Group classes

While on my rural placement, I was involved in running Stay on Your Feet exercise classes numerous times a week. One of the classes was targeted at individuals with a lower functional level so the class was performed mostly in sitting. I was running these classes quite well, with good participation from all individuals. However on one session I decided to vary the routine somewhat as a bit of a change. The new components added more overhead upper limb movements, with all individuals completing these components. After the class some participants commented that they had shoulder problems and the added components were too strenuous.

The next session I reduced the time spent in these overhead upper limb activities and this was received well by the participants. From this experience I have realised that in the group setting it is imperative to always state at the beginning of the class that some activities may not be able to be completed by individuals who have particular injuries and that it is ok for them to sit out that activity or complete an alternative option. It also high lighted the importance of watching for signs that individuals are struggling with exercises and alter the exercise program accordingly. In the future I will always offer alternative exercises for activities that may be challenging and remind participants not to complete exercises that cause pain or discomfort.