The SilverSneakers Chair
SilverSneakers EnerChi is appropriate for all levels of fitness. While the class can be taught from an entirely standing position, all participants and the instructor should have a chair. The availability of a chair increases class participation, offering both standing stability and seated support options. Instructors are responsible for managing the class set up to be welcoming and safe for all and minimizing the risk for tripping hazards. Invite participants to sit down at any time during the class if they feel tired or unsteady on their feet.
Standing with support:
- Forms are modified to flow forward and backward and side to side. Cue participants to know where the chair is at all times to reduce tripping hazard. Instructors are responsible for making risk vs. benefit exercise decisions, knowing where and how a form will flow in relation to the chair. Position participants to the side or back of the chair for standing stability support.
- Water bottles should be placed on the seat of the chair for easy and safe retrieval.
Seated:
- Participants are welcome to practice SilverSneakers EnerChi from a seated position. Many benefits can come from practicing upper body movement and torso rotation while focusing on deep breathing. Coach participants to sit forward in the chair, with their chest up and shoulders back and down.
- Water bottles should be placed under the chair to reduce tripping hazard.
- In order to retrieve water from under the chair, instructors should cue to “step to the side and lean/reach to the side.” Place one foot to the side, bringing the opposite hand to the thigh for support while reaching to the outside of the leg, encouraging lateral spinal flexion. Following this procedure every time water is retrieved or set back under the chair plays a critical role in keeping each class participant’s back safe and as pain free as possible.
The Perceived Exertion Chart
Using the SilverSneakers perceived exertion chart of 1 to 3 for mind-body classes provides reliable feedback from class participants for safety and understanding. Review the chart before every class, even when members “know it.” Establish this habit and the expectation for reliable, accurate feedback in all your SilverSneakers classes.
The chart is color coordinated with numbers and descriptions. It is “okay” for a member to find her/himself in 3 or the “red zone” if s/he is losing her/his balance, for example.
1= feeling good, relaxed, confident
2= warmed-up, pushing a little, breathing deeper, stretching more
3= straining, overexerting, out of breath, losing balance, feeling unsafe
Music
Using music in SilverSneakers EnerChi class is the instructor’s choice. Many people find that practicing EnerChi with music is a pleasant “moving meditation” experience. If music will be used, SilverSneakers recommends quiet, relaxing music with no identifiable beat. Soft music with Chinese instruments can provide an exotic and soothing learning environment. Our music partner, Yes!Fitness music, offers a wide selection of appropriate music that can be used in SilverSneakers EnerChi. As a SilverSneakers instructor you can receive a discount on all Yes!Fitness music.
Redeem your discount on all other great music available from Yes! Fitness Music here: www.getyesgo.com/silver