With HIIT training set to be high on the list of trends for 2019 this short article will attempt to explore what that means to both instructors and facilities.
According to Geoff Petty a very well-respected educationalist, meaning is not enough; we must know the conditions [the context] where ideas are relevant and useful, in order to make learning functional [based on the outcome]. We must learn ways to use the information to solve problems, make judgements. This will hopefully ensure that the outcome, whatever that maybe, is successful.
According to Ian Jefferys from UKSCA [issue 49] knowledge is not power, in the past, when knowledge and learning was for the wealthy and few within society, it may well have been the case, but not now. Nowadays there is too much knowledge and information, what is crucial is the ability to apply the knowledge in a specific context.
The science to back up the benefits of HIIT are huge, and we all are swamped with session ideas from social media, magazines and TV. But making this information personal to our members and clients is key. Taking workouts and programming to the next level is going to be crucial over the next few years if clubs and instructors are to be different.
Reasoning is the ability to think about something in a logical and sensible way. As an industry we all want every workout for every member to be both safe and effective, so reasoning with information and knowledge is fundamental, as every member is different. But facilities and instructors also strive to differentiate themselves from everyone else, this is where reasoning could be use successfully.
Some reasoning questions that could be used to support a difference with HIIT may well be: [in no particular order and not an inclusive list]
- What does HIIT mean to us as a facility/ instructor?
- What is our HIIT experience?
- How do we build members confidence with HIIT?
- How do we build members competence with HIIT?
- What is going to be the structure of our HIIT sessions?
- Could our experience offering be improved by using HIIT?
- What are to be the aims of our HIIT sessions?
- How does HIIT allow us to tell our story?
- Would HIIT be something that our clients/exercisers would adopt?
- What equipment do we currently have available to us that could be used successfully for HIIT?
- Are we going to adopt HIIT as a 1 to 1 or group activity?
- How long would a HIIT session last for our client groups?
- What training do the facility staff require for HIIT to be delivered effectively?
- What factors need to be considered if HIIT is to be delivered safely and effectively?
- What environmental factors would most influence a successful HIIT session?
- What other activities/ classes do we need to offer, to ensure full recovery/rest between HIIT sessions?
Understanding industry trends is important, but it’s not the whole picture. What is vital is that a deeper understanding is obtained, that helps facilities and instructors provide safe, effective and enjoyable workouts, in a trusted and valued environment. This supports adherence, which will in turn effects retention in a positive way.
Written by Keith Smith
