Expert: Daphne E Brown MS CPRP - 4/21/2004

Question
HI - I am studying exercise sports science and trying to get some certifications.  I am really confused as to when one should incorporate the muscle conditioning segment of class and the proper order of strength exercises for maximum effectiveness.  Can you help me out?

Answer
Hi Laura.
Congratulations on your pursuit to become an exercise professional who "knows her stuff".

Technically, you can incorporate muscle conditioning anytime during the course of the class, depending upon what the point of your class is.  For example, if you have a total body conditioning class, the format may be circuit or interval training, alternating short bouts of cardiovascular exercise with short bouts of muscular strength exercise.

A "traditional" group exercise class usually  is an hour long, the first half exclusively cardiovascular training and the second half, exclusively muscular conditioning/stretching.  I have taught classes where my students did weight training first and cardio last.  It just depends on what you are trying to achieve with your students.

All that to say, if you are trying to pass a class or get a certification, usually most certifications want to hear you answere something like "cardiovascular training (30 minutes in your target heart range) and then muscular strength training, large muscles to small muscles, legs first, back, chest, arms then abs."

Pass your tests by giving them answers THEY want to hear. Later, teach your classes the way your STUDENTS want you to teach them--Professionally, sincerely AND (most importantly) SAFELY.  You'll see when you become more confident in your exercise knowledge and instruction.

Hope this helped a little.

Take care and HANG IN THERE!!!

Sincerely, Daphne