Those who choose to participate in a SilverSneakers group exercise class have the responsibility of knowing and working within their limitations. A SilverSneakers instructor’s positive group leadership empowers each participant with options. Encourage class participants to focus on what they can do instead of what they cannot do.
The time just before your class starts is optimal to prepare class participants for what they can expect during class and tips on getting the most out of the experience. Think about the class format you are teaching and prepare a brief introduction. Following are examples of pre-class instructions:
- Briefly explain the purpose of the class.
- Explain what equipment will be used in class.
- Set a goal such as focused breathing during the exercise or a variation of a stance during a more familiar exercise.
- Connect an exercise or movement combination to a daily activity and briefly explain how it will improve posture or performance.
- Prepare participants for a challenge you have planned.
- Teach them how to gauge intensity using the perceived exertion chart.
- Coach them to work within a pain-free range of motion.
- Encourage them to look forward to something special in the relaxation segment of class.
- Provide tips on working within their own limits. You might say:
- “I’ll be providing lots of options for our exercises today. Choose the variation that is best for you.”
- “Please let me know if an exercise doesn’t feel right or causes pain. I want to help you get stronger and learn a better option for the exercise.”
- “Be sure to follow any guidance provided by your doctor. If you have a question about an exercise we do in class, please talk with me after class.”
Below are additional ideas for SilverSneakers signature classes. If you are teaching independently with FLEX, include cues and prompts that best serve your specified format.
Class
Pre-Class Instructions
SilverSneakers Classic
“Be sure to listen to your body. If an exercise is uncomfortable, watch and listen for my cues providing alternative exercise options. Choose what is best for you today.”
SilverSneakers Circuit
“In the middle of each cardio segment we will have a 30-second intensity challenge of 10 seconds work and 5 seconds break, 2x to equal 30 seconds. Challenge yourself to reach a perceived exertion of 6-7-8.”
SilverSneakers Yoga
“Focus on your breathing during the exercises to help you achieve greater flexibility in a range of motion that is right for you.”
SilverSneakers Splash
“We will be using our SilverSneakers kickboard in three new exercises to increase our power. Each exercise will have a base move and a progression to make the movement more challenging. Choose the safe challenge for you.”
SilverSneakers Stability
“I have included a few new rhythmic variations to our gait training that will challenge your reaction. This will teach you how to recover if you lose your balance.”
BOOM MUSCLE
“The action interval will have three variations to progress the intensity of the work. Choose the appropriate challenge for you today.”
BOOM MOVE
“I have a new dance move for you today that will challenge your coordination. Don’t worry. I’ll break down each segment before we put it all together and you will have the opportunity to choose to work at a smaller or larger range of motion that is best for you.”
BOOM MIND
“Today’s class is all standing. We will practice classic standing poses from yoga, Pilates, and athletic stretching to challenge our muscular endurance.”