Older adult group fitness classes are often categorized as specialty classes with a “one size fits all” approach. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. The diversity among those 65 years and older has one of the largest spans in any population. Due to physical activity level, chronic conditions and other risk factors, you will see a wide variety of functional ability in your participants, regardless of chronological age.
While it would be easier to teach to a group with the same fitness ability, the reality is, our classes include individuals with different goals and needs. Preparation is required to successfully lead those who desire a more challenging workout along with those who may be new, working at a lower fitness level or managing pain.
Signature SilverSneakers™ and BOOM™ group exercise classes are designed to focus on specific fitness-related components that attract people with all abilities. Knowledge and understanding of the class format you are teaching will ensure you are providing a safe and effective multi-level class. Planning for the exercises and combinations to be provided in class, including a variation that offers a simpler or easier approach as well as a variation that provides a challenge, will engage all in a multi-level class.
SilverSneakers instructors lead classes within our approved partnering locations or with SilverSneakers FLEX®, our independent instructor network. We offer eight distinct class options to suit a wide range of member abilities, skills and fitness goals. All signature classes have similar components and are designed to improve health- and skill- related fitness components.
Skill-related fitness components
There are five skill-related components of fitness: agility, balance, coordination, speed/reaction, power. Each skill area plays an important role in improving functional performance. Teach drills to improve the five skill-related components of fitness in each signature class. To help remember these skills, use the acronym “ABCS-Please”.
A – Agility
The ability to move quickly and accurately change one’s body position.
B – Balance
The ability to maintain equilibrium while stationary (static) or moving (dynamic).
C – Coordination
The ability to smoothly and accurately perform complex movements.
S – Speed/Reaction Time
Speed – The ability to perform a movement within a short period of time.
Reaction time – The amount of time it takes to respond to a stimulus.
P – Power
The ability to develop force quickly.
Health-related fitness components
There are five health-related components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and body composition.
Muscular strength – The ability to produce maximum force against resistance in a single contraction.
Muscular endurance – The ability to exert strength for an extended period of time.
Cardiovascular endurance – Any mode of continuous, rhythmic activity, utilizing large muscle groups and aerobic in nature.
Flexibility – A joint’s ability to move through a full and normal range of motion.
Body composition – The percentages of fat, muscle, bone and water in the body. A progressive strength training class can positively effect body composition, decreasing fat tissue and increasing muscle mass.
More information on specific SilverSneakers and BOOM class formats can be found in the online training for each class. A class planning outline can be found in the reference section of each class training. This tool can be very helpful as you plan your exercise choreography for the class you will be teaching.