Program Design Articles

Runners and swimmers, dancers and gymnasts, bodybuilders and bowlers. None of them are likely to be described as body-mind fitness types. In books on the topic (Iknoian 2001; Seabourne 2001), membership in the “body-mind fitness club” is largely reserved for those who practice yoga, tai chi, Pilates, qigong or some martial art. To borrow Susan Powter’s (1995) phrase, we simply have to “s...

Who will be the next Tiger Woods, Mia Hamm, Michael Jordan or Venus Williams? Many parents believe that, given the right amount of training, coaching and perseverance, it could be their child. There is a certain mystique about talented athletes, whether they are amateur Olympians or professionals, because of their sports mastery and the skills they display. It is not an easy path...

Older-adult fitness is booming. Once considered a specialty niche, older adults are entering fitness facilities in throngs, looking to regain function, prevent injury and improve quality of life. The fitness industry has also begun to widen its gaze to include persons living in active-retirement communities or assisted-living facilities. Professionals interested in ...

class take-out by Bethany Diamond Sample Class: Nekkid Water Fitness Use the pool's natural fun factor to teach a balanced workout. "Nekkid Water Fitness" is a fun-based format designed to accommodate an apparently healthy population in shallow water. The class uses traditional and nontraditional exercises to achieve both cardiovascular and muscular strength and endurance. Absolutely no equipmen...

By mid-March, most of the “New Year’s resolution members” have vanished. The beach-bound bodies, once focused on shaping up before spring break, have come and gone. This is the fitness industry’s slow season, when group fitness class numbers dwindle and new personal training clients are a little tough to come by. But spring is also a perfect time to think ...

Drummond, M.J., et al. 2005. Aerobic and resistance exercise sequence affects excess postexercise oxygen consumption. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19 (2), 332–37. Combining aerobic exercise and resistance training in the same workout session, a technique referred to as concurrent training, can be a time-efficient training metho...

“Nekkid Water Fitness” is a fun-based format designed to accommodate an apparently healthy population in shallow water. The class uses traditional and nontraditional exercises to achieve both cardiovascular and muscular strength and endurance. Absolutely no equipment is needed. Enlist your imagination, and bring your own style and expertise to the workout. Bottom line? This cl...

ebb by Petra Kolber Dance It Down Use smooth moves and music to usher positive energy into participants' lives. Last impressions are lasting impressions. Many times we put lots of thought and effort into our classes but forget that the last cherished moments participants share with us are during the cool-down. Even if your class doesn't go so well on a particular day, a terrific cool-down will ...

Swain, D.P., & Franklin, B.A. 2006. Comparison of cardioprotective benefits of vigorous versus moderate intensity aerobic exercise. American Journal of Cardiology, 97, 141–47. Much emphasis in exercise design now includes attempts at involving students and clients in structured exercise programs as well as in spontaneous physical activity, including standin...

The Mind-Body Boom: The Evolution Continues Why mindful activities are in demand, and how you can develop a successful program. By Shirley Archer, JD, MA T The single most popular and enduring form of group exercise, practiced by millions around the world, is tai chi. This and other forms of mind-body exercise are now thriving in today's fitness industry. The 2006 IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipme...