About the Book

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