When constructing a group exercise class that is not dance based, is it best to count reps or do exercises for time?
I want to do a calisthenics/cardio class. I want to make sure the class has the flow and intensity of a cardio aerobics class but with muscling building whole body exercises as oppose to classic aerobic moves. I know music is a important part of a group exercise class and keeping to the tempo is important to keep the heart rate up. I
Hi Jose. Like Harris, I generally use ‘time’ most (but not all) of the time in these instances. This allows members of the group to exercise as hard/fast (intense) as they can or want to, and thus achieve their individual intensity to your program. This also allows group participants to slow-down or even stop, and then continue as they see fit, without feeling as if they did not meet the expectations of the instructor who, using repetitions, expected.
The bottom line is to use your best judgement and not be afraid to switch it up as you see fit in your professional judgement.
I hope that this helps.
Larue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com