Chapter 7 - Class Planning and Preparation

Question 1

Class Vision

Answer 1

The instructor’s selection of movement order, music planning, equipment, prepped modifications, and overall teaching style. ideally, it takes into account the needs and wants of the participants.

Question 2

Class Outcomes & Objectives

Answer 2

• What do participants expect to get out of this class, based on the title & description?
• What kind of movement supports this outcome?
• What equipment is available?
• How much time is allotted to achieve the class vision?
• How can I manipulte intensity to reach class goals?
• How should I arrange or sequence the class elements?

Question 3

Pre-choreographed Class teaching considerations

Answer 3

• because pre-choreographed classes are associated with a brand, maintaining a uniform experience is key
• it takes time to learn, rehearse and master choreography with cues.

Question 4

Pre-designed teaching considerations

Answer 4

• required time needed to know and practice the class structure
• financial investment
• ongoing time to update the movement toolkit
• only a few new moves are introduced each class

Question 5

Freestyle Teaching Considerations

Answer 5

• Insructor designs/plans all aspects of a freestyle class
• design of a class vision to ensure a connected/effective experience
• using movement patterns that were successfully taught before
• extra time needed for creating choreography/new experiences
• creativity used sparingly to avoid student overwhelm

Question 6

Benefits of using music in fitness classes

Answer 6

• Dissociation: diverting mind from fatigue & lowers perception of effort
• Synchronization: moving to music improves movement efficiency
• motor learning: music replicates forms of human locomotion

Question 7

Beat (of Music)

Answer 7

audible, metrical division that occurs within foundational layer of music

Question 8

Downbeat

Answer 8

First beat of a measure

Question 9

32 count phrasing

Answer 9

movement patterns in fitness classes that are 32 counts.

• can be used to track reps
• class members often anticipate a change in movement after 32 counts

Question 10

Tempo

Answer 10

speed or pace of a piece of music denoted by beats per minute (BPM)

Question 11

Rhythm

Answer 11

a pattern or repeated movement or sound

Question 12

song components

Answer 12

songs that lend themselves well to fitness activities follow a formula of components or parts:

• pre-chorus (build up)
• chorus
• verses (lyrics and the story)

Question 13

Recommended music tempo for common formats

Answer 13

• Resistance training: 125-135 bpm
• HIIT/intervals: 150-160 bpm
• Boot camp: 130-140 bpm
• Step: 128-132 bpm
• Barre, Pilates: 124-128 bpm
• kickboxing: 140-150 bpm
• Aqua/seniors: 122-128 bpm

Question 14

Foreground music

Answer 14

if the cuing and exercise patterns are closely tied to the music and music plays a central role in the class

Question 15

Background music

Answer 15

Music is more for mood; exercises are not done to the beat of the music.

Question 16

Considerations for selecting music for a fitness class

Answer 16

• tempo: the music is suited to the class without being too fast or too slow
• non-stop mix: should music be continuous, flowing from one song to the next, or can their be breaks between songs?
• style: is the music the right genre/feel for the class (pop, hip hop, Latin, oldies, etc.)?
• energy: does the music fit the intended movement?
• variety: is there something for everyone?
• audience: is the music fitting for the age group/demographic of the class? does it include song requests?

see chart on pg 143 for music genres and which classes they fit

Question 17

Modality/Equipment Considerations

Answer 17

Equipment (also know as modalities) should be used based on:

• age, fitness level, goals, student preferences
• how it fits in with class vision, intended outcome, class needs
• modifications need to be provided since students will be at different fitness levels
• practice with any equipment if unfamiliar with it
• have varying levels of weight or resistance
• check all equipment to see it’s in good working order

Question 18

10 Modality (equipment) categories

Answer 18

1 - bodyweight training (push ups)
2 -Weighted Equipment (dumbells, barbells, kettle bells, weighted bars)
3 - Elastic resistance (bands, tubing)
4 - balance (stability balls, sliding discs)
5 -Reactive, SAQ, Power (battle ropes, ladders, cones)
6 - Self-Myofascial Release SMR (foam rollers, massage balls)
7 - Suspension Training (fixed straps, portable straps)
8 - Aquatic - belts, noodles, webbed gloves)
9 - Mind/body (mats, blocks, straps)
10 - Skill Mastery (cycle bikes, step bences, ballet barres)

see pages 145-149 for more examples

Question 19

Testing and Practicing Class Content

Answer 19

• ensures time is used efficiently

- allows instructor to practice choreography, cuing, or exercise sequences