Show Respect to Your Class Participants
- Be early to class and allow sufficient time for set-up with equipment, music preparation and to greet participants.
- If someone is new to class- attempt to find out if they are new to exercise, a seasoned exerciser and if they have any medical or joints issues you should be aware of.
- Ask participants how they like to be addressed example: Ms. Mrs. first name, Dr.
- If you have to cancel class attempt to notify all participants via phone call, email, text etc.
- Be prepared for class with a lesson plan.
- Act in a professional manor and dress appropriately for class.
- If you play music – make sure your music is appropriate for class regarding style, beats per music, and volume of music.
- If a large group consider wearing a microphone so class participants may hear you easily. (Remember as we age our hearing declines.)
- Keep confidential information confident! Participants will let others know if they decide they want others to know about their recent surgery and/or other health issues.
Responsibilities of a Certified Instructor
- Be certified to teach the class that you are teaching. There are general classes and specialty class and land exercise is unique to water exercise. There are similarities but many differences.
- Continue to maintain your certification by continuing to earn your CEC credits or new specialty Certifications for an on time renewal (virtual training, home study or onsite education).
- Get certified in CPR, First Aid and AED or lifeguarding qualifications to maintain Emergency safety qualifications.
- If you are an independent contractor -protect yourself and purchase your own liability insurance.
Be an Advocate for Teaching Basic Safety Skills
- Be aware of who are the new or frail in land classes or non-swimmers in your water classes.
- Recommend participants to bring essential items to class: Example Bottled water and wear layered clothing if cooler temperatures and have proper clothing for exercise. With Water exercise often a bathing suit does not keep clients warm in cooler water –they may need long sleeve shirt or thermal vest.
- Be sure the footwear is appropriate for type of class. Even deep water exercisers are well served with wearing shoes (they have to work harder with lower body). Example and promote the benefits of aquatic shoes.
- Show participants how to balance and their space. Mention that they do not have to keep up to their neighbor in the class or the instructor.
- Teach RPE (rate of perceived exertion) going at your personal best level of intensity.
Be a Positive Role Model
- When you teach you are essential on stage and should always display a positive healthy attitude.
- Be in control of your class. Have tips to keep everyone moving (and not just talking).
- Be sure to enjoy some fun in class with some friendly interaction exercises. Ask questions and be sure that everyone is learning and not just talking and being disruptive through the entire class.
Master the Fundamentals of Teaching
- Tell class what your class format is.
- Instruct them on the goals of the class and some basic exercises.
- Offer clear demonstrations and be sure to show the exercise several ways (facing forward, facing profile).
- Allow the class time to perform the exercises – be sure not to simply rush through the moves. If they like an exercise or want to master the move – then repeat the exercise again.
- Give permission and demonstrate how to modify an exercise (less intensity, less range of motion, less impact or vertical stress, slower) and remind them to move as much or as little as they can.
- Remember not everyone learns the same way! Say and perform an exercise in at least 3 different ways (especially if they are not getting it).
Acknowledge Your Class Preference but Be Prepared to Be Flexible If Needed
- Offer beginner exercises for the new person to perform if they are not able to keep up wih the regular class.
- Work oppositional movement to help with coordination and balance.
- If you have new participants consider teaching arm movements then leg movements separately until they master the move.
Stick to a Routine but Mix is Up
- A warm up is critical to safety – be sure to allow enough time for the joints, muscles, and mind to prepare.
- Offer intervals of training different components of fitness in the workout of the class and tell them what they are training.
- When appropriate utilize different equipment especially for different classes.
- Offer theme days for various holidays.
Give Home-Work Assignments
- Suggest they try a few stretches for every day benefits
- Emphasize that balance and posture is trained and learned so try to give functional daily activities such as when you are on the phone pull your abdominals tight and relax the shoulders.
- Give them handouts or links on Health & Fitness topics to inspire their journey and expand their knowledge.
Social Aspect of Class is Very Important for the Active Aging Participant
- Attending your class could be the only interaction with the outside world. Be sure to learn names and interests of your regulars and new people.
- Schedule a pot-luck luncheon where everyone brings their healthy and favorite dish to share.
- Add a smile throughout the class to help everyone feel welcome and some happiness through the class.
Realize Not everyone is computer savvy.
- Many facilities are transferring to more online class registration systems, forms and information.
- WaterART offers the Aging Well Fitness App. Help someone learn how to view some videos via their smart device. Hopefully this gives some participants some healthy ideas to keep moving.
- Be patient and assist participants with learning new information –often the younger exercisers are happy to help less technological people learn the technology. This may be a bond that keeps their journey interesting and interactive.
submitted by Sharon Siskey
