If you teach a SilverSneakers class, you know that SilverSneakers has some guidelines for working with seniors that other classes may not have. They, also, have a class format which includes 6 distinct segments: Warm-up, Range-of-Motion Stretches, Tools, Cool-down, Final Stretches, and Relaxation segment.
As an Instructor Coordinator with SilverSneakers I get to see many different instructors every year. They all have their own style and I get tons of great ideas! It amazes me to see the energy that is put into making these classes so effective and fun!!! We have the best group of instructors anywhere!!
Because we're all striving to do the best job we can, I want to share the most common mistakes I see. They are:
And Finally - The Number One Mistake I See Is:
Not teaching from a standing position or moving so that all can see You! Many times instructors think that they need to sit when their participants are sitting. They think that if they stand, their class will stand, too. First, you can start a move sitting and then stand. Let your class know that you are standing so that you can see them and they can see you. This is especially important in a large class! Second, you may have some that chose to stand when you do and this is okay! They always have the option to stand or sit in Muscular Strength and Range of Motion. They'll figure it out as they get used to seeing you stand. Also, move to the sides of the room if your class is facing the sides of the room (such as in the "swim" move we do). This way your class can see you and keep a neutral spinal alignment through the neck and back. Standing, when possible, will improve communication and participation in your class!
That's it! My top Six. I hope these are a good reminder of why we do things the way we do in our classes. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please let me know.
The postings on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent SilverSneakers' positions, strategies, or opinions.
As an Instructor Coordinator with SilverSneakers I get to see many different instructors every year. They all have their own style and I get tons of great ideas! It amazes me to see the energy that is put into making these classes so effective and fun!!! We have the best group of instructors anywhere!!
Because we're all striving to do the best job we can, I want to share the most common mistakes I see. They are:
Six Most Common Mistakes I See
#6- Forgetting to add the dynamic Range-of-Motion stretches after the Warm-up. These stretches start with the hips and shoulders and are followed by the neck, elbows, ankles, wrists, and fingers. Rhythmic ROM stretches are slow and purposeful allowing for participants to set their own pace as they move through the full ROM.
#5- Forgetting to add the Relaxation Segment at the end of class. Other classes may end with stretches and breathing but in SS classes, you want to allow your participants to sit all the way back in their chairs and relax for a few minutes. This is a time to include stress relief techniques such as: deep breathing, tighten/release, thought of the day, visualizations, affirmations, jokes, poems, etc. I have lots of resources for you on this blog. Remember, the relaxation segment is your signature on your class!
#4- Forgetting to acknowledge goals, pacing, and Perceived Exertion heart rate chart during the beginning of class. Many of our participants have never had a gym membership before SilverSneakers. We need to make sure they know how to pace themselves and set goals that challenge themselves at a safe level. Since many participants are on medications, the PE chart which uses a scale from 1 - 10, is a more effective way to judge how hard a participant is working than taking a pulse. This is, also, a good time to mention drinking water and modifications such as they can stand or sit, use the tools or not, etc.
#3- Cuing or modeling forward flexion at the hip greater than 45 degrees. If you are sitting up straight in a chair and then lean forward halfway between chair back and knees, this is 45 degrees. Often instructors are very flexible and go too far forward without noticing it. Seniors may have weakness in their spine or osteoporosis without even knowing it. Great force is placed on their vertebrae, compressing them, when they bend forward. This can cause fractures in this population.
#2- Forgetting to coach to "step/reach to the side" for water or equipment stored under the chair. Make sure your participants are sitting and then cue for them to step to the side, place opposite hand on the thigh and lean to the side. This keeps their heads above their hearts and protects their lower backs.
And Finally - The Number One Mistake I See Is:
Not teaching from a standing position or moving so that all can see You! Many times instructors think that they need to sit when their participants are sitting. They think that if they stand, their class will stand, too. First, you can start a move sitting and then stand. Let your class know that you are standing so that you can see them and they can see you. This is especially important in a large class! Second, you may have some that chose to stand when you do and this is okay! They always have the option to stand or sit in Muscular Strength and Range of Motion. They'll figure it out as they get used to seeing you stand. Also, move to the sides of the room if your class is facing the sides of the room (such as in the "swim" move we do). This way your class can see you and keep a neutral spinal alignment through the neck and back. Standing, when possible, will improve communication and participation in your class!
That's it! My top Six. I hope these are a good reminder of why we do things the way we do in our classes. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please let me know.
The postings on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent SilverSneakers' positions, strategies, or opinions.
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