Chapter 1 | The Group Fitness Industry

Flashcards covering Chapter 1 notes on The Group Fitness Industry.

What is obesity as defined in the notes?

The condition of being considerably overweight; BMI of 30 or greater or at least 30 pounds over the recommended weight for height.

When did fitness begin evolving and what was the earliest form of group fitness?

Since the 1950s, starting with male-dominated health clubs and the first group fitness forms coined as aerobics.

What term replaced 'aerobic dance' as other group fitness formats emerged in the 1990s?

Group fitness (or group exercise).

What were the traditional three components in the AFAA definition of fitness?

Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility.

What additional elements have modern fitness training incorporated beyond the traditional trio?

Agility, power, speed, balance, and mind-body wholeness.

In what year did the Athletics (AFAA) publish its first textbook?

1985.

How many certifications has AFAA issued and in how many countries?

Over 350,000 certifications in 73 countries.

What are the five AFAA 5 Questions used to evaluate an exercise?

PURPOSE; EFFECTIVE; SAFE; ACCURATE; PARTICIPANTS.

What are the two larger objectives of the AFAA 5 Questions?

Effectiveness and risk (safety).

What is movement preparation in group fitness?

A comprehensive movement preparation segment replacing the traditional warm-up; it accounts for required range of motion, movement impairments, and corrective flexibility to reduce injury.

What is 'scope of practice' for a Group Fitness Instructor?

What the instructor can legally and ethically do, including knowledge, skills, abilities, processes, and limitations; responsibility to refer outside scope to qualified professionals.

Name a couple of responsibilities of Group Fitness Instructors within scope of practice.

Prepare and deliver science-based content; provide modifications; answer class questions; use equipment; maintain CPR/AED; refer outside scope to qualified professionals.

What is prohibited for Group Fitness Instructors under scope of practice?

Diagnosing health conditions or prescribing treatments.

What is the 'Instructor Tip' about referring participants to other professionals?

Referring participants to other experts when questions fall outside scope is appropriate and shows education, confidence, and respect for the participant.

What are the three methods of group fitness instruction?

Pre-choreographed; Pre-designed; Freestyle.

What is 'pre-choreographed' content?

Major components created by a single person/organization with a connecting theme or brand; instructor memorizes and delivers the same experience; often has its own certification.

What is 'pre-designed' content?

A class template that provides overall direction while allowing instructors to manipulate variables (exercises, order, duration, music, intervals, modality).

What is 'freestyle' content?

Components based on the instructor's personal preference, skill, and knowledge; instructor decides moves, cues, music, and equipment; flexible and unique each time.

Name eight central group fitness formats mentioned in the notes.

Strength and resistance; HIIT and Interval; Boot Camp; Mind-body; Cycling; Specialty formats; Equipment-driven; Hybrid.

What is the Mind-body format primarily focused on in this certification, and what are some examples?

Yoga is the primary focus (Pilates, Tai Chi also mentioned); involves slow, controlled movements combining strength, stability, flexibility, balance, and breathing.

Give examples of specialty formats listed.

Martial arts, cardio kickboxing, barre, Pilates, yoga, athletic performance, injury prevention, and other formats often requiring specific equipment.

What are some health benefits of fitness listed in the notes?

Increased bone density; improved cardiorespiratory efficiency; decreased body fat; increased lean body mass; elevated mood; improved sleep; improved self-esteem; increased energy.

What does 'deconditioned' mean?

A state of lost physical fitness, including reduced cardiorespiratory capacity, muscle imbalances, decreased flexibility, and lack of core/joint stability.

What is 'muscle imbalance' as defined in the notes?

Alteration of muscle length surrounding a joint.

Why is 'functional movement' emphasized in group fitness?

To improve communication between the nervous and musculoskeletal systems for efficient, pain-free movements.

What is 'participant-centered focus' in group fitness?

Designing workouts to help participants reach their goals, combining encouragement with teaching independence.

What is the 'hybrid' format in group fitness formats?

A combination of two or more formats to achieve multiple outcomes, such as yogalates.

Participant-centered focus

Helping participants reach any goal they have

Emphasis on functional movement

Communication between nervous and musculoskeletal systems to develop efficient and pain-free movements

Specific formats

Incorporation of a variety of formats, including kickboxing, indoor cycling yoga, dance.

Movement preparation

Segment that is replacing the traditional warm-up. Takes into account the movement and required range of motion to be included in the main body workout.

Musculoskeletal system

Combined interworking system of all muscles and bones in the body.

Deconditioned

A state of lost physical fitness which may include reduced cardiorespiratory capacity muscle imbalances decreased flexibility and a lack of core and joint stability.

Muscle imbalance

Alteration of muscle length surrounding a joint

Career Instructor

Invests the majority of her day teaching researching and promoting fitness activities

Hobby Instructor

Balances teaching with other full-time commitments

Pre-choreographed

All components of class are created by a single person, business or organization with a connecting theme brand or experience.

Pre-designed

Template that provides overall class direction while allowing instructors to manipulate other variables. Provides clear direction and objectives for each class.

Modality

Form or mode of exercise that presents a specific stress to the body.

Boot Camp

Includes a combination of resistance and cardio elements, with a goal of providing a total body workout with a military-style presentation.

Mind-body

Yoga will be the primary focus when discussing mind-body group fitness formats. Feature slow, controlled movements that combine strength, stability, flexibility, balance and breathing techniques.

Cycling

Designed to stimulate an outdoor cycling experience.

Dance-oriented

Designed to make cardiorespiratory training more interesting and fun.

Aquatic

Consists of cardio, strength and stability movements taught in shallow or deep pools and offer benefits for populations ranging form the overweight and deconditioned to elite athletes.

Active, aging Adults

Focus on functional basic movements often through the use of chairs, step decks, water and lighter resistance.

Equipment driven

Maintains focus on one type of modality such as suspension training systems or kettlebells

Hybrid

Two or more types of formats to accomplish more than one outcome such as yogalates.