What are some suggestions for openers at a workshop?
Hi Emily. I just put on a very similar clinic at a local physical therapy clinic. I like to start, of course with a quick greeting and then I circulate a photo of several different sized and shaped people. I ask the group which of these photos do they think represent someone who is “fit” or “in shape” since many of them have used or heard that term often. It’s a trick question of course 🙂 When I bait them into voting Yes or No for each photo, I then go on to my first “teaching point” by explaining that in reality we cannot tell if someone is ‘in shape’ or ‘fit’ simply by looking at them (unfortunately most people do though). I explain that fitness is comprised of the 5 components and then ask if they can name them. This simple intro is a real eye-opener for many of the participants and it gives them a quick understanding of how we will be approaching helping them get into better health (i.e. a variety of exercise intended to challenge and improve all of these components).
My introductory ‘teaching point’ may sound “dry” in writing, but I deliver it with fun and enthusiasm and it’s amazing how quickly it establishes you as their trainer/teacher while at the same time delivering the message with fun and smiles.
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
[email protected]
I like to start with some partner drills. One fun one is a warding drill: I ask them to pair up with someone they don’t know.; one person stands with hands together out in front shoulder level, the other person stands at the side and pushes against the hands. The person with the arms out front then touches each foot in back while maintaining the mid-line hand position. They repeat from the other side then switch. When they are done (and usually laughing) I tell them they just worked their core while standing up. After that they are all mine.
Great idea from Karin!
I’m not sure what your objective for your workshop is but one of the opening lines I’ve used for educational workshops for consumers is “Will you burn more calories running a mile or walking a mile?” Take a vote by a show of hands and allow participants to share their rationale.
The answer is you will burn about the same amount but walking will take you a bit longer. (this is not a technical physiological analysis, it is merely making a very basic point) The point is that each of us will cross the finish line in his/her own way and we will all succeed. It’s a great message to beginners who feel they have to sprint out of the starting gate.