Safety Reminders for Classes
Below is practical guidance that will help you keep your classes as safe and effective as possible:
- Adhere to all safety guidelines in the SilverSneakers Foundations course and in this training.
- There is no floor work in this class. All exercises are performed in a chair or standing.
- Avoid high-risk exercises. Instead, choose movements with the lowest risk possible with the greatest benefit to your students.
- Cue class participants to work within their pain-free range of motion.
- Repetition recommendation – For many exercises, SilverSneakers recommends no more than one set of movement of 24 repetitions maximum for each exercise utilizing each muscle group.
- The SilverSneakers overhead exercise position is up and slightly in front of the body instead of directly above the head. Practicing this position will allow and assist in compensating for shoulder impingement.
- Work to improve your verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Because of the age-related deterioration that can occur to the visual, auditory and nervous systems of older adults, it is of critical importance that SilverSneakers instructors speak succinctly and cue with precise and specific directives without constant filler cues or conversational speech.
- Always cue for neutral wrist and shoulders. This position will protect the joints.
- Never give medical advice. Instead refer participants to a medical professional for questions about discomfort or injuries or any chronic condition that requires ongoing care and support from a healthcare professional.
Additional Safety Considerations:
- Class environment: Be certain the space utilized for class is well-lit, free of trip hazards and is kept at a comfortable temperature for exercise. Be aware of the trip hazard involved with moving on carpet if your class is held in a carpeted room. Hard, non-carpeted flooring like wood or vinyl is best for classes.
- To decrease fall risk, participants in class should wear shoes appropriate for exercise that provide optimal stability, traction and support for their joints. Sandals and flip flops increase fall risk and are not appropriate for SilverSneakers classes.
- Provide support: Help those who need you the most. Consider placing more frail or less familiar participants in the front row or next to you.
- For larger class sizes consider additional staff or support.
Emergency Action Plan
One of the primary responsibilities for a SilverSneakers instructor is managing safety. Risk management can be much different in a group setting than it is when working with individuals on a one-on-one basis. Below are some guidelines for managing risk in a SilverSneakers class environment.
Have an emergency action plan:
- Do you know how to exit the building if there is an emergency such as fire or flood? Be sure to know the layout of your building and always have an exit strategy.
- Do you have a plan in case of medical emergency during class?
- Take time to review your emergency plan with your class participants.
- Understanding the details of an emergency action plan can prevent a great degree of chaos if you ever need to instigate such a plan of action.
- Communicate with any aides that may be accompanying participants.
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