This is Kathleen....
Kathy works for Elev8 Fitness Club and her responsibilities as a group fitness instructor include; leading group fitness classes, teaching members the proper techniques for participating in classes, tailoring each class to the group, paying attention to people’s age, fitness levels, and any injuries or health concerns. Elev8 Fitness Club offers group fitness classes from high intensity to gentle reconditioning and everything in between, the options are too numerous to list – Yoga Cycle, Boxing, Pilates and Strength Circuit, plus a great range of aerobic classes – Step, Pump, Cycling, Zumba and more.
Can you briefly describe the process of instructing a group fitness class?
This begins with developing a plan beforehand, and then instructing the class so that they know the what, when, how and where. I observe everyone, throughout the workout, for correct technique and level of intensity. I need to be prepared to adapt or modify the session plan because of the needs of one or more people on the day. I may need to lower the intensity of the exercises or raise it; I may have to change the music that I chose or decide not to play music at all; I may have to adapt equipment used. I always request feedback so that I am confident that what I am doing is working for the members.
How do you know if the class is working out to the level that's needed?
That’s done by monitoring exercise intensity. If I am leading a class that is using equipment with built-in heart rate monitors, then it’s simply a matter of checking heart rates against target heart rates. I can also use the ‘Talk Test’, which means, if people can talk while exercising and not lose their breath then they are not exercising hard enough. There is also the ‘Exertion rating scale’ where I can observe and rate physical signs of exertion to gauge if they need a rest or need to work harder.
On the other hand, I have to monitor for and avoid over exertion. Extreme breathlessness, extreme perspiration, dizziness, nausea, pain, pressure around the chest or in the arm, breathing problems. Any one of these things would be classed as an emergency.
How do you communicate your exercise plan, to the group?
I demonstrate the exercises. I perform them in front of the class slowly while talking through what I am showing them with clear verbal instructions. Precise and to the point. I don't give long winded explanations. I follow this with a demonstration in real time at normal pace.
During the class, I demonstrate next actions while participants are continuing with current actions. Give hand signs or verbal cues when an activity is to change. And don't have the music on too loud, the class needs to hear their instructor.
Do the members in your class need you to motivate them?
Yes, of course they do. Not many people will come to a fitness class ready to go and even if they do, it’s very hard to sustain that feeling right through the session without some help. There are some techniques that I use, such as, remaining upbeat throughout, using music, varying the exercise to make it fun, slowing down or speeding up, providing encouragement and support, always celebrating their achievements. I want them to return to my next class so I create high-energy classes and have different routines each time.