Methods of Group Exercise Instruction

Part I: Fundamentals of Group Exercise Instruction

1. Best Practices

Evolution of Group Exercise
Role of Group Exercise
Trends in Group Exercise
Business Basics for Group Exercise
Wrap-Up

2. Social Aspects of Group Exercise

Creating Group Cohesion
Instructors as Role Models
Creating a Healthy Emotional Environment
Student-Centered Versus Teacher-Centered Instruction
Wrap-Up

3. Foundational Components

Integrating Components of Health Into Class Design
Creating a Positive Preclass Environment
Principles of Muscular Balance
Balancing Strength and Flexibility
Range of Motion for Major Joints
Progressive Functional Training Continuum
The Group Exercise Class Evaluation Form
Wrap-Up

4. Traditional Concepts

Applying Music Skills in Group Exercise
Traditional Choreography
Basic Moves
Elements of Variation
Creating Smooth Transitions
Building Basic Combinations
Additional Choreography Techniques
Cueing Methods in Group Exercise
Wrap-Up

5. Coaching-Based Concepts

Motivational Strategies for Coaching-Based Group Exercise
Creating Dynamic Team Environments
Exercise Modification for Injury Prevention
Demonstrating Proper Alignment and Giving a Variety of Cues
Programming Music in a Class That Is Not Beat Driven
Wrap-Up

Part II: Primary Components of Group Exercise

6. Warm-Up and Cool-Down

Designing a Warm-Up
Evaluating Stretching in the Warm-Up
Designing a Cool-Down
Wrap-Up

7. Cardiorespiratory Training

Cardiorespiratory Training Systems
Beginning Intensity
Appropriate Intensity Levels
Intensity Monitoring
Principles of Muscular Balance in Cardiorespiratory Training
Safety Issues, Good Alignment, and Technique
Importance of Participant Interaction and Enjoyment
Cool-Down After the Cardio Segment
Wrap-Up

8. Muscular Conditioning and Flexibility Training

Recommendations and Guidelines for Muscular Conditioning
Cueing Muscular Conditioning Exercises
Demonstrating Progressions, Regressions, Modifications, and Alternatives
Safety Issues in Muscular Conditioning
Equipment for Muscular Conditioning
Recommendations and Guidelines for Flexibility Training
Cueing Flexibility Exercises and Ending a Class Appropriately
Safety Issues in Flexibility Training
Muscular Conditioning and Flexibility Exercises
Wrap-Up

9. Neuromotor and Functional Training

Neuromotor Training Principles and Recommendations
Functional Training Principles
Safety Issues in Balance and Functional Training
Equipment for Balance and Functional Training
Teaching a Balance Class
Teaching a Functional Training Class
Wrap-Up

Part III: Group Exercise Modalities

10. Kickboxing

Creating a Warm-Up
Technique and Safety Issues
Basic Moves
Combinations and Choreography Techniques
Other Kickboxing Formats
Wrap-Up
Group Exercise Class Evaluation Form: Key Points

11. Step Training

Creating a Warm-Up
Technique and Safety Issues
Basic Moves and Step Patterns
Basic Combinations and Choreography Techniques
Training Systems
Wrap-Up
Group Exercise Class Evaluation Form: Key Points

12. Stationary Indoor Cycling

Positioning, Alignment, and Safety
Creating a Warm-Up
Basic Moves
Formatting Indoor Cycling Classes
Intensity Monitoring
Cueing and Coaching Techniques
Wrap-Up
Group Exercise Class Evaluation Form: Key Points

13. Sport Conditioning and Boot Camp

Creating a Warm-Up
Equipment and Setup
Planning Safe, Effective Movements
Basic Moves
Wrap-Up
Group Exercise Class Evaluation Form: Key Points

14. Water Exercise

Benefits of Water Exercise
Properties of Water and Newton’s Laws of Motion
Creating a Warm-Up
Formatting Water Exercise Classes
Training Systems
Water Exercise Equipment
Basic Moves
Wrap-Up
Group Exercise Class Evaluation Form: Key Points

15. Yoga

Philosophy of Yoga
Breathwork in Yoga
Beginning a Yoga Class
Verbal Cues and Music
Technique and Safety Issues
Equipment and Class Setting
Basic Asanas (Postures)
Wrap-Up
Group Exercise Class Evaluation Form: Key Points

16. Pilates

The Pilates Method: Basic principles
Creating a Warm-Up
Verbal Cues and Music
Technique and Safety Issues
Ending a Pilates Class
Basic Moves
Wrap-Up
Group Exercise Class Evaluation Form: Key Points

17. Alternative Modalities in Group Exercise

Creating a Client-Centered Group Exercise Class
Group Exercise for Niche Markets
Lifestyle-Based Physical Activity Classes
Dance-Based Classes
Equipment-Based Cardiorespiratory and Strength Training
Mind–Body Classes
Fusion Classes
Ethical Practice Guidelines for Group Fitness Instructors
Wrap-Up
Group Exercise Class Evaluation Form: Key Points