As a group exercise instructor, you must stay within your professional scope.
Your role is to:
- Teach safe movement
- Provide appropriate options and modifications
- Encourage participation
Participants may ask about pain or specific conditions. In these situations:
- Do not diagnose or prescribe treatment
- Do not create individualized rehabilitation programs
Instead:
- Encourage participants to listen to their body
- Ask them to stop if pain increases
- Recommend consulting a qualified healthcare provider when needed
Staying within your scope supports both participant safety and your professional integrity.
Referral Reminder
When a participant reports persistent or worsening symptoms, encourage them to seek guidance from their physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Pain or Discomfort:
- Sharp, sudden or radiating pain (especially down the leg)
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in arms or legs
- Pain that worsens during or after class
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Unexplained weight loss, fever or general unwellness with back pain
Instructor Role:
- Stop exercising immediately if severe discomfort occurs
- Encourage participants to seek a physician or physical therapist
- Do not diagnose and be sure to remain within your role
Lesson Takeaways:
- Stay within your professional scope by providing safe instruction, appropriate options and general movement guidance.
- Recognize when a participant’s symptoms require them to stop exercising and seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.