How to Teach a Step Aerobic Interval Class

A step aerobic interval class combines cardio and strength training to burn fat and tone muscles. Teaching a step aerobic interval class is fun and rewarding. A career as a fitness instructor will keep you healthy and fit, and you can teach your class to incorporate various methods to use in their fitness program. As a step aerobic interval class instructor, you will need to follow an interval protocol.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Step Aerobic equipment
• Hand weights
• Fitness wear
• Athletic Shoes

1. Receive formal education if required. If you are offering a class just for fun, formal training isn't required. However, most fitness centers and other employers require instructors to have formal training by a nationally recognized agency such as The American Council on Exercise (ACE). Mix and match the choreography used in training to bring to your class.

2. Determine step choreography appropriate for your class’s age and fitness level. Construct at least three different classes appropriate for various fitness levels and practice those choreographed steps before you commit to teaching a group.

3. Have the aerobic fitness equipment available and functional for each class. Make sure you can offer the equipment for your class and have the equipment clean and working properly. Inspect them regularly.

4. Use ten minutes of warm up for every one hour class. Use arm circles and bicep curls for upper body warm up, while stretching the calves and hamstrings using the step. Be sure to warm up all of the major muscle groups, especially those in the arms and legs.

5. Perform your chosen aerobic choreography for four to six minutes. See Resources for a reference to a list of different aerobic choreography available. Mix and match those to fit your class’s fitness levels, but be sure to use the aerobic choreography that precedes the same muscle group in the upcoming interval for strength training.

6. Use hand weights for the strength training. During the interval, use the hand weights for strength training. Be sure the hand weights strengthen the muscle group previously used in the aerobic segment. Use the hand weights for one to three minutes, making sure not to exceed three minutes to ensure the heart rate does not drop.

7. Finish the class with a cool down period. Use abdominal work or back stretches for a cool down period. A cool down period will allow the heart rate to drop, but still work on at least one muscle group.

Tips & Warnings

• All step aerobic interval classes use a protocol that combines four to six minutes of cardio and one to three minutes of strength training.
• Always consult your doctor before beginning a new fitness program.
• Use athletic shoes for aerobics and other fitness sports. Make sure the shoes fit well and securely tie the shoes laces or tuck them away.

Resources

• Get certified as a fitness trainer
• Learn aerobics choreography

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[JohnMac8]

on 5/24/2009 We are looking for entertaining Group Fitness Instructors who want to contribute articles and be interviewed on Group Fitness Talk Radio.