Chapter 5: Getting to the core of class offerings Flashcards
Group Fitness Class Formats: Cardiorespiratory Training
The focus of the class is to improve cardiorespiratory fitness. Formated may be choreographed or non-choreographed
Ex: Dance based, step, kickboxing, HIIT, cycle, cardio circuit
Group Fitness Class Formats: Muscular Training
The focus of the class is to improve muscular fitness and/or power. Formats may be considered traditional (one muscle group at a time) or function (daily living) and can make use of body weight and/or various types of equipment
ex. full/upper/lower focus, core, barbell based, circuit based
Group Fitness Class Formats: Mobility Flexibility
The focus of this class is to increase range of motion and mobility, either passively or actively.
Ex. stretching, self-myofascial release
Group Fitness Class Formats: Mind Body
The focus of the class is to promote muscular fitness, flexibility, and mindful breathing
Ex. yoga, pilates, barre, tai chi
Group Fitness Class Formats: Aquatic Exercise
The focus of this class is to improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness while in the pool.
Ex. Water jogging/running, interval classes, mobility classes.
Freestyle: Advantages for Instructor
Freedom to be creative in design, exercises, cues, transitions in order to offer a unique experience to participants as well as showcase the GFI’s personality or style.
Potential to add variety to classes on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Autonomy to offer progressions, regressions, and alternate exercises to class participants.
Ability to create unique music playlists.
Can teach the class anywhere
Freestyle: Disadvantages for instructor
Time demand and knowledge required to develop choreography.
May take more time for participants to learn the choreography, as they do not have previous experience with it.
May be more challenging to find class coverage when the GFI cannot teach.
GFI is responsible for licensing music.
May need to rely on personal branding to promote the class.
Freestyle: Advantages for participant
An always changing environment that may reduce boredom.
Freestyle: Disadvantages for participant
Participants are often unaware of what to expect from class to class, making it more challenging to improve proficiency over time because the sequence of movements constantly changes.
Pre Choreographed: Advantages for instructor
Choreography is done for the GFI, who needs only to memorize the choreography.
May be easier to find class coverage.
Music is provided.
Ongoing education and instructor support provided.
brand recognition
Pre Choreographed: Disadvantages for instructor
Less freedom to be creative.
Can become repetitive, leading to boredom.
Less of an ability to tailor exercises to class participants needs.
Can be expensive with license, training, and fees for new choreography.
May not be able to teach the format at all facilities
Pre Choreographed: Advantages for participant
The consistency of these programs may allow for a better class experience for class participants, as they know what to expect regardless of the instructor teaching the format.
Participants are able to gouge their intensity more effectively, since they know the general format and can measure their own improvements over time.
Pre Choreographed: Disadvantages for participant
As instructors must follow a script, there is often little room for customizing specific progressions and regressions as appropriate for the individuals in each class.
Can become repetitive, leading to boredom.
Pre Planned: Advantages for instructor
The GFI has the choice of using pre-choreographed routines or developing their own based on guidelines provided
Ability to suggest progressions, regressions, and alternate exercises to class participants
Choice of music provided or a unique playlist
Ongoing education and instructor support provided
Brand recognition
Pre-planned: Disadvantages for instructor
Knowledge and time are required to organize a class plan from the options provided
Can be expensive with license, training, and fees for new choreography
