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Volume 12 (2d Edition) December 2000 Page 1 
December’s celebrity fitness professional is Pam Archer of Archer Fitness Consultants, Inc., in Kingsport, Tennessee. She has produced six exercise videos, creating and starring in five of them. The videos have enjoyed international distribution. Her innovative and creative approach to fitness has placed her in demand as a presenter internationally. Pam travels extensively conducting group exercise instructor certifications and continuing education workshops for AFAA and ACE. Currently, Pam is co-host of the FOX network nationally televised program, "Jenny's Fit in 15". Additionally she has made many television appearances including Canada’s "Breakfast Television" and "Real Life". She is a health and fitness consultant for the Kingsport Times Newspaper in Tennessee and WCYB-TV 5 in Bristol, Virginia. She is also a contributing writer for several Internet newsletters including Arthritis Net and Fitnut magazine. Her articles have also been published in the IDEA source magazine. Pam's certifications include: ACE & AFAA
Personal Trainer Vita: Your view on why it is important for instructors to find their own style as opposed to someone else’s style. Pam: People come to our class for the instructor. There is something about the instructor that draws them. Each of us has a unique personality and when we try to be like someone else, we fail. We should work on developing our own style and realize that the most important aspect of teaching is connecting with each person in the room. We can only do that as we reach deep down inside ourselves and reach out to them. That can't come from another instructor. Vita: Your view on breaking down choreography. Pam: Learning how to break down choreography is essential to the success of the class. Anyone can learn a single move that is repeated long enough to catch on then when you add to it he or she can grasp it. If we try to throw too much at them at once, they become frustrated and feel uncoordinated. They won't come back to our class. Sometimes we think we have to wow our classed with fancy footwork when really all they want is a hard workout and to sweat. We are the ones who get bored with basic movement, not them. Vita: How often should an instructor change his/her choreography? Pam: This is an individual preference. I never use the same music or choreography two classes in a row, but I do try to select music that my classes like. Choreography is just about movement. If you can cue it, they can do it! If you are doing your job to break it all down properly they will get it. I do, however, use mostly combinations that are familiar to them and introduce a few new moves at the same time. On the flip side, you are repeating the same old choreography over and over for long periods of time, you and your participants will develop muscle memory and the muscles are no longer challenged. Vita: Is it better to implement a new routine all at once or little pieces at a time. Pam: It is always good to have some familiarity with the routine so that they can feel successful and put some intensity into it. Don't throw too many new moves at them all at once. Vita: Why is it important for a fitness instructor to interpret the music phrase and hear the phrase? Pam: It is much easier to follow an instructor who has an understanding of the music and can interpret it not only to the 32-count, but also to the dynamics and composition. Even people who don't have knowledge of music can feel it. The autonomic nervous system signals the brain that something is the awry when the instructor is offbeat or phrase or music. The participants don't know why the instructor is so hard to follow, but usually it is because they are not working with the music. Vita: The importance of cueing. Pam: One of the most common errors that I notice about instructors is that many of them don't cue far enough in advance to allow their words to get from participants ears to their feet. In this case, participants miss a repetition or a transition because of sloppy cueing. This causes them frustration and sometimes even injury. An example of correct cueing would be: turn step x 4; over the top x 4. You would cue the over the top as you put your left foot on the step to do the final turnstep (beat 5 of the 8 count). Any later than this is too late. Always cue after you have started your final move to allow time for transition. Don't forget the importance of safety and alignment cues as well as visual and verbal cues. Vita: Motivating your classes to keep them coming back to your class. Pam: There are some key points to remember as an instructor. We are there for their workout, not our own. Make eye contact, if not one on one contact, with each person in your class. Use words of affirmation and encouragement throughout the class, being careful not to talk down to the class as if they were children. Recognize progress in an individual and tell them about it. Make an effort to learn the names of each of your class participants and call them by their name in class. Thank the class for making an effort to come and compliment them for their faithfulness and commitment to fitness. Smile, smile, and smile! Vita: Two tips on becoming a better instructor. Pam: Attend other classes; particularly those of popular instructors and see what you are lacking. Attend workshops, conventions and read, read, read current fitness related research and trends. It also helps you to video yourself teaching a class. This can be a real eye-opener. I survey my classes frequently to get feedback on what they do or don't like about my class. Vita: Do you suggest instructors practice? Pam: Does a concert pianist get to be a concert pianist without practice? Does an athlete get to be a pro by sitting on the bench? Does the sun rise? Vita: What do you think about this step and speed dilemma? Pam: There has been a lot of research in this area and as a result of the research; the industry has guidelines for safe stepping. They are 118-122, going to 126 for very skilled participants. The absolute limitation is 128 bpm. I believe it is our responsibility as instructors to provide a safe and effective workout for our participants. Since when is safety not an issue? I have never seen anyone who could get full range motion beyond 126 bpm consistently through a class. If we want maximum energy expenditure (calorie burn) it is not found in the speed of the music so much as it is range of motion of the movement. Get those large muscles involved in the movement and it takes a while to execute the movement properly, you will definitely have to pitch the music down. Get off of your step and watch them for a while. Better yet, video the class so you can watch yourself and them. You won't believe what you see! Don't compromise form, alignment and safety for speed. Vita: You are a pioneer in the double step revolution. What do you like most about this type of workout? Pam: I like that it significantly increases the intensity of the workout due to the additional traveling movements that are involved. This results in more calorie burn, YAHOO! I also like the variations that bring about interaction with the class, such as partner double stepping and circle variations. Vita: Pam tell us about your new show, "Jenny's Fit in 15". Pam: It is
a show that is sponsored - by Jenny Craig and is geared towards
women of all |
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