teaching group fitness/overuse problems

[newswoman13]

Dear Cathe (or anyone else who wants to help!):

I teach 3 BodyWorks (aka aerobics w/ weights, alternating upper/lower body exercises with medium weight) per week, and I'm looking for tips to avoid overtraining. I'm beginning to feel the strain and ache in my shoulders from exercises people love(overhead press, medial delt presses, etc.). I've decreased my weights (we don't get that heavy anyway, 10 lbs max, so I tend to increase the reps, 16-20 per set). It's sort of common sense -- like, duh, don't lift heavy/too much for the shoulders...I suppose I'll keep stressing to my class to listen to their bodies instead of basing their poundage off what I'm lifting.

So, for other instructors, how do you say: LOOK PEOPLE, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!!! Plus, so many of them won't go above wimpy 5 lbs weights for all their exercises. Anyway, I try not to judge b/c someone might have worked out hard the day before -- so I guess key is to be very descriptive and set an example by listening to my own body. Hmmm...did I just answer my own question? :*

 

[Aquajock]

Yes, you did just answer your question.

Another solution is, with each set, to only demonstrate a couple of reps of each drill or lift to get the class started, then lower your own weights and focus on the participants' form and do individualized cueing. If you find that they rely on your performance of the reps to follow along, simply do them weightless, or lighten up your weights even more. And don't forget to STRETCH STRETCH STRETCH - Stretch Max can be your best friend if you're a GFI.

A-Jock