Skip to content

Visit the all-new COVID-19 Support Center for expert business support, tools and products, and the latest in fitness-related pandemic information.

IDEA Health & Fitness Association
  • Membership
    • Start A Free Trial
    • Group Fitness Membership
    • Personal Trainer Membership
    • Business Membership
    • Premium Membership
    • Member Perks
    • IDEA Code of Ethics
    • Equity & Inclusion Pledge
  • Conferences
    • IDEA World Virtual
    • IDEA Personal Trainer Institute
    • IDEA World Club & Studio Summit
    • IDEA Korea Convention
    • Become an Exhibitor
    • Advertise / Exhibitors
    • Event Coverage
  • Insurance
    • Health Insurance NEW
    • Fitness Liability Insurance
    • Club & Studio Liability Insurance
  • Education
    • IDEA Courses
    • IDEA Fitness Journal Courses
    • IDEA Certificate Courses
    • Advanced Specialist Courses
    • IDEAFit TV
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars
  • Resources
    • FitPost – Start Your Free Trial
    • Client Newsletter
    • Workout Builder
    • Fit Pro Forum
    • Career Resources
    • Job Board
    • Advertise with us
    • Covid-19 updates
  • Pro Directory
    • Find a Personal Trainer
    • Find a Fitness Class
    • Find a Gym or Studio
    • Find a Nutritionist
  • Articles
    • Personal Training
    • Group Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Business
    • Mind-Body / Recovery
    • Publications
    • Podcasts
×
  • Membership
    • Start A Free Trial
    • Group Fitness Membership
    • Personal Trainer Membership
    • Business Membership
    • Premium Membership
    • Member Perks
    • IDEA Code of Ethics
    • Equity & Inclusion Pledge
  • Conferences
    • IDEA World Virtual
    • IDEA Personal Trainer Institute
    • IDEA World Club & Studio Summit
    • IDEA Korea Convention
    • Become an Exhibitor
    • Advertise / Exhibitors
    • Event Coverage
  • Insurance
    • Health Insurance NEW
    • Fitness Liability Insurance
    • Club & Studio Liability Insurance
  • Education
    • IDEA Courses
    • IDEA Fitness Journal Courses
    • IDEA Certificate Courses
    • Advanced Specialist Courses
    • IDEAFit TV
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars
  • Resources
    • FitPost – Start Your Free Trial
    • Client Newsletter
    • Workout Builder
    • Fit Pro Forum
    • Career Resources
    • Job Board
    • Advertise with us
    • Covid-19 updates
  • Pro Directory
    • Find a Personal Trainer
    • Find a Fitness Class
    • Find a Gym or Studio
    • Find a Nutritionist
  • Articles
    • Personal Training
    • Group Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Business
    • Mind-Body / Recovery
    • Publications
    • Podcasts
Log in

I have a client in my Group Exercise class that is blind. What are some techniques I can use to instruct him better?

ADVERTISEMENT
949 viewsJune 11, 2011
0
Avatar
Jennifer0 June 11, 2011 0 Comments

5 Answers

  • Active
  • Voted
  • Newest
  • Oldest
0
Avatar
Daniel0 Posted 0 Comments

Good answers. Working with the physically challenged can be a daunting but most rewarding accomplishment. I would concur with Joanne that your first step is to contact the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (through ACSM.) Your client’s hearing acuity and ability to follow movement cues are critical to your providing your client with a safe and effective workout experience.

Good luck.

0
Avatar
Karen Posted 0 Comments

I taight a gentle yoga class with a blind participant. She had her dog with her. I found that she could follow my verbal cues very well – and as Jacquelyn said, you really need to use your very best verbal cuing skills.

I also found that this participant (and I believe most sight-impaired people) was very familiar with the room orientation. So cues such as “Reaching your right arm toward the window” and “Stepping your front foot a few inches toward the door” were the easiest for her to follow.

0
Avatar
Wendy0 Posted 0 Comments

I have a friend at church who is blind and asked me tonight about my upcoming fitness classes. He usually has his dog, Burgess, with him, but he simply asked if I could meet with him before class to go over the choreography in more detail for him.

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what to do when it comes to blindness, but I find that asking the person what they want or need is usually the best way to go.

0
Avatar
Joanne0 Posted 0 Comments

There is a wonderful organization called the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability who collaborate with the American College of Sports Medicine.

Through the ACSM, one can earn the credential ACSM CIFT – Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer. It’s a speciality certification. Too, you will find useful information on the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. Their website is www.ncpad.org.

As far as working with someone who is blind or visually impaired the NCPAD suggests the following guidelines.

1. When communicating with clients who are blind or visually impaired, speak to the client when you approach him or her.

2. State clearly who you are; speak in a normal tone of voice.

3. Never touch or distract a service dog without first asking the client.

4. Do not attempt to lead the client without first asking; allow the client to hold your arm and control his or her own movements.

5. Be descriptive when giving directions.

6. When seating, gently place the client’s hand on the back or arm of the chair so that the person can locate the seat.

7. When conversing in a group, remember to identify yourself and the client to whom you are speaking.

8. Tell the client when you are leaving.

0
Avatar
Jacquelyn0 Posted 0 Comments

Many years ago (prior to the debut of step) I was about to begin a low-impact class when two women approached me. One of them said, “I’d like to let you know that I’m blind. I do have a little peripheral vison & I follow my friend”.

Internally I was freaking out, but said to her, “Oh thank you for letting me know! I’ll make sure to give my verbal cues in your direction.”

Having her in my classes did more for my ability to verbally cue than anything else ever did. I could watch her and see if my cues were effective or not. She was awesome at following, I must add. And she had a friend beside her, who’s feet she could sort of see – and to assist if necessary.

What I would suggest is that you hone in on your verbal cueing skills, and that this client would benefit from having a personal assistant or friend in class with him. You are instructing a group, and while you can give some individual attention, can’t neglect the group for one person. It also depends upon how large the group is – so if it’s a small class he might do well without someone with him.

Register or Login

About IDEA

Press
History
Careers
IDEA Fitness Awards
Award Recipients
Inside IDEA
Event Coverage

Advertising & Exhibiting

Advertise with IDEA
Download our Media Kit
Become an Event Exhibitor

Connect With Us

+1 (800) 999-4332
Contact Us
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2020 IDEA Health & Fitness Association. All Rights Reserved.