How can I learn to teach exercise to music?
Hi Lorraine,
There are a few things to consider when formatting a class to teach.
1. Make sure the BPM of the music is appropriate: For step aerobics (or Hi/Lo floor format that you are suggesting you would like to teach) anywhere from 130-138 would be a safe tempo.
2. Find the 32 count: Every phrase of fitness music has four 8-counts which together, create a phrase. This is where you will plan your combonation. Listen for the up beat and down beat. You should be “stepping” on the up beat.
3. Get Ideas: Order fitness DVDs, attend classes, look up choreography online. Once you take some ideas, (or make up your own!) you will need to put them together. Don’t forget, since you are not confined to a step, dont be afraid to move big!
4. Plan a routine: Put the moves together in a way that flows. Make sure the routine can be done on the left and right foot, preferably one right after the other.
5. Teach it: Break it down one move at a time. Repeat the first move several times, then add the second move. Do them back to back. Introduce the third move, repeat it. Add the fourth move. Do the third and fourth move together a few times. Put them all together. Cueing ahead of time is the most important part of any class!!
6. Practice Practice Practice!
Example Routine:
8 (4) Grapevine right (4) Power squat/ 2 jump claps
8 Twist
8 4 Skis R/L
8 4 Jumping Jacks
Repeat with left grapevine.
In health,
Grace
Hi Lorraine,
To add to the excellent advice Grace gave:
~ Find at least one excellent instructor and take as many classes as you can from them. Approach one of them and ask if they would mentor you.
~ Go to conferences and workshops!
~ There are Internet sites such as http://www.turnstep.com where you can get ideas and help from experienced instructors.
~ Practice, practice, practice and practice some more. Find some buddies who will be your “guinea pigs” and give you feedback.
~ Some universities and clubs have instructor training programs – check for what is available in your area.
Best of luck!
When I hear “walking aerobics” the first name that pops in to my head is Leslie Sansone. I would suggest watching a few of her DVD’s.
The music bpm that you choose will depend on the intensity of your walk routine whether it is low, moderate or high intensity –
High impact aerobics is when both feet are off the floor at the same time, whereas in low-impact one foot is kept on the floor at all times. Since high impact involves both hopping and jumping the beats per minute of the music will be higher than with low impact exercise such as walking aerobics so choose your music accordingly with each “beat per step”
Not sure what you mean by “walking aerobics”…do you mean low-impact?
Bottom line, teaching to music, requires musical timing. As good way to learn this is get with someone who has good musical timing and ask them to help you. Once you understand phrasing and beats per minute, you can put moves to the music.
There are many cuing techniques, but the ‘gold standard’ if you will, is 32-count cuing and phrasing, as explained above. With the mastery of 32-count cuing comes the ability to improvise, synchronize and synergize each class session. First, assess your skill and abilities by asking yourself the following: Do I have a good sense of rhythm? Can I just dance freely to music, making up moves as I go along getting into the groove? Do I love using music as my helper in my classes? Mastery of 32-count cuing provides additional benefits such as making it easy to improvise combinations that flow effortlessly and match the music, makes it easy to work out each side of the body evenly, makes it easy to synchronize the group’s movement. And then comes the entry into the zone. This is what mastery of 32-count can provide you.