How you prepare for, and lead, your class are important aspects of teaching and will ultimately affect your participants’ overall experience. Here are key considerations for your class.
Music
- Music for SilverSneakers Yoga should create a relaxing atmosphere; therefore, beat-driven “workout” music should not be used in this class.
Mirror Image Cuing
- Teach class facing your participants to offer optimal visibility and to increase motivation.
- Utilize mirror image cueing, essentially becoming a mirror for class participants.
- While this practice may be challenging at first, it is the most intuitive and safe way to teach a SilverSneakers class.
Entrance, Action, Exit (EAE) Method
- Seamless transitions are an important part of teaching a safe, effective and fun SilverSneakers class.
How does it work:
- Entrance – Tell your participants what the movement is and where it begins.
- Action – Tell participants how to execute the movement with good form, along with options/variations.
- Exit – Tell class members what exercise is coming up next and how to transition.
Communicate Clearly
- Use the SilverSneakers Way of Coaching.
- Plan your poses and sequences to cue for action, direction and remaining number of breaths.
Be Prepared and Positive
- Plan your class in advance and be ready to make “on the spot” adjustments to your plan.
- Rehearse a movement or movement combination with your participants, presenting one task at a time.
- Avoid negative cues.