welcome to the acsm certified group exercise instructor webinar series

WELCOME TO THE WELCOME TO THE ACSM Certified ACSM Certified

Group Exercise InstructorGroup Exercise InstructorWebinar SeriesWebinar Series

Session 1: Group Exercise Session 1: Group Exercise Principles and Procedures Principles and Procedures

ObjectivesObjectives Understand the fundamentals of group Understand the fundamentals of group

exercise instruction (GEI)exercise instruction (GEI) Organize and market group exercise programs Organize and market group exercise programs

to targeted populationsto targeted populations Identify key components to a group exercise Identify key components to a group exercise

classclass Identify and utilize a variety of exercise Identify and utilize a variety of exercise

modalities common to a group settingmodalities common to a group setting Understand how to develop an effective Understand how to develop an effective

emergency response planemergency response plan

Copyright ACSM 2011Copyright ACSM 2011

Fundamentals of Group Fundamentals of Group Exercise InstructionExercise Instruction

Modern challenges of group fitness Modern challenges of group fitness instructioninstruction

Importance of feedback to participantsImportance of feedback to participants Understanding the physical environmentUnderstanding the physical environment Importance of cueingImportance of cueing Understanding musicalityUnderstanding musicality


Modern Challenges of Group Modern Challenges of Group Exercise InstructionExercise Instruction

Changing population of participants with a Changing population of participants with a wider variety of demographicswider variety of demographics

Many exercise styles and modalities from Many exercise styles and modalities from which to choose fromwhich to choose from

Finding your personal style that worksFinding your personal style that works Unlocking your passion to help you guide Unlocking your passion to help you guide

and motivateand motivate


Changing DemographicsChanging Demographics Historically group exercise classes were primarily female Historically group exercise classes were primarily female

18-34 years old18-34 years old Classes were historically leveled and you simply taught Classes were historically leveled and you simply taught

the levelthe level New class formats are attracting men i.e. kickboxing, New class formats are attracting men i.e. kickboxing,

circuit and interval trainingcircuit and interval training Exercise is now recommended as a treatment for Exercise is now recommended as a treatment for

diseasedisease Due to the rate of obesity, the population is not as Due to the rate of obesity, the population is not as

healthy as in the past requiring class modification and healthy as in the past requiring class modification and understanding of the disease processunderstanding of the disease process


Multiple Modalities and Multiple Modalities and Variation in ProgrammingVariation in Programming

Historically all group exercise classes Historically all group exercise classes were a variation on aerobic dancewere a variation on aerobic dance

New equipment options are available for New equipment options are available for useuse

New format options are becoming popularNew format options are becoming popular A wide variety of music is available for A wide variety of music is available for

various classesvarious classes


Finding Your Personal Style and Finding Your Personal Style and PassionPassion

Many modalities can present a problem for Many modalities can present a problem for group exercise instructorsgroup exercise instructors

Don’t try to do it allDon’t try to do it all Understand what you enjoy and are suited to Understand what you enjoy and are suited to

leadlead Know your body style and the type of Know your body style and the type of

movements with which you are comfortablemovements with which you are comfortable Teach classes about which you are passionate Teach classes about which you are passionate

aboutabout


The Professional InstructorThe Professional Instructor Build your credibility with your knowledge and your Build your credibility with your knowledge and your

professional demeanorprofessional demeanor Care about your class by connecting with them, Care about your class by connecting with them,

modifying as necessary and being availablemodifying as necessary and being available Be positive and upbeat at all timesBe positive and upbeat at all times Be prepared with your class choreography or materialBe prepared with your class choreography or material Be ready to start on timeBe ready to start on time Dress appropriately for the classDress appropriately for the class

Discretely clothedDiscretely clothed Clean and intact with appropriate footwearClean and intact with appropriate footwear


Participant Assessment: Participant Assessment: ImportanceImportance

Identifies those individualsIdentifies those individuals who are at increased risk of diseasewho are at increased risk of disease with pre-existing diseasewith pre-existing disease with potential contraindications to exercisewith potential contraindications to exercise

Identifies conditions that may need to be Identifies conditions that may need to be referred to an allied health professionalreferred to an allied health professional


Participant Assessment: Participant Assessment: Why is it Important?Why is it Important?

Sign of a qualified and professional instructorSign of a qualified and professional instructor Opens lines of communication with participantsOpens lines of communication with participants First line of defense for participant safetyFirst line of defense for participant safety Identifies risk factors and conditions that may be Identifies risk factors and conditions that may be

aggravated by exerciseaggravated by exercise Facilitates and improves exercise programmingFacilitates and improves exercise programming Helps you to meet the needs of your participantsHelps you to meet the needs of your participants Provides an opportunity for immediate participation Provides an opportunity for immediate participation

and educationand education


Screening ProcessScreening Process

Three phases:Three phases:1.1. Risk stratificationRisk stratification

2.2. Health historyHealth history

3.3. Medical clearance or referralMedical clearance or referral


ACSM Risk StratificationACSM Risk Stratification

Identifies participants who should Identifies participants who should undergo a medical exam and/or undergo a medical exam and/or exercise testing prior to joining an exercise testing prior to joining an exercise classexercise class

Stratifies into Low, Moderate, or High Stratifies into Low, Moderate, or High risk based on health status, symptoms, risk based on health status, symptoms, and risk factors presentand risk factors present


ACSM Risk Stratification ACSM Risk Stratification CategoriesCategories

Low Risk: Low Risk: Men <45 years, Women <55 years, Men <45 years, Women <55 years, asymptomatic, no more than 1 risk factorasymptomatic, no more than 1 risk factor

Moderate Risk: Moderate Risk: Men >45 years, Women >55 Men >45 years, Women >55 years, 2 or more risk factorsyears, 2 or more risk factors

High Risk: High Risk: Participants with 1 or more signs of Participants with 1 or more signs of cardiovascular, pulmonary or metabolic diseasecardiovascular, pulmonary or metabolic disease

American College of Sports Medicine. Guidelines for Exercise Testing American College of Sports Medicine. Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription,and Prescription, 8th Edition, 2010. 8th Edition, 2010.


CVD Risk FactorsCVD Risk Factors Family history Family history (early event in 1(early event in 1stst degree relative) degree relative)

Cigarette smoking Cigarette smoking (current smoker or quit w/in 6 mos.)(current smoker or quit w/in 6 mos.)

HypertensionHypertension (Systolic BP>140 mmHg or Diastolic BP>90 (Systolic BP>140 mmHg or Diastolic BP>90 mmHg)mmHg)

ObesityObesity (BMI ≥ 30)(BMI ≥ 30)

DyslipidemiaDyslipidemia (high LDL and/or low HDL)(high LDL and/or low HDL)

Pre-diabetes Pre-diabetes (fasting BG ≥100 - <126 mg/dl)(fasting BG ≥100 - <126 mg/dl)

Sedentary Lifestyle Sedentary Lifestyle (not meeting recommended guidelines (not meeting recommended guidelines for physical activity)for physical activity)

American College of Sports Medicine. Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription,American College of Sports Medicine. Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 8th 8th Edition, 2010. Edition, 2010.


Health History FormHealth History Form

Comprehensive tool for teaching a safe Comprehensive tool for teaching a safe and effective classand effective class Medical HistoryMedical History Exercise historyExercise history MedicationsMedications Health risk factorsHealth risk factors Injuries/orthopedic limitationsInjuries/orthopedic limitations


Screening QuestionnairesScreening Questionnaires

PAR-Q PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire)(Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire)

General risk screening toolGeneral risk screening tool Good for low to moderate intensity exercise Good for low to moderate intensity exercise

classesclasses Participants should see a physician if they Participants should see a physician if they

answer “yes” to one or more questionsanswer “yes” to one or more questions


Par-Q Questions (yes/no)Par-Q Questions (yes/no)

Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor? activity recommended by a doctor?

Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?activity?

In the past month, have you had chest pain when In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity? you were not doing physical activity?

Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness? you ever lose consciousness?


Par-Q Questions (cont’d)Par-Q Questions (cont’d)

Do you have a bone or joint problem that Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in your could be made worse by a change in your physical activity? physical activity?

Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for your blood (for example, water pills) for your blood pressure or heart condition? pressure or heart condition?

Do you know of any other reason why you Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity? should not do physical activity?


Screening QuestionnairesScreening Questionnaires

ACSM/AHA Pre-Participation Screening ACSM/AHA Pre-Participation Screening QuestionnaireQuestionnaire More comprehensiveMore comprehensive Addresses more conditions other than Addresses more conditions other than

cardiovascular disease i.e. pregnancycardiovascular disease i.e. pregnancy Directs participants that it is safe to exercise Directs participants that it is safe to exercise

or to contact a physicianor to contact a physicianAHA & ACSM. 1998. Modified PAR-Q, AHA/ACSM joint statement: Recommendations for cardiovascular AHA & ACSM. 1998. Modified PAR-Q, AHA/ACSM joint statement: Recommendations for cardiovascular

screening, staffing and emergency policies at health/ fitness facilities. screening, staffing and emergency policies at health/ fitness facilities. Medicine & Science in Sports & Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 30Exercise, 30 (6). (6).


Emergency Response PlanEmergency Response Plan

Important to saving lives and preventing Important to saving lives and preventing injuryinjury

You only have a couple of seconds to You only have a couple of seconds to react to any emergencyreact to any emergency

Your quick response can determine the Your quick response can determine the medical outcome for your participantmedical outcome for your participant


Emergency Response Plan: Emergency Response Plan: Instructor’s ResponsibilityInstructor’s Responsibility

If you are the owner of the facility make sure you If you are the owner of the facility make sure you create a plan and that all of your employees are create a plan and that all of your employees are aware of the plan and proficient in the executionaware of the plan and proficient in the execution

If you are an instructor in a facility, know the If you are an instructor in a facility, know the plan for that facilityplan for that facility

Maintain your BLS or CPR certificationMaintain your BLS or CPR certification Understand the signs and symptoms of Understand the signs and symptoms of

impending medical problemsimpending medical problems Rehearse your responseRehearse your response


Signs and Symptoms of Signs and Symptoms of Cardiorespiratory or Metabolic diseaseCardiorespiratory or Metabolic disease

Angina (chest pain or jaw pain)Angina (chest pain or jaw pain) Shortness of breath at restShortness of breath at rest Dizziness / loss of motor controlDizziness / loss of motor control Blue tinge to the nail beds, lips or gumsBlue tinge to the nail beds, lips or gums Heart palpitationsHeart palpitations Unusual fatigue with normal activityUnusual fatigue with normal activity Confusion or loss of mentationConfusion or loss of mentation


Emergency ResponseEmergency Response

With any of these signs or symptoms, stop With any of these signs or symptoms, stop the class and get immediate help for the the class and get immediate help for the person affectedperson affected

It is better to over react than to under reactIt is better to over react than to under react Do not leave the victimDo not leave the victim Continue to monitor till help arrivesContinue to monitor till help arrives Begin CPR if necessaryBegin CPR if necessary


Pre-Class Visual AssessmentPre-Class Visual Assessment Size up your classSize up your class Look for new members that you do not Look for new members that you do not

knowknow Introduce yourself to them and ask them if Introduce yourself to them and ask them if

they have any concerns or problems with they have any concerns or problems with exerciseexercise

Encourage them to modify the class Encourage them to modify the class Continue to observe them during the classContinue to observe them during the class


Pre-Class AnnouncementsPre-Class Announcements Should be done before every classShould be done before every class Introduce yourself and the type of classIntroduce yourself and the type of class Perform Perform KwikScreenKwikScreen®® Encourage participants to:Encourage participants to:

Listen to their bodiesListen to their bodies Work out at their own levelWork out at their own level Take water breaks as neededTake water breaks as needed Exercise in their own comfort zoneExercise in their own comfort zone Modify movements if necessaryModify movements if necessary


ACSM ACSM KwikScreenKwikScreen®®

Abbreviated health/fitness screening tool Abbreviated health/fitness screening tool performed conversationally by the performed conversationally by the instructor. instructor.

Administered to group of participants Administered to group of participants before beginning the class after your before beginning the class after your introduction.introduction.

General questions about the potential General questions about the potential health issues of the grouphealth issues of the group

Be careful with HIPPABe careful with HIPPA


Responsibility Throughout the Responsibility Throughout the ClassClass

Continue visual assessment at all timesContinue visual assessment at all times Observe the new membersObserve the new members Modify the class if necessaryModify the class if necessary Coach to an appropriate levelCoach to an appropriate level Provide feedback Provide feedback


The Importance of FeedbackThe Importance of Feedback

Providing feedback shows the class you Providing feedback shows the class you are watching them and care for their are watching them and care for their successsuccess

Improves effectiveness of the exerciseImproves effectiveness of the exercise Helps engage the participantsHelps engage the participants Prevents injuryPrevents injury Helps to motivateHelps to motivate


5 Methods of Giving Feedback5 Methods of Giving Feedback

General FeedbackGeneral Feedback This is information given to the entire groupThis is information given to the entire group Safest type of feedbackSafest type of feedback Allows class members to be anonymous with Allows class members to be anonymous with

their mistakestheir mistakes



Indirect FeedbackIndirect Feedback More targeted to an individualMore targeted to an individual More targeted to a particular problemMore targeted to a particular problem May be relayed with the use of body languageMay be relayed with the use of body language May be relayed with the instructor’s location in May be relayed with the instructor’s location in

the roomthe room May be relayed with eye contactMay be relayed with eye contact Still relatively anonymousStill relatively anonymous



Direct FeedbackDirect Feedback Specific to a particular individualSpecific to a particular individual Should never be punitiveShould never be punitive Should be given constructivelyShould be given constructively Be sensitive to the participants feelingsBe sensitive to the participants feelings



Tactile FeedbackTactile Feedback Requires hands on touch for realignment Requires hands on touch for realignment

purposespurposes Be careful since this could be misinterpretedBe careful since this could be misinterpreted Know your participantsKnow your participants Always ask permission before you touchAlways ask permission before you touch Be careful of the location of the touchBe careful of the location of the touch



Deferred FeedbackDeferred Feedback Should be given immediately after classShould be given immediately after class Allows for privacyAllows for privacy Should always be constructiveShould always be constructive Should never be punitiveShould never be punitive

* If any movement could cause injury, the * If any movement could cause injury, the feedback should be immediatefeedback should be immediate


welcome to the acsm certified group exercise instructor webinar series

Documents

motivatecopyright acsm

procedures copyright

group exercise principles

group exercise classidentify

group exercise instructorsdont

disease processcopyright

various classescopyright

passionate aboutcopyright