Class format

[laventi]

Hi Cathe! Saw that you are back at the Forums, so I thought I would shoot this one to you. I start teaching a strength class next week.. The class meets two days/week. The question is, how often should I change the style/exercises of the class. To date I have just been subbing and so every class I taught I did something different. I have two others classes I will teach in addition to this one, so, although I want to keep each class fresh, how much variety do I need each time?

Hope this is clear (semi-clear ).Thanks in advance for any advice!

Lynn in Columbus, Ohio.

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Lynn! I would suggest changing every 2 to 4 weeks depending on how often your students weight train on their own. Some people like doing the same exercises for a set period of time so that they know whats coming and select the appropriate weights for a continuous challenge(in this case change every 4 weeks). Some people like variety and would rather have their muscles stimulated through variety rather than ultra intensity (in this case change every 2 weeks). If you have a mixed group, then stay with general and classic exercises but offer different hand grips or types of equipment for those who need some variety. Of course this is just a suggestion or rather a starting point. Over time you and your members will grow together and shape the class to meet the needs of the majority. Good luck!