Chapter 11 - Class Engagement & Motivation Flashcards
Effective Performance & Presence for Instructors
- Instructor shows great performance when they engage class members through cues, movement, music, ambience, attire, volume, and attitude (can be theatrical).
- Instructor has presence when they command attention through confidence, being prepared, positivity, and providing an inviting class. Showing correct form, posture, technique, and being energetic also contribute to presence.
- instructors can give off confidence when they have the best combo of expertise & behavior
Ways to Show Confidence While Instructing a Class
- use of dynamic verbal, visual, & physical cuing of movements
- alternate between watching body movements & making eye contact with class members
- practice enuciation; vary tone of voice every 3rd sentence
- project the voice from the diaphragm instead of yelling
Tips for Using Music In Fitness Classes
- Use a variety of different music types
- make use of trendy pop, dance, hip-hop, or use well-known oldies
- use dramatic segments, chorus, or downbeats in a song for visual, verbal, or motivational cues
- choose music with lyrics that match movements used in songs
- stay on the beat (as appropriate to the class format); count reps or time using parts of the song
Edutainment
- combination of words “education” and “entertainment.” Refers to instructor balancing education and entertainment needs of a diverse group to keep them engaged in the class
- example: combine cues for movement, and how to make modifciations with humor, showmanship, or using participant names.
How to add variety to a fitness class
- add in a single new exercise or movement pattern
- add a new song to a favorite mix
- change order of movements
- change sets, reps, rest time, or interval ratio
- create long term plan for progression
- play a different genre of music
Types of Motivational Cues
- time or rep count down (how much longer to hold push)
- performance: compliment class to help them find energy to finish, hold good form
- physical or emotional benefit (physical or emotional results from a movement)
- competition: use competitive activities (if this is right for your class - may not be for many)
Extrinsic Motivation
- Doing an activity to get a reward separate from the activity itself
- examples: money, status, trophies, attention from others, or an endorphin high after class
Intrinsic Motivation
- Doing an activity because there are rewards that come directly from completing the activity
- examples: fit people are happier, the reason why a person comes to class, how good one feels during class
Ways Instructors Can Provide Intrinsic Motivation to Exercise Consistently
- give positive feedback to class members
- ask for their input
- create engaging classes
- help them feel successful
- discuss positives of fitness
- give info on accomplishments & progress
Self-talk
a person’s internal dialogue (what they say to themselves)
Self-efficacy
the belief in one’s ability to do a certain behavior or thing
Ways to Promote a Positive Self-Efficacy to Students & Physical Activity
- encourage students to focus on their own improvements & accomplishments instead of comparing themselves to others.
- encourage positive modeling (if she can do it, so can you) without competition
- verbal persuasion/encouragement (you got this)
- Imagery: have them imagine doing a movement/exercise successfully; encourages their confidence
Interpersonal influences
- Influences from those persons or groups with whom one interacts with regularly; the social network that supports them
- many group fitness programs are effective because they provide enjoyment to the group, social support, and increased commitment to healthy behaviors
- instructors can be part of the support system by inviting them back and letting them know their presence is valued
Affective Influences
- Influences resulting from things a person feels
- positive or negative emotions change how (or whether) a person sticks with exercise or nutrition programs
- exercising/proper nutrition can also help change a bad mood
Sensation Influences
Physical feelings people experience as they relate to behavior needed to establish a healthy lifestyle
- some beginners might feel daunted when starting exercise, so instructors can give encouragement to stick with it and come back to class again.
- instructors can help class members find the positives and gains of exercising
Behavior Influences
are created as a result of and individual’s behavior
-example: tracking activity to hit a movement goal (person probably more motivated to keep exercising)
Positive Reinforcement
providing individuals with a reward for following a desired behavior. Encourages repetition of said behavior
Transtheoretical Model (TTM)
Individuals progress through a series of stages of change, which is cyclical instead of linear. People may revert back to old habits before progressing to the next stage of the model. Stages include:
1 - Precontemplation: individuals don’t plan to change their unhealthy/high risk behaviors; no plans to start an exercise regimen in the next 6 months
2 - Contemplation: a person is thinking about making a behavioral change within the next 6 months. Are considering the pros & cons of doing an exercise program.
3 - Preparation: individuals intend to take action in the near future, usually within a month’s time. Most have usually started to formulate a plan, join a health club, consult a doctor, etc.
4 - Action: a person makes a specific, overt modification to their behavior in the past 6 months. Change in this stage of the model aren’t stable; the risk of relapse is high
5 - Maintenance: the stage about 6 months after a behavioral change has been made; the risk of relapse has been terminated. Once a person reaches about 5 years in this stage, it’s likely that they’ll continue to exercise unless derailed by injury or other health issues.
S.M.A.R.T Goals
- Instructors can assist class members in setting goals that are more productive and realistic. Goals should be as follows:
- S: specific
- M: measurable
- A: attainable
- R: realistic
- T: timely
Examples: 30 push ups during the first 30 mins of class
Attending 8 resistance classes & 8 cycle classes in the next month
Fitness Message
a benefit statement or philosophy; what the instructor believes fitness can do for someone
- is catchy & digestable
Fitness Vision
An inspirational statement or paragraph about what an instructor wants to be in the future.
-Is longer than a mission statement with more detail on the outcome; focused on inspiring people with positive opportunities.
Fitness Mission Statement
An informative statement about what an instructor does (or wants to do)
Fitness Community
- a group of people who begin to trust, follow, and interact with the instructor (a following)
- How to gain a following:
- giving effective cues on form/execution
- show care and concern
- using participant’s names as much as possible
- talking with class members before & after class
- hosting group outings
- affliating with a charity/philanthropic organization
- facilitating friendly competition in class
- using social media, texting & email to communicate as appropriate
Using Social Media to Drive Engagement
- there are many channels that can be used on social media to communicate with students outside of class
- instructors can use social media groups or business account on a platform to pick up followers
- use the correct platform for the demographic of people one is teaching
- keep posts in good taste; inappropriate posts can put off followers
- use images and personal quotes that send your own personal message, not someone else’s
- post open ended questions, video clips, or photos to catch attention
- avoid sensitive topics like religion or politics
- only post content that supports your brand (nothing offensive)
- don’t aggressively push for follows and likes on your social media platforms
