Debra Orringer, MS
Debra Orringer, MS
Article Archive
The traditional fitness facility has typically been viewed as a place to work out and play sports in order to change one’s physical appearance. However, this has shifted. Wellness—which includes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness—has become the buzzword of the decade, and today’s fitness facilities have begun offering a myriad of services, hoping that people will view these locations as the local wellness center. To cover the full wellness spectrum, however, you need to combine forces with other health modalities.
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People originally viewed fitness facilities simply as places to work out and play sports in order to change their physical appearance. However, this has shifted. Wellness—embracing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health—has become the buzzword of the decade, and today’s fitness facilities have begun offering a myriad of services. To cover the full wellness spectrum, however, you need to combine forces with other health modalities.
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Do you remember recess? That break in the monotonous school day when you could run wild and free, lost in playful movement? The glory of the playground lingers in many of your participants’ memories, too, and you can help to recreate that experience by taking your next class a little less seriously.
Turning the group fitness studio into a playground is a great idea for stressed-out, time-crunched, social media-weary adults who need a break from responsibility. So grab a whistle, cue the bell and get ready to inject some fun into everyone’s day!
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Do you remember recess? That break in the monotonous school day when you could run wild and free, lost in playful movement? The glory of the playground lingers in many of your participants’ memories too, and you can help to recreate that experience by taking your next class a little less seriously.
Turning the group fitness studio into a playground is a great idea for stressed-out, time-crunched, social media–weary adults who need a break from responsibility. So grab a whistle, cue the bell and get ready to inject some fun into everyone’s day!
Read More
Why not take one of your higher-intensity classes into the pool and see just how different, fun and healing it can be? This Tabata-inspired workout will create new raving fans.
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Participants rarely think about injuries until after they happen (hopefully not in your class!). But someone who needs rehabilitation may face a delay in meeting fitness goals. Another issue: Our group fitness studios are filling with people of many different ages and abilities.
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Fitness continues to evolve as research unveils new and efficient ways to train for health and wellness. This is great news, because people benefit from having plenty of choice. But choice can be confusing for consumers intimidated by the mere thought of walking into a group fitness studio. For newbies, an abundance of choice can trigger questions: Where do I start? What type of fitness is best?
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Countless exercises target the core—but the majority are land-based. What happens when you bring core work into the pool? The aquatic environment complements this type of training and challenges participants in new ways. While the core is activated during most of a water fitness class, setting aside time for core-specific drills can inject even more fun. Try the following variations in your next class.
Pool Plank
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Aquatic exercise is a great way to get and stay in shape. In addition to being a fantastic cross-training option and full- body workout, exercising in the pool helps the body stay balanced. A water workout might not be the first thing your class participants think of when they’re looking to shape up and slim down—but perhaps it should be. Water fitness burns calories, boosts metabolism and strengthens muscles without putting extra stress on joints.
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Creative group fitness instructors have been developing fun fusion experiences for years now. Bringing together two or more concepts in one class continues to be popular. It’s a great way to offer participants the best of different formats. This class, Iron Fusion, is based on cardio kickboxing and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), with the added benefit of Pilates principles.
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Strength is important, but functional strength is essential—and for this, variety is key. “More for the Core” takes participants through a flowing mix of methods, disciplines and combinations that engage and activate even the tiniest muscles with continuous, dynamic movement. It’s a perfect way to prepare the body for activities of daily living. More for the Core Details
format: core-specific Total Time: 60 minutes Equipment: none
Classes that use the foam roller have evolved over the past few years. With a little creativity, this piece of equipment—which comes in several varieties, from cylindrical to flat-bottomed—offers functional programming opportunities. Workout possibilities include self myofascial release, stretching, balance work, strengthening, posture improvement and cardiovascular exercise. The following drill-based workout focuses on expanding the…
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The necessity of working the core still
attracts a lot of attention. However, many people remain puzzled as to what the core is. Much more than just the abdominal wall or the…
Do your participants think the strength and cardio sections are the only important aspects of step class? The cool-down can be just as important, if not more so. While there are infinite ways to cool the body down, why not try adding yoga moves for stretching, balance and stabilization? Begin cooling down with basic grapevines and step-touches within a smaller range of motion, but make the moves d…
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