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Teaching Aerobics - Components of an Aerobic Class

Teaching Aerobics - Components of an Aerobic Class
Aerobic classes are generally one hour in length. The warm-up segment should last about 10 minutes and be composed of limbering type exercises to provide a core body temperature increase. Warming up the muscles is of prime importance in preventing injury due to the fact that they are more elastic. Lower body stretching should then be done for about 5 more minutes.

Begin stepping using simple moves. The aerobic segment should last about 25 minutes and should increase gradually in intensity and complexity. All moves should be less than full range until full warm-up is achieved. Heart rate can be checked about half way through the aerobic segment and is a good time for a water break. The class should be adjusted according to the results of the heart rate check. A cooldown segment follows the aerobic segment lasting about 5 minutes.

Heart rate should then be checked again to assure a rate of less than 120 bpm. Anyone still at a higher level should be instructed to continue marching or walking around the room. Floor work should then begin and continue for the next 10 minutes followed by stretching for the last 5 minutes. None of these times are cast in stone and may be adjusted accordingly. For example, the instructor can reduce the aerobic segment to 20 minutes and increase the final stretching segment to 10 minutes.

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