While SilverSneakers { } is a lower-intensity exercise class, safety remains essential.
Many older adults are living with one or more chronic conditions. As an instructor, you support participant safety by consistently reinforcing key reminders throughout class.
A helpful guideline is to provide at least three reminders during class related to:
- Breathing
- Posture
- Hydration
- Perceived exertion
These cues help participants stay aware of how their body feels and respond appropriately during movement.
Breathing cues
You play an important role in encouraging consistent breathing throughout class.
- Cue continuous breathing and avoid breath holding
- Encourage exhaling during the exertion phase of movement, especially during resistance exercises
- Use verbal interaction to naturally promote breathing
- Consider having participants count repetitions out loud to support consistent breathing
Posture
Postural awareness supports safe and effective movement.
- Use simple cues such as “sit tall” or “lengthen through the spine”
- Encourage participants to bring the chest up with shoulders relaxed and down
- When appropriate, guide participants to sit slightly forward on the chair to promote upright posture and core engagement
Hydration
Hydration is an important safety consideration.
- Encourage participants to drink water before, during, and after class
- Recognize that the sense of thirst may decrease with age
- Provide at least three opportunities for water breaks during class
- Offer additional hydration breaks when intensity increases or in warm environments
Perceived Exertion
Perceived exertion helps participants monitor how they feel during activity.
- Cue perceived exertion at least three times throughout class
- Use a simple 1 to 3 scale to guide intensity:
- 1 = light effort
- 2 = moderate effort
- 3 = somewhat challenging effort
- Encourage participants to adjust movement based on how they feel