Group exercise types/genres

Section 1: Introduction to group exercise

In recent years, instructing studio-based classes has become a profession for many exercise instructors. In the 1980s the majority of instructors used classes to boost their income or simply to teach for fun. Nowadays most instructors rely on regular teaching as their sole source of income, and the competition is high for freelance instructors. Sessions need to be well planned and organised. Today, there are numerous types/genres of group exercise classes available to suit a wide range of interests and goals. Some of these types are listed below but there are also others.

Group exercise types/genres

Approach

Circuit training

Description

Circuit training is a form of cardiovascular, strength and endurance training. Exercises are set at stations and will be a mixture of cardiovascular, weight training and body weight exercises. Between each station and planned exercise there is often a rest given before moving onto the next station/exercise. Circuits can cover a whole body workout or they can be designed to target specific areas. In one complete session you can meet the needs of a variety of individuals as each person can work at their own pace. A great group class which can cater for all. Circuit training promotes healthy heart and lungs plus it’s known to have a high calorific output.

Exercise to music (ETM) (freestyle and prechoreographed) Exercise to music classes, known traditionally as ‘Aerobics’, are a form of exercise where you work major muscle groups in patterns rhythmically to music. Utilising each beat of music. Each exercise is taken through a full range of movement whilst improving the cardiovascular and respiratory systems during the aerobic curve. Thus giving the benefit of a whole body workout.

Most classes will also provide exercises for muscular strength & endurance and a stretch section to increase flexibility. There are two main types:

• Freestyle classes are where the instructor has control over preparing the class. This includes all choreography and all the exercises. It allows you to be creative while taking different skill levels into consideration. Freestyle

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group exercise to music allows you to create your own individual/personal style whilst delivering a balanced safe and effective class.

• Pre-choreographed classes are prepared classes where you follow a specific routine and format. They are also for a specified amount of time. Sometimes you must also use the music that comes with the programme and you will also pay for the updates (an example of a pre choreographed programme would be Les Mills –

BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT, BODYATTACK etc.).

Group indoor cycling Group indoor cycling is an organised activity with a group fitness format. Classes focus on endurance, strength, interval, and high intensity training using the stationary bike. There are many different class formats, for example, those that focus on using the music to simulate an ‘outdoor journey’ with varying profiles and others that might focus on heart rate training or more specific fitness goals.

Dance based classes Dance based classes such as Zumba or Street Dance are mostly aerobically focussed and choreographed classes.

Yoga/Pilates classes Mat-based Yoga and Pilates classes are an organised activity with a group fitness format. Classes are mind-body focussed with an emphasis on strength and mobility/flexibility together with breath control. With both Pilates and Yoga there is a focus on quality of movement and posture. With a more spiritual focus, postures/movements tend to be held for longer periods of time with Yoga (dependent on the types – ranging from Ashtanga to Hatha) whereas in Pilates they tend to be more dynamic.

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