In the constantly changing world of fitness and exercise, it’s a challenge to become an effective group exercise instructor. Methods of Group Exercise Instruction, 4th Edition offers expert advice in a variety of group exercise formats so you are able to hone your skills and create demand for your services. Authors Mary Yoke and Carol Armbruster thoroughly explain group exercise training principles, correction and progression techniques and safety tips. This research-based text enhances your skills and prepares you to lead dynamic, safe and effective classes. Methods of Group Exercise Instruction, 4th Edition goes beyond the theory to help you understand the why behind class and programme design. You will also learn the proper way to cue participants and the variety of modalities you can use in your teaching. Revised and reorganised based on current industry best practices, this brand new edition includes over 100 minutes of online video, a new chapter dedicated to instructing older adults, new coverage of high-intensity interval training and two sample class plans. The text also features a number of additional learning aids to help you retain and apply the content. Boxes and sidebars highlight important topics, research findings and technique and safety checks. Methods of Group Exercise Instruction, 4th Edition prepares you for a successful career as a group fitness instructor.

Table of Contents:
Part I. Fundamentals of Group Exercise Instruction Chapter 1. Best Practices Evolution of Group Exercise Trends in Group Exercise Education, Credentialing, and Certification Creating Group Cohesion Student-Centered Versus Teacher-Centered Instruction Instructors as Role Models Creating a Healthy Emotional Environment Basic Business Practices for Group Exercise Chapter 2. Foundational Components Integrating Components of Health Into Class Design Principles of Muscle Balance Balancing Strength and Flexibility Range of Motion for Major Joints Progressive Functional Training Continuum Create the Preclass Environment Chapter 3. Coaching-Based Concepts Motivational Strategies for Coaching-Based Group Exercise Creating Dynamic Team Environments Exercise Modification for Injury Prevention Demonstrating Proper Alignment and Giving a Variety of Cues Programming Music in a Class That Is Not Beat-Based Chapter 4. Beat-Based Techniques Applying Music Skills in Group Exercise Choreography Basic Moves Elements of Variation Creating Smooth Transitions Combinations Additional Choreography Techniques Cueing Methods in Group Exercise Part II. Primary Elements of Group Exercise Chapter 5. Warm-Up, Cool-Down, and Cardiorespiratory Training Designing a Warm-Up Evaluating Stretching in the Warm-Up Designing a Cool-Down Cardiorespiratory Training Systems Beginning Intensity Appropriate Intensity Levels Intensity Monitoring Principles of Muscle Balance in Cardiorespiratory Training Safety Issues, Good Alignment, and Technique Importance of Participant Interaction and Enjoyment Cool-Down After the Cardio Segment Chapter 6. Muscular Conditioning Recommendations and Guidelines for Muscular Conditioning Cueing Muscular Conditioning Exercises Demonstrating Progressions, Regressions, Modifications, and Alternatives Safety Issues in Muscular Conditioning Equipment for Muscle Conditioning Chapter 7. Flexibility Training Recommendations and Guidelines for Flexibility Training Cueing Flexibility Exercises Safety Issues in Flexibility Training Flexibility Exercises End-of-Class Flexibility Work Chapter 8. Neuromotor and Functional Training Neuromotor Training Principles and Recommendations Functional Training Principles Safety Issues in Balance and Functional Training Equipment for Balance and Functional Training Teaching a Balance Class Teaching a Functional Training Class Chapter 9. Teaching Older Adults Modalities in Group Exercise for Older Adults Understanding Aspects of Aging Pertinent to Group Exercise Guidelines and Special Considerations Facilitating Social Connections in Group Exercise for Older Adults Exercise Modifications for Deconditioned Older Adults Teaching a Chair-Based Class for Older Adults Part III. Group Exercise Modalities Chapter 10. Kickboxing Creating a Warm-Up Technique and Safety Issues Basic Moves Combinations and Choreography Techniques Other Kickboxing Formats Chapter 11. Step Training Creating a Warm-Up Technique and Safety Issues Basic Moves and Step Patterns Basic Combinations and Choreography Techniques Training Systems Chapter 12. Stationary Indoor Cycling Positioning, Alignment, and Safety Creating a Warm-Up Basic Moves Formatting Indoor Cycling Classes Intensity Monitoring Cueing and Coaching Techniques Chapter 13. Boot Camp and HIIT Creating a Warm-Up Equipment and Setup Planning Safe, Effective Movements Basic Moves Chapter 14. Water Exercise Benefits of Water Exercise Properties of Water and Newton’s Laws of Motion Creating a Warm-Up Formatting Water Fitness Classes Training Systems Water Exercise Equipment Chapter 15. Yoga Philosophy of Yoga Breathwork in Yoga Beginning a Yoga Class Verbal Cues and Music Technique and Safety Issues Equipment and Class Setting Chapter 16. Pilates The Pilates Method: Basic Principles Creating a Warm-Up Cueing in Pilates Technique and Safety Issues Ending a Pilates Class Chapter 17. Other Modalities Creating a Client-Centered Group Exercise Class Group Exercise for Niche Markets Lifestyle-Based Physical Activity Classes Dance-Based Classes Equipment-Based Cardiorespiratory and Strength Training Mind–Body Classes Fusion Classes Ethical Practice Guidelines for Group Fitness Instructors Appendix A. Group Exercise Class Evaluation Form Appendix B. PAR-Q+ Appendix C. Sample Workout Plans Appendix D. Joint Action Tables Appendix E. ROM Tables