Fitness class for all levels?
So this might be a controversial question and definitely a question with multiple sides to it, but as instructors what do you think about classes that market to all students? Classes that say modifications can be made and the class is suitable for all levels and abilities? Obviously, this can be a good thing because it promotes everything working out and not excluding people. But is it bad if a class is only marketed to certain types of abilities? Does anyone teach a class like this now? I’m thinking about teaching a cardio dance class that would include plyometrics. The class would include up/down movements things like Burpees, push-ups, ect. This obviously wouldn’t be suitable for all levels as a beginner fitness participant could get sick or could even get injured with that type of format. What are your thoughts as professionals? Sometimes I feel like whe in showing modifications in a dance fitness class I’m wasting time of advanced participants and vis versa. I’ve noticed all do a routine full out and my beginner doesn’t know what to do. Or I’ll show a modification first and then build from there and my advanced people are bored. I know we can’t please everyone 100% of the time, but in an age where time is limited and people want the best workout for their time would this concept work of having classes designed only for certain types of participants? Any feedback you have is appreciated!
In an “all levels” class there is going to be some lag between the two ends of the spectrum. But anyone signing up for that type of class should expect it. Especially more advanced participants, they should be familiar with how such a class will run from past experience. But I do a lot of all level work with a wide variety of clients (Parkinson’s to college athletes). I introduce each exercise starting with the basic level and then the exercise is progressed to reach the most able participant. So it would go something like this for say a pushup set…
“Ok, down for pushups. Start on the knees for two. Now if you can up on the toes for two, if not stay on the knees. Now one foot up off the floor for two, or stay on the toes or knees. Now the switch the up foot for two. Now switch the up foot each time on the down position. Stop when you get tired or in 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1.”
This can be applied to almost any exercise. You should be able to break any exercise down into each component and progression/regression. So take it down to some basic point and progress it up on each repetition or two for each exercise. If you do this smoothly, everyone will get what they need out of the class.