About the Book

In the constantly evolving world of fitness and exercise, it is challenging to become-and remain-an effective group exercise instructor. Methods of Group Exercise Instruction, Fourth Edition With Online Video, offers expert guidance in a variety of group exercise formats so current and aspiring instructors can hone their skills and create demand for their services. The authors-who have dozens of years of experience-thoroughly explain group exercise training principles, correction and progression techniques, and safety tips. They also have taught this course within a university setting. This research-based text will enhance the skills of group exercise leaders and prepare them to lead more dynamic, safe, and effective classes for clients of differing ages, abilities, and interests.

Methods of Group Exercise Instruction, Fourth Edition, goes beyond theory to help fitness instructors and managers understand the why behind class and program design, the proper way to cue participants, and the variety of modalities they can use in their teaching. Revised and reorganized based on current industry best practices, this edition includes the following:

• Over 100 minutes of online video demonstrating warm-ups, routines, drills, and 15 new class formats
• A new chapter dedicated specifically to instructing older adults
• New coverage of high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
• Two additional sample class plans for featured group exercise formats

The text also features a number of additional learning aids to help readers retain and apply the content. Pro Tips offer insights and expertise from industry veterans; boxes and sidebars highlight important topics, research findings, and technique and safety checks; practice drills offer opportunities to apply the information; and evaluation forms are provided to self-assess teaching success.

Methods of Group Exercise Instruction, Fourth Edition, will prepare any group fitness instructor for a successful career. Students will gain a strong foundation to earn their group fitness certification, and veteran instructors will be able to refine their skills to increase their marketability and success.

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