group intensity

[rsmith31]

I was wondering what the best way of moitoring intensity in a group fitness class with people of varying fitness levels. Is it better to just have sessions with basic exercises for the beginners and more advance ones for the experienced and have them perform that drill for set minutes?

[Jean-Paul]

Just watch them. You're over complicating things. If someone is struggling, quietly go tell them they're doing great, and to let up a little. I have a pretty wide variation in my classes. I just make the class meet them where they are. My advanced guys can crank up the spin bike station a couple more notches, jump a little higher, run out with bands a little faster, do the slide board at a wider setting.

All you have to do is have a well laid-out workout, warm them up well, be confident, be supportive, be attentive, and don't let them see you doubt yourself. Smile a lot and make their workout the most fun they've ever had.

I usually set a minute to perform at given number of reps with 30 seconds to switch to the next station. Someone just getting started may only have 2 circuits in them, then I'll tell them to stop and the advanced people will go another round.