LESSON 4: CLASS SAFETY
If you've been paying attention, safety is critical to us, and it should be to you as well. These students are putting their well-being, and enjoyment in your hands, it’s up to you to deliver an exceptional class every single time. Making sure participants feel safe and comfortable is incredibly important.
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As a GlideFIT instructor, your primary goal is the safety and wellness of your class participants. As the instructor, it is important that you conduct class in a safe manner and maintain a professional attitude in your decisions and relationships with your clients.
How to be the best
Be guided by the best interests of the class, while acknowledging individuals.
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Keep in mind your primary obligation is to the class as a whole, taking a class level and class description into account.
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Strive to provide options and realistic goals for the entire group
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Offer modifications for all levels of fitness and experience (i.e., demonstrate easy and more challenging options)
Provide a safe exercise environment.
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Prioritize all movement choices by (1) safety, (2) effectiveness and (3) creativity and (4) Fun. Do not allow the fun to compromise safety.
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Use good judgment in class selection. Assess all class moves according to risk versus reward, making sure rewards and benefits always outweigh risks. There are modifications for any move you teach.
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Implement and follow all safety guidelines for the applicable venue.
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All students should sign a waiver and have appropriate swimming ability.
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Keep current on your CPR certification.
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All instructors should know lifesaving rescue techniques for the pool environment.
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Keep a throwable floatation device close at hand (Type 4 PFD).
Fit Setup Guidelines.
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Keep floats in center lanes, do not use side lanes closest to pool edge.
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The instructor should teach from the pool edge, not the FIT in the water. (If you want a work out too we have our land-based model the TerraFIT you can purchase)
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Floats should be attached no closer than 6 feet from any edge of the pool or hard surfaces
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Floats should be 2-4 feet away from each other.
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Use closed carabiner bungees to avoid release during practice.
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Class Guidelines.
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To avoid injury, classes should begin with a dynamic warm-up and close with a cool-down period.
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Avoid baggy or cotton clothing, jewelry or accessories which may hinder practice.
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All equipment should be water safe and in good repair.
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Make sure that Fits are properly inflated for each class.
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Never teach inversions, forearm stands, or other moves that put participants necks in danger.
STAY CURRENT
As a trainer, it's your job to stay current and well-versed with all things fitness! We want to help, and we will, but you gotta do the work.
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Use the instructor portal to stay current on the latest research and exercise techniques essential to providing effective and safe classes.
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Maintain certification and utilize continuing education opportunities.
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Work within the scope of your knowledge and skill. When necessary, refer participants to professionals with appropriate training and expertise beyond your realm of knowledge.
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Continual learning is always a good thing. Take a GlideFIT class from another instructor sometimes. It never hurts to see a different teaching style.
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We have weekly workouts adapted for the TerraFIT that you can try out in class.
To be the best, don't quit improving. Learn from others, learn from your mistakes, and keep going! We at GLIDEFIT support you and want you to succeed!
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