influence movement. Taking group fitness participants through SMR techniques in your warm-up may give them more freedom from joint stress and pain, and their recovery times may improve.