Thursday Journal

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Thursday Journal
25
Thu, 03-10-2005 - 8:12am

I'm working at the food pantry and then going ski trip shopping today.






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Avatar for soleilune
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 03-11-2005 - 9:07am

Unfortunately its not a new instructor issue at all.

How do i deal w/ it? First I do what you did - repeat the cues pointedly & try rephrasing them. Over the years I've learned to say the same things in a zillion different ways. Next, if a significant portion of the class is having some sort of difficulty I just move on to something else. However, if it's just one or two people I either go to them and tell them (in the case of the inexperienced/uncoordinated or something that's difficult to express verbally), in a positive manner, what they're doing incorrectly and how to fix it OR (for those who are just choosing not to listen or figure they know better) I'll just let it go since I can't force anyone to do anything - they've been shown & told the correct form but its up to them to use it. I always explain why I've asked people to do things a certain way and the risk/benefit involved so they feel they're making an informed choice instead of just being bossed around.

It never ceases to be a a concern or terribly frustrating, but quite frankly it helps make us better, more concientious instructors. It keeps us focused; reminds us that its not easy for everyone & that every group is different even if its the same class; we learn to think on our feet; become more creative in our choice of exercise/choreography & how we present it and we have to thoroughly understand what we are doing and why we're doing it.

Soleilune
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 03-11-2005 - 11:39am
Thanks, soleil.





Avatar for soleilune
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 03-11-2005 - 11:56am
I try to apply P.T. techniques in classes as much as possible, but you can only do so much in a group situation. Just concentrate on how you phrase things, (this is where going to other classes is a boon - you can hear different ways of expressing the same idea) and try to demonstrate both correct AND incorrect form, always keeping your own safety in mind. One of the most effective tools I've found is to show an exaggeration of poor form followed immediately by how to correct it. Often people don't realize they're using bad form until they see what it looks like. Also encourage them to be aware of how good form feels different from bad, as well as to look at the themselves. Often people focus entirely on the instructor & actually have to be told to look at & feel what they're doing.
Soleilune
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 03-11-2005 - 12:04pm
It would be great to have a PT background. The other instructor I've been working with has one. I felt like record up there, saying "BEND YOUR KNEES!" again and again.





Avatar for soleilune
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 03-11-2005 - 12:25pm
I used these techniques before i became a P.T.. Part of my certification course in group fitness covered adult education, so we learned some of these techniques to facilitate learning, as opposed to 'doing'. I approach every class w/ the mindset that I'm going to offer them something that they can take w/ them when the class is over to apply in any other workout - group or indvidual. Most of the rest i developed through experience and feedback. A P.T. has to take a more focused and individualized approach and gets more direct feedback on what's effective & what's not, so the techniques are the same.
Soleilune

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