One way the coaching experience is unique in Stability is the option to lead classes without music.
SilverSneakers Stability is designed to meet the needs of individual participants, who are encouraged to go at their own pace regardless of the beat of the music or instructor speed. We suggest that instructors only use music for motivation or to create a welcoming environment. It is not critical that these exercises be taught “to the beat.”
Consider the speed at which one finds balance is different for every participant. It is more important that members have enough time to find, hold and work through balance exercises than to perform each movement in time to the music. Consider practicing an exercise for a specific amount of time instead of a specific number of reps. This way, participants can move at their own speed.
The SilverSneakers Way of Coaching helps instructors optimize their class leadership through a prescriptive communication model.
- Observe: When teaching, describe the exercise while you demonstrate and observe their movement and range of motion. When you notice the range of motion begins to decrease, there is a good chance they are very fatigued and this allows you to move to the next drill or movement pattern. Provide movement adaptations for progressions and regressions based on participants’ skills and abilities.
- Cueing: Cueing feels very different in this type of class. Words like “explore the move,” “work slow,” “work fast,” “notice which side of your body feels stronger,” allows participants to discover which side of their body is now their dominant side. With age, inactivity, injuries and lifestyle choices, an individual’s dominant side may have shifted and adaptations may need to be made in order to compensate for this shift.
- Pre-class Leadership: The pre-class instructions you provide at the beginning of your class will guide the safety and effectiveness of your class. Communicate logistical information such as class layout and equipment set-up as well as the goals and structure of the format.
Cues may include:
- Keep your chin and shoulders level.
- Imagine there is string connected to the top of your head that is being pulled toward the ceiling.
- Focus on keeping a long and strong spine.
- Aim for controlled instability.
- Move the shoulders and hips together.
- Balance exercises may and should be done every day for best result.
- Practice makes permanent! Practice correct form for movement mastery. Adaptations may need to be made in order to compensate for this shift.