Instructors and students

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Instructors and students
17
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 1:52pm

Do you think






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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 2:18pm
Good question. I noticed sometimes my instructor will say I am not working as hard as you guys, or she'll mention she already worked out that day. Honestly, when my instructors stop and walk around well we are jumping etc. or insturctors who use lighter weights, so does not bother me. As long as they push us that's all that matters. I think more than how hard the instructor is working or weight she is using, I think energy level is so important. You can tell when an instructor is not up to par that day depending on if they are tired or not feeling well or just does not want to be there (we all have those days). It amazes me how instructors can get up for class day after day. I think energy level is way more important than level of intensity or weights they personally are working out at.
Avatar for soleilune
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 2:19pm

Some groups need to see you work as hard as them. I find it varies from class to class. In kickboxing I demonstrate things & do the workout when it's more complicated and/or intense so they can follow me, but a lot of the time I move around checking on everyone (they seem to think I work just as hard as them though). In the weightlifting and resistance classes if I don't work hard they don't seem to, but if I need to go lighter I'll tell them, "I've done this class X number of times this week so I need to go lighter, but don't think you all get to slack off." In cardio, core & yoga-based classes I demonstrate different levels of intensity and complexity, but then do whatever level seems appropriate to motivate that particular group. Sometimes you have beginners that will overdo it because they feel compelled to do exactly what you do, so you have to bring it down to their level & just verbally encourage the rest (after demonstrating their options). I do occasionally remind my classes that this is my job, not my workout - that I'm there to put THEM through their paces.

As an instructor you are supposed to be a role model & motivator and those mean different things to different people. What you do will be influenced by the attitude of each individual group. Ultimately, if you come across as vibrant, energetic & thrilled to be there it doesn't matter hard you actually work.

Soleilune
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-02-2004
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 2:27pm

I always use lighter weights when teaching and as for cardio, I usually demo the high impact version then do medium/low. I get REALLY sweaty teaching step, but I'm pretty sure if I did the same routine as a student, I would hardly sweat at all.

Another reason for using lighter weights is that once, I used a heavier weight, couldn't finish the set and had to drop the weight. Kind of embarrassing!





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Avatar for soleilune
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 2:40pm
It shouldn't be embarassing, it shows you're human. You made the effort, but respected your body's limitations. I encourage participants to go a little heavier & drop down when their form starts to go.
Soleilune
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 2:41pm
I agree that the energy level is the more important.





iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 2:44pm
I felt like, when I was teaching the ball class, I should use my normal weights to show the class that, "If I can do it, so can you" w/out saying it.





iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 2:46pm
I can't imagine cue-ing cardio and taking it high intensity the whole time!





iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 2:51pm

the instructor isn't there to work out hard, she's there to motivate the participants and make sure they get a safe and effective workout. in any event, in any cardio class at least, the instructor IS working harder than the participants, regardless of how it appears. it's harder to teach a step class with no risers than to take the same step class with risers.


by the way, i think the best way to show advanced modifications is to show the normal way first, then show the advanced option, saying it's not for everyone, and then go back to doing it the normal way. if you show the harder way first, a lot of people will do whatever you show them first and therefore attempt exercises that are too advanced for them.


as far as what to do with the class, sometimes people will only do what the instructor does and it really helps if you do what you want them to. like in abs classes, i've noticed that the class has a tendency to stop doing the exercise if i stop. so i keep that in mind in determining what i do and what i don't do. in a toning type class, i usually use very light weights just for demonstration purposes, and tell the participants they need to use heavier weights. for one thing, you can't speak to give safety and form cues if you are straining through lifting a 15lb handweight.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 2:53pm
i've done that many times, and i don't think it's embarrassing, it is being a good role model.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 2:59pm

Yeah, that's how I've handled the more advanced options in the past.






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