Exercise Technique and Training Instruction
This domain tests how you demonstrate, cue, and correct movement in a group setting so participants understand and perform exercises safely. The focus is instruction quality, not just exercise knowledge.
Core concepts
- Cueing types: verbal cues are concise instructions; visual cues are demonstrations or gestures; kinesthetic cues involve touch or guided movement with consent. Combine them for different learners.
- Demonstration: position yourself so all participants can see, use mirror-image demonstration when appropriate, and slow the movement to show key positions.
- Teaching progressions: move from simple to complex and slow to fast. Teach the stable version before adding range, load, or speed.
- Technique checkpoints: joint alignment, neutral spine where appropriate, controlled tempo, full but safe range, and breathing.
- Correction: use a positive, specific cue and offer a regression rather than singling someone out.
Worked example
Teaching a forward lunge, the instructor demonstrates the movement, gives the verbal cue “front knee tracks over the second toe,” and offers a split-squat regression for participants who cannot control the lunge. A kinesthetic cue is used only with consent. The reasoning: multiple cue types support learning, and the regression preserves safety while keeping the class moving.
Common traps
- Talking through the entire class without demonstrating.
- Using jargon participants do not understand.
- Correcting with shame or sarcasm.
- Adding speed before technique is stable.
- Facing away from participants while speaking.
- Ignoring a participant who is clearly struggling.
Key points
- Combine verbal, visual, and consented kinesthetic cues.
- Demonstrate clearly and use mirror-image positioning when useful.
- Progress from simple to complex and slow to fast.
- Check alignment, tempo, range, and breathing.
- Correct with specific, positive cues and offer regressions.