Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Basics and Terminology of Group Lessons

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
LSPA_595
Branch of Science
Health sciences
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Sports Trainer
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Individual and Team Sports
Contacts

Riga, 3 Cigorinu Street, spk@rsu.lv, +371 67611559

About Study Course

Objective

The aim of the study course is to develop students' knowledge, skills and competences in planning and leading fitness group classes, technical execution of physical exercises and use of professional terminology, taking into account the principles of dosing physical load and safety.

Preliminary Knowledge

Basic knowledge of the structure of the human body and the musculoskeletal system, the functioning of muscles, the effects of physical exercise on the human body and safety principles during physical activity.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Describe the basic principles of planning, designing and organizing fitness group classes.

Individual work and tests

Basic principles of building a fitness group class. Planning structure for a fitness class. Leading a fitness group.

2.Explain the effects of physical exercise on the human body and the principles of dosing physical exercise in fitness group classes.

Individual work and tests

Leading a fitness group. Technical performance of fitness exercises, modifications. Basic principles for load dosing. Planning structure for a fitness class. Basic principles of building a fitness group class. Record of fitness exercises and exercise sets.

3.Define the basic terms used in fitness group classes in Latvian and English.

Individual work and tests

Record of fitness exercises and exercise sets. Basic principles of building a fitness group class. Fitness terminology in Latvian and English. Leading a fitness group.

4.Explain the principles of creating a safe, respectful, inclusive and collaborative training environment, the risks of the physical and emotional environment and the conditions for their prevention.

Individual work and tests

Leading a fitness group. Planning structure for a fitness class. Basic principles of building a fitness group class.

Skills

1.Demonstrate basic fitness exercises, observing the principles of technical performance, dosing of physical load and safety.

Individual work and tests

Technical performance of fitness exercises, modifications. Leading a fitness group.

2.Makes terminologically correct record of fitness exercises and sets of exercises (in Latvian and English) and structures the sequence of exercises according to the purpose of the lesson and the target group.

Individual work and tests

Leading a fitness group. Fitness terminology in Latvian and English. Technical performance of fitness exercises, modifications. Basic principles of building a fitness group class. Record of fitness exercises and exercise sets. Basic principles for load dosing.

3.Analyze the technical execution of the exercises, identify the most common execution errors, choose appropriate exercise modifications (no more than five), and provide feedback.

Individual work and tests

Basic principles for load dosing. Fitness terminology in Latvian and English. Leading a fitness group. Technical performance of fitness exercises, modifications.

4.Identifies the risks of the physical and emotional environment of the training process and selects risk prevention measures appropriate to the situation.

Individual work and tests

Leading a fitness group.

Competences

1.Plans and structures a fitness group class by independently choosing content, physical load, equipment and exercise modifications that are appropriate for the purpose, the needs of the participants, the diversity of their abilities and their level of physical fitness.

Individual work and tests

Leading a fitness group. Fitness terminology in Latvian and English. Planning structure for a fitness class. Basic principles for load dosing.

2.Lead a fitness group class by adapting the content and physical load to the needs of the participants, using professional terminology and ensuring a safe, respectful, inclusive and collaborative environment.

Individual work and tests

Leading a fitness group. Technical performance of fitness exercises, modifications.

3.Evaluates the performance of the fitness group and the participants, provides feedback and formulates justified solutions for improving the class.

Individual work and tests

Leading a fitness group.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Record of fitness exercises and exercise sets.

20.00% from total grade
Test

The student individually selects 10 (ten) fitness exercises learned in the study course and prepares their terminologically correct record. The exercises are arranged in a sequence that can be used in one part of a fitness group lesson.

Conditions of fulfilment:

  1. For each exercise, indicate the starting position and the order of the movements.
  2. Indicate the number of repetitions, duration of execution or other form of dosing of the physical load.
  3. Indicate the most important performance conditions.
  4. The basic terms used in the Latvian language shall be supplemented by the corresponding terms in the English language.
  5. The work is submitted (in writing) by the deadline set by the lecturer.

Criteria for award:

  1. Accuracy of the use of professional terminology in Latvian and English — up to 2 points.
  2. Starting position and accuracy of the description of the movement – up to 2 points.
  3. Consistency of the sequence of exercises with the selected part of the lesson – up to 2 points.
  4. Soundness of exercise prescription — up to 2 points.
  5. Safety conditions for exercise performance - up to 2 points.

Allocation of points:

2 points — the criterion is met accurately, completely and independently;

1 point — criterion partially met or needs clarification;

0 points – the criterion is not met or the information provided is not usable for a safe performance of the exercise.

Test conditions:

Pass if at least 6 out of 10 points are obtained and at least 1 point is obtained in the safety criterion. The work that has not been passed must be clarified and resubmitted.

2.

Planning structure for a fitness class.

5.00% from total grade
Test

The student independently prepares a plan for one fitness group class. The plan specifies the type of class, target group, goal, objectives, parts of the class, sequence of exercises, dosage of physical load, necessary equipment, exercise modifications, and safety conditions.

Procedure:

  1. Choose one type of fitness group class learned in the course.
  2. Describe the selected group and its level of physical fitness.
  3. Formulate the goal and objectives of the class.
  4. Plan the warm-up, main, and cool-down parts, specifying the duration of each part.
  5. For each part of the class, specify exercises, dosage of physical load, equipment, and necessary modifications.
  6. Identify risks in the physical and emotional environment and measures to address them.
  7. Submit the work within the deadline and in the format specified by the lecturer.

Evaluation criteria:

  1. Consistency between goal, objectives, and target group – up to 2 points.
  2. Sequence and time allocation of class parts – up to 2 points.
  3. Relevance of exercise selection and sequence to the class goal – up to 2 points.
  4. Relevance of physical load dosage and exercise modifications to the target group – up to 2 points.
  5. Planning for a safe, respectful, and inclusive class environment – up to 2 points.

Point allocation:

2 points – criterion met precisely, fully, and independently;

1 point – criterion partially met or requires clarification;

0 points – criterion not met or planned solution not usable in the class.

Test conditions:

Passed if at least 6 out of 10 points are obtained and at least 1 point is obtained in the safe class environment criterion. A failed work must be clarified and resubmitted.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Basic principles of building a fitness group class.

10.00% from total grade
10 points

Content of the examination:

The student independently completes a written test on the structure of fitness group classes, the selection of exercises, the dosing of physical load, the organization of the class and the creation of a safe environment.

Requirements for the examination:

  1. Describe the purpose and content of the warm-up, main and cool-down parts of fitness group classes.
  2. Explain the principles of dosing physical load and their application in different parts of the class.
  3. Justify the selection and sequence of exercises according to the goal of the class and the group of visitors.
  4. Identify the main risks of the physical and emotional environment and indicate measures to prevent them.
  5. Use the acquired fitness terminology (in Latvian and English) in the answers.

The student will familiarize themselves with the auxiliary materials used in the test in the e-learning environment before the examination.

Assessment criteria:

  1. Description of the structure of the class and the functions of its parts — up to 30 points.
  2. Explanation of the principles of dosing physical load and the selection of exercises — up to 30 points.
  3. Evaluation of safety risks and organizational conditions of the class — up to 20 points.
  4. Accurate and context-appropriate use of professional terminology — up to 20 points.

Total: 100 points.

The full number of points in the respective criterion is awarded for an accurate, complete and substantiated answer. A partial number of points is awarded if the answer reveals the correct basic understanding, but is incomplete or contains insignificant inaccuracies. Points are not awarded if the answer is not given, does not correspond to the question or does not demonstrate the assessed learning outcome.

Points in 10-point assessment:

  • 96–100 points — 10;
  • 85–95 points — 9;
  • 75–84 points — 8;
  • 70–74 points — 7;
  • 65–69 points — 6;
  • 60–64 points — 5;
  • 55–59 points — 4;
  • 40–54 points — 3;
  • 20–39 points — 2;
  • 0–19 points — 1.
2.

Basic principles for load dosing.

10.00% from total grade
10 points

Correct answers according to the contents of the test.

Evaluation criteria

The number of points criterion

understands the basic principles of physical load dosing (intensity, volume, frequency) 3

explains the principles of load adjustment for different levels of physical fitness 3

understand the principles of safety and gradability in increasing physical load 2

use a correct professional terminology for characterizing load 2

in total: 10 points

scoring interpretation (10-point scale)

points scoring

9-10 brilliant

7-8 good

5-6 enough

4 minimum

1-3 requirements not met

3.

Fitness terminology in Latvian and English.

5.00% from total grade
Test

The student orally explains the basic terms used in fitness group classes in Latvian and English and uses them in the explanation of the exercise.

Sequence of the test:

  1. The test is taken individually and without any aids.
  2. The student receives five terms chosen by the lecturer on starting positions, movements and sets of movements.
  3. Each term is defined in Latvian and the corresponding term in English is named.
  4. At least two terms are used in a short explanation of the exercise.
  5. Answer the lecturer's clarifying questions.

Assessment criteria:

  1. Accuracy of the term explanation in Latvian - up to 2 points.
  2. Relevance of English terms - up to 2 points.
  3. Distinction between starting positions, movements and sets of movements - up to 2 points.
  4. Correct use of terms in the explanation of the exercise - up to 2 points.
  5. Clarity of the answer and use of professional language - up to 2 points.

Conditions for passing the test:

Passed if at least 6 out of 10 points are obtained and at least 1 point is obtained in the English terminology criterion.

4.

Technical performance of fitness exercises, modifications.

20.00% from total grade
10 points

Fitness exercises and modifications should be performed.

The purpose of the practical examination is to assess the ability of students to demonstrate fitness exercises in compliance with technical performance, load dosing principles and exercise modifications in accordance with the purpose of the class and the level of preparedness of participants.

Assessment criteria

criterion number of points

Technical performance of exercise (correct posture, range of motion, coordination) 3

clarity and methodological accuracy of exercise demonstration 2

choice of exercise modifications (simplification/complexity) 2

adherence to load dosing and safety principles 2

use of Professional terminology in exercise demonstration 1

Total: 10 points

assessment interpretation (10-point scale)

points assessment

9-10 excellent - exercises demonstrated technically correct, modifications justified

7-8 good - minor weaknesses in technique or methodological explanation

5-6 sufficient - Technical execution partially correct, modifications limited

4 minimum level

1-3 requirements not met

5.

Leading a fitness group.

30.00% from total grade
10 points

The student independently prepares and leads a 20-minute fragment of a group fitness class learned in one course. Other students participate as class participants.

Sequence of the test:

  1. Before the test, submit a class plan.
  2. Indicate the type of class, target groups, goal, tasks and necessary equipment.
  3. Lead a logically structured class fragment with elements of warm-up, main and cool-down parts.
  4. Demonstrate exercises and offer at least one easier and one more difficult modification.
  5. Adjust the intensity of physical activity and the execution of exercises to the abilities and level of physical fitness of the participants.
  6. Use professional terminology in Latvian and English.
  7. Provide participants with specific feedback on the execution of exercises.
  8. Ensure a safe, respectful, inclusive and collaborative class environment.

Detailed assessment criteria are posted in e-studies.

1 Exercise selection and sequence — 15 points.

2. Class goal, plan and structure — 15 points

3. Technical demonstration of exercises and modifications — 20 points

4. Dosing of physical activity and time management — 15 points

5. Communication, terminology and feedback — 15 points

6. Providing a safe and inclusive environment — 20 points

Points in 10-point assessment:

  • 96–100 points — 10;
  • 85–95 points — 9;
  • 75–84 points — 8;
  • 70–74 points — 7;
  • 65–69 points — 6;
  • 60–64 points — 5;
  • 55–59 points — 4;
  • 40–54 points — 3;
  • 20–39 points — 2;
  • 0–19 points — 1.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

The importance of all-round fitness in fitness.
Description

To explain the importance of comprehensive fitness in fitness.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Planning the structure of fitness classes.
Description

It’s explained how to plan the structure of a fitness class.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Planning the structure of fitness classes.
Description

It’s explained how to plan the structure of a fitness class.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
3

Topics

A safe environment during fitness classes.
Description

Laws and regulations determining a safe environment in fitness shall be determined.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
48 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

The importance of all-round fitness in fitness.
Description

To explain the importance of comprehensive fitness in fitness.

Principles for the development of basic physical characteristics.
Description

Identify basic physical characteristics that are included in fitness classes.

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

Planning the structure of fitness classes.
Description

It’s explained how to plan the structure of a fitness class.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

Movement functionality in fitness training.
Description

Explains and demonstrates how to do fitness moves properly.

Explain the importance of special fitness in fitness.
Description

An explanation is being made as laying out special fitness in fitness.

Principles of load dosing in fitness in group classes.
Description

Tiek sniegts skaidrojums kā realizēt slodzi un kādi ir tās dozēšanas principi fitnesā grupu nodarbībās.

Gymnastics and their technical performance.
Description

The technical performance of movements is practically analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
-
3

Topics

A safe environment during fitness classes.
Description

Laws and regulations determining a safe environment in fitness shall be determined.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Krauksts V. Treniņu procesa periodizācija. Rīga, 2022. Visas nodaļas.

2.

Fitnesa speciālista rokasgrāmata / Barbara Bušmane. Visas daļas.

3.

Fitness for the Pelvic Floor Beate Carriere, Dawn-Marie Ickes, 115.lpp.

Additional Reading

1.

ACSM’s Fitness Assessment Manual.6th edition / editors, Yuri Feito, Meir Magal; American College of Sports Medicine. 193.lpp.

2.

The Fitness Instructor’s Handbook : the complete guide to health and fitness / Morc Coulson. 308.lpp.