Have you developed your own unique fitness format?
Anybody who has been in this business for a while, is inspired to develop her own unique style and/or format. I’ve developed numerous new formats and hybrids such as Rhythm Walking, Virtual Fitness Wii FAB and Tai Chi for Health and Wellness. Some are new and innovative, some are taught in a unique manner while other formats such as SalsAerobics may just have fun choreography that is really just latin moves taught in 32-count phrasing patterns. What about you?
I think it’s hard to be unique in creating a new program. If you look closely, it’s the same concept with a different title used to motivate is needed for client. I can teach the same format at different clubs but it will always have a different name.
I have been teaching for over 25 years.
My 70=80s class – Today’s class name
Funky Low Impact – Cardio Hip-Hop, Hip-hop Abs
Latin dance – Zumba, cardio Salsa, Latin Groove
Dance Conditioning – Core Fusion, Yoga, Pilates, Ballet Bar
P.E. – Bootcamp
The names are cool and motivating but I can’t keep up.
As a dance/fitness educator, I’m old school. i like it simple
Unfortunately, “unique” is a over and mis-used word these days…That said, I’m not sure whether the format I use with my PT and group clients fits the definition of unique (in fact, I’m quite sure it doesn’t, but here goes….):
1) I’m constantly manipulating the numerous variables we have at our disposal: tempo, intensity, exercise sequence, time of rest periods, load, etc…such that no client ever comes in knowing exactly what he/she will be doing. Overall, they trust me that it will put them closer to their goals, but the details are always a surprise!
2) I’m a big fan of multi-muscle, multi-joint, multi-plane movements. I strongly believe this integrative emphasis in training is key to people being able to move seamlessly from my studio to the golf course, ski hill, 3 flights of stairs with a heavy, awkwardly shaped baskets of laundry…
3) Balance and stability are key to all movements. Having clients stand on one foot, brace their core, squeeze their glutes…keeps them aware of all the factors involved in keeping them upright and strong (of course we want them to be strong prone and supine as well!).
4) I love to take the last 10 or so minutes of a 55-minute session for the cool-down/relaxation phase. I think this is seen as a “throw away” aspect of programs, both by clients and some trainers. I happen to think it’s crucial physiologically and mentally. Stretching, alignment and/or spinal decompression exercises, movements with breath, etc..all of these work to literally help clients cool off, but they do so much more…They enable clients to leave sessions refreshed, satisfied they’ve given their all physically and emotionally in the session, ready to face the day, and excited to come back!
I created SharQui – The Bellydance Workout, the ONLY fitness accredited bellydance fitness technique in the world. I started it 10 years ago and has been growing ever since. I now have a certification program and have instructors across the US. Yes it’s hard work but if you stay innovative every few years it works!
Check out my site at www.sharqui.com