To create an all-inclusive experience, provide meaningful and safe modifications for all poses and exercises. Think of these options as the key ingredients to teaching a successful group fitness class; they allow each participant to determine an individual, appropriate intensity level.
Instructors may evaluate participant “readiness” for Stability classes based on the following functional criteria and skill demonstration during other classes.
- Agility: ability to transfer weight in a standing position with support (forward, back, side to side)
- Coordination: simultaneous choreography utilizing the upper and lower body
- Strength: sufficient muscular strength and endurance to exercise in a standing position for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Levels of Intensity
Exercise variations are the ways in which we can modify exercises to accommodate participants’ varying skill levels, abilities, chronic conditions or limitations. It is through these options that we set the intensity of an exercise. We recommend that every instructor be prepared to provide one to two movement variations that allow participants to select more moderate or challenging exercise intensities. Range of motion, lever length, and balance variations will challenge stability. Provide progressive overload to target improvement.
Range of Motion: Coach participants to perform bigger movements for more intensity.
Lever Length: The “longer” the “limb,” the more intense the exercise.
Balance and Stability: Include multiple movement adaptations that provide challenge. Use the chair for support as needed. Consider static, dynamic and, sensorimotor variations.