I've been teaching classes for a little over a year now (love it more each day), and am by no means done learning or a pro at instructing! As an instructor, I am always looking to continue my fitness and health education. But today, I want to focus on INSTRUCTION, and specifically offering corrections in a group fitness setting.
When I notice someone with incorrect form, I usually call out a reminder ("remember to keep your abs engaged and back in a neutral position!"), and most of the time I see that person fix them self. However, there are some times when I notice a student is TOTALLY off, and nothing I am saying is registering (maybe they are in the zone or thinking about something else). When I am not demoing, and instead walking around observing, I will offer specific corrections and follow it up with something positive ("bring your knees back just a little bit behind your toes, there, excellent, great form!"), but I'm usually demoing and instructing at the same time. Also, I constantly offer to the class that if they are having trouble with a certain movement, that I'm happy to "break a movement down" if they can stay for a few minute after. No one, so far, has taken me up on that offer, although there's a few folks that I think could benefit from it! I also think the way students take direction and corrections from an instructor greatly depends on their relationship with them. Although I have my regulars and students who are now my friends (and therefore, don't mind any corrections I give them, and usually are the ones ASKING if what they are doing is correct), there are some folks who are on the quieter side, and just show up, do the work out, and leave.
So, if you're an instructor, I want to know:
*Do you address the group as a whole when a correction needs to be made to one student? Or just to the student them self?
*Do you physically put your hands on them to help make the correction if your words just aren't enough or they don't understand what you mean?
*Do you have any tips for getting folks to stay after for a few minutes to help them work on their form or learn a certain exercise?
*What are the ways you make your shyer students feel comfortable and appreciative about corrections (and not embarrassed)?
If you're a group fitness class-taker, I want to know:
*How would you prefer to be corrected?
*Do you find us physically helping to correct form offensive if words just aren't working?
xo Jackie
I tend to make a general announcement with reminders about form, but I am always walking around and speaking with people specifically if their form needs little corrections. I do lightly place my hands on them if necessary, but if they're sweaty i try to avoid that:)Most of the time, my members approach me after if they are having trouble with the moves, but even with extra help, sometimes it seems hopeless for people to "get it". I try to say how it's a hard move and tough to get, but once you "get it" you'll be perfect. Fun post! and a tricky thing to deal with, for sure:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing how you help your students with corrections! I agree it's tricky but sometimes despite all the reminders and tips given, it just comes with practice! Therefore- everyone- GET IN MY CLASSES SO YOU CAN WORK YOUR BODY BETTER AND HARDER EACH TIME! :-) ~Jackie
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