Christy Stevenson
Christy Stevenson
Article Archive
As the group fitness industry grows, so does its target audience. Now more than ever, teens (aged 13–19) are attending group classes. They’re popping into their moms’ yoga and Pilates sessions, shaking their bodies in Zumba® and adding strength training classes to their summer days. Some fitness facilities even offer teen-specific classes, work with local…
Running has long been a favorite fitness activity for millions of people. It’s an accessible cardiorespiratory exercise, a fun social event and a natural antidepressant. However, as more people catch the running bug, more also succumb to common overuse injuries.
People invest a lot of money in the search for eternal youth. But one of the most effective, inexpensive and pain-free ways to look and feel younger is to perform daily stretches that ward off kyphosis (rounding of the thoracic spine, resulting in a hunched shape); that keep the spine mobile; that lengthen the quadriceps to help sustain a tall, lifted posture; and that maintain a healthy range of motion in the hips.
Encourage participants to practice these stretches, which will help support an active body over a lifetime.
Stability Ball Chest Opener
People invest a lot of money in the search for eternal youth. But one of the most effective, inexpensive and pain-free ways to look and feel younger is to exercise and perform daily stretches that ward off kyphosis (rounding of the thoracic spine, resulting in a hunched shape); that keep the spine mobile; that lengthen the quadriceps to help sustain a tall, lifted posture; and that maintain a healthy range of motion in the hips.
When people want to explain how simple something is to learn, they often say, “It’s like riding a bike!” But is riding a bike really that simple? If you think so, and you’re an indoor cycling teacher, you may be neglecting crucial form cues that would help students enjoy a more efficient, injury-free ride. This sagittal plane activity isn’t as cut-and-dried as it may seem. There are many opportunities for misalignment, discomfort and poor form. A good way to approach form cues is by addressing the body in four zones, from head to toe.
If you’re new to group fitness or just stuck in a rut, try this fail-proof formula for creating a class that makes the grade every time! By understanding and applying the basics of kinesiology, anatomy, physiology and party planning, you’ll be in the perfect position to design an experience that pleases even the pickiest patrons.
Use these 10 tips to create a tiptop fundraiser.
Most yoga instructors know how to use straps and blocks to guide students through challenging poses or to teach alignment. Some instructors, however, may not have access to props or, if they do, there may not be enough to go around. There is one piece of “equipment,” however, that often gets underused, and that’s the wall. Consider these suggestions to make the most of the wall in class.
Warm-Up (15 minutes)
Most yoga instructors know how to use straps and blocks to guide students through challenging poses or to teach alignment. Some instructors, however, may not have access to props or, if they do, there may not be enough to go around. There is one piece of “equipment,” however, that often gets underused, and that’s the wall.
Wall Yoga Details
Format: yoga
Total Time: approximately 60 minutes
Equipment needed: mats
MUSIC: not applicable
As a group fitness instructor, you seek out innovative choreography, purchase motivating music and put on your biggest smile in an effort to keep people coming back for more. While relating to participants may seem most pertinent, don’t neglect the critical connection with your group fitness director. Since this individual is typically the one who hires and fires, determines the class schedule and decides what equipment to purchase, it’s important to establish a positive and productive relationship with him or her.
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