Do the right thing: what makes a good exercise instructor, aerobic exercise class and facility

American Fitness, May-June, 1994 by Peg Jordan

What makes a good exercise instructor, aerobic exercise class and facility.

A wise consumer of fitness services must ask the right questions before choosing an instructor, class or facility. It's the most sensible way to maximize dollars, hours and hard work.

Exercise Instructor

The term professional exercise instructor, as used by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), refers to someone who fulfills the following characteristics.

* Teaches with enthusiasm and genuine concern for his/her students.

* Gives pre-class instructions explaining the goals of aerobics, how to take a pulse and how to find target heart rate range.

* Is a knowledgeable role model for a preventive health and fitness lifestyle.

* Has professional affiliation with an educational resource or training organization.

* Demonstrates a commitment to continuing education by taking courses to expand knowledge base and practical skills.

* Is certified with a national organization that tests both theoretical knowledge and practical performance, such as AFAA or ACSM.

* Demonstrates knowledge of exercise physiology, kinesiology, injury prevention, cardiovascular and medical considerations, nutrition, body composition, proper class format and leadership skills.

* Maintains current CPR certification.

* Demonstrates safe, effective exercise technique and modifies exercises for those with low back discomfort or musculoskeletal problems, pregnant women and deconditioned or overweight individuals.

* Screens students for risk factors or health problems that may prevent safe exercise participation and provides medical referrals when necessary.

* Assesses fitness levels and directs students to appropriate level classes.

* Instructs in a non-competitive, non-intimidating manner.

* Is conscientious of how the environment affects the class, including ventilation, temperature and flooring.

* Makes sure everyone is wearing appropriate footwear and permeable clothing.

* Plays music at a level that motivates but doesn't overpower cues and instructions.

* Guides students skillfully through transitions, with easily understandable cues.

* Monitors individuals' levels of fatigue and looks for signs of overexertion, suggesting methods for pacing activity.

* Encourages students to progress when appropriate and applies principles of overload and rest.

Aerobic Exercise Class

There are several ways to safely and effectively sequence a class to produce a training effect. Attention should be paid, however, to each of the following points.

* Begins with at least eight to 12 minutes of warm-up with static stretching and rhythmic limbering, including all major muscle groups.

* Avoids ballistic stretches.

* Avoids dangerous exercises such as the plough, straight leg toe touches, deep knee bends, grand plies, full circle head rolls and unsupported forward flexion.

* Includes a 20- to 30-minute aerobics portion with a gradual build up, sustained steady state and slow decrease of intensity.

* Checks heart rate five minutes into aerobics and at the end of aerobics. Also checks recovery rate two to three minutes after cool-down with a 10-second pulse count multiplied by six.

* Maintains smooth, overall flow of activity, avoiding inconsistent exercises that lose a class' interest.

* Includes exercises to strengthen the arms, chest, shoulder and back muscles. Devotes another portion of the class to strengthening legs, buttocks and hips, and another for abdominal muscles supporting the back. Spends at least 15 minutes each on these exercises.

* Provides at least five minutes of cool-down and performs static stretches for every muscle group worked.

* Maintains correct body alignment throughout the class and employs current injury prevention knowledge.

* Addresses different levels of ability within one class and provides modifications for each level.

* Posts target heart rate chart and refers to it.

* Creates a positive, supportive atmosphere for class participation. Makes a class lively and fun-filled.

* Asks for feedback from class in regard to instructor's style and ability.

Facility

A good club is one that makes you feel great about yourself and your workout--one that makes you want to return. It should also fulfill the following services.

* Trains all instructors and staff in proper emergency protocol.

* Hires qualified, certified instructors and orients new employees to equipment, fitness training and personal skills.

* Explains complete membership fee schedule--initiation, annual and monthly renewals and contracts.

* Maintains a clean hygienic environment, especially showers, sauna/steam and locker rooms.

* Controls the temperature and humidity in workout areas.

* Staffs supervision for every area of the club.

* Demonstrates a commitment to overall quality by adhering to the current facility Standards and Guidelines from ACSM and IRSA.

* Installs coiled or suspended wood floors or high-density matting for aerobics.

* Maintains all equipment and trains staff in safety and proper use of machines, cycles, rowers and free weights.