BOOM MIND’s 30-45 minute classes can be taught as stand-alone workouts or combined with MUSCLE and MOVE to provide diversity and cross-training. With minimal required equipment and a highly adaptable format, BOOM MIND may also be offered as part of a SilverSneakers FLEX™ program.
Optional Floor Work
You may find that some class members are unable to get down on the floor for mat-work. Be prepared either to teach the entire class in a standing position or to offer standing options should this be the case. For liability reasons, instructors are discouraged from helping class members down to the mat. When teaching floor options, ask participants to safely transition by kneeling with one leg, and using support of the opposite hand. Then, coach for the “all fours” and transition to your desired movement start position.
Equipment and Props
A proper yoga or Pilates (sticky) mat provides traction and comfort for standing and balancing poses and needed cushioning for floor-based postures and exercises. Typical “exercise mats” may be too cushioned and provide unnecessary balance challenges. When using a sticky mat, participants must remove shoes and socks while performing standing exercises to prevent slipping. If participants choose to wear shoes, they will perform standing exercises next to their yoga mat.
In addition to the specific options listed for each sample pose and exercise, you can use props not only to support and/or modify exercises but also to provide intensity options. Props may be used to provide height, weight, or support and help participants stretch, strengthen, balance, relax, and improve body alignment. The use of props can help teach participants specific actions such as “lifting the kneecaps,” “elongating the spine,” “opening the chest,” and other cues frequently heard in a mind-body class format. Examples of props that may be used in your MIND class include straps, blocks, mats, pillows, bolsters, blankets, a non-weighted ball, and other objects that help the participants experience the variations of the poses more profoundly. Help your participants feel comfortable using these tools.
For example:
- Standing triangle pose – support with hand on the hip, thigh, or the use of a block
- Seated or supine hamstring stretch – use a strap to offer more support with less contortion and strain
- Bridge pose – a ball or block may be placed between the legs to provide more inner thigh strength and alignment
- Standing tree – use the wall or a dowel for standing support
Scheduling for Success
BOOM MIND participants are those looking for a moderately intense mind-body workout. Since MIND participants are generally more active adults, schedule class times to best accommodate an individual who may actively volunteer, work, or participate in community activities.
Here is the class description to use for your schedule:
MIND takes the best from yoga and Pilates and combines them into one fusion class. Designed to relax the body and mind. The focus of this class is on core muscles, lower body strength and balance.
Some members may associate positively with the SilverSneakers name, and some may perceive the name as barrier to participation. For this reason, locations and instructors are invited to list BOOM MIND classes on their schedule one of two ways:
Class Schedule
SilverSneakers BOOM MIND
BOOM MIND