Section 3: Planning group exercise sessions

from Principles of Planning and Delivering Group Exercise

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Aims and objectives

The instructor should have a clear vision of the aims and objectives for the class. The instructor may be aware of individuals’ specific goals but usually they have to make a judgement. The majority of the class will want a safe and effective session that will be fun, motivating and achievable as well as a little challenging. In order for the instructor to meet these goals their objectives will be as follows:

Deliver regular teaching points

To make the class safe they must teach correct technique. Standing at the front and simply cueing is not teaching. Participants need teaching points to ensure correct alignment. They also need to be observed and in some cases require individual correction.

Offer alternatives and adaptations for participants

For the session to be effective the instructor must know the fitness and skill level of the group. Some exercises may need to be modified for certain clients to ensure that they are performing according to their potential.

Deliver effective content

The session should be planned around the advertised level descriptor. If it’s a beginners’ class then warm ups and cool downs may be longer in duration than in an advanced class. For effectiveness the intensity must again match the level of the group’s needs. This will also meet the objective for the session to be achievable.

Ensure the class is motivating and fun

For a class to be fun the instructor must spend time working on effective communication and practicing the session. They must look relaxed and in control rather than panicking about what is coming next. If using music then the choice should reflect the objective i.e., fun, motivational tunes.

Specific arrangements

If an instructor is working for a centre then the organisation usually takes care of advertising the class to the members. They will update timetables, write class descriptors and indicate the level of the class.

Equipment is accessible and provided by the centre. There will usually be a reception where bookings and payment take place. In the case of a privately run class in a local hall it’s the responsibility of the instructor to ensure all of these areas are covered.

Section 3: Planning group exercise sessions

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Group exercise types/genres

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Session structure and components

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Principles of Planning and Delivering Group Exercise