Ken Alan
Ken Alan
Article Archive
When I teach older adults, I want them to feel better after they exercise than they did beforehand. A tool I use to measure this is the Exercise-Induced Feeling Inventory (EFI). The EFI is a subjective measurement scale that assesses how a person feels at any point during physical activity (Gavin & Rejeski 1993). The EFI can highlight and reinforce the immediate positive changes participants receive as a result of attending your well–designed and skillfully instructed class!
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Cardiovascular exercise comes in two flavors: mindless and mindful. Why not layer cognitive tasks into your class design to train the brain as well as the body? Help participants meet the rigors of everyday life by adding mental challenges that also enhance balance, reaction time and agility.
Class Details
Total Time: 45 minutes
Format: low-impact cardio
Equipment Needed: none, except a positive attitude
Music: 115-135 beats per minute (depending on abilities)
Cardiovascular exercise comes in two flavors: mindless and mindful. Why not layer cognitive tasks into your class design to train the brain as well as the body? Research shows that cardio exercise can help ward off cognitive impairments, develop the ability to coordinate multiple things, increase the ability to stay on task for extended periods…
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The start of the new year is a great time to add a new twist or two on an old standard like step training. “One-Step, Two-Step” is an interactive workout that combines motivational partner training with creative double-step choreography to bring new enthusiasm to step workouts. What better way to stay inspired than by working out with a partner when New Year’s resolutions ebb? div class=”su…
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The cooldown should be like frosting—sweet, smooth and so delicious that students want to stay until they finish the very last section of cake—err, I mean, class…
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Building Socialization Into Choreography
Facilitate interaction in your older-adult classes.
By Ken Alan
C
reative choreography is both an art and a science. It can even act as a catalyst for social connections in older-adult classes. As participants age, developing new friendships can be difficult. People want to connect to other people–and group exercise provides this connection. Choreog-
ra…
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Creative choreography is both an art and a science. It can even act as a catalyst for social connections in older-adult classes. As participants age, developing new friendships can be difficult. People want to connect to other people—and group exercise provides this connection. Choreography is a perfect vehicle for social growth as well as physical…
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