In this lesson you will learn about the basic skills necessary to lead participants through the best possible class experience.
- Focus on how your awareness while teaching your class helps you elevate these skills.
- Think about how your participants benefit from your ability to prepare, observe, demonstrate and communicate clearly.
Our members appreciate authentic, knowledgeable instructors. The guidelines and tips in this section can help you become the best instructor you can be!
Observe – Be observant when teaching class. Teach from a standing position as much as possible and face your class so you can better observe and interact with them.
Demonstrate – Demonstrate with precision, using concise verbal cues, clear visual cues and impeccable form and alignment. An effective teaching strategy for Classic would be to work across the front of the room and into the center of the room when appropriate, while keeping your “home base” for instruction at the front of the room. This practice helps all participants feel like they are part of the community.
Communicate – Speak slowly and clearly, making sure your cues are simple and direct. Keep the tone of each cue positive, avoiding the use of negative cues like “don’t.” Be certain to demonstrate the proper form and alignment for each exercise instead of showing how “not” to perform any specific movement.
Preparation – Always be prepared to teach. Great instructors come with a plan and are ready to make on-the-spot adjustments.
- Rehearse movements and combinations with your participants, presenting one task at a time.
- Avoid rapid transitions and choreography changes.
- Plan ahead and rehearse your cues to include action, direction, and remaining number of repetitions.
Pre-class instructions – Pre-class instruction is critical for a safe and successful class experience. It sets the stage and helps prepare students for an effective class. Use cues like:
- “You may sit or stand for the class.”
- “Work at your own pace.”
- “Make sure to get water when you need it, but I’ll give you reminders.”
- “Pay attention to how you are feeling while you are working today and make any necessary adjustments.”
- “No movement in today’s class should cause pain or discomfort. If any exercise does not work with your body, give yourself permission to sit that exercise out. Join us when you are ready!”
- “Be certain to follow any instructions given to you by your physician.”