Music and Cueing Group Work

Exercise Leadership

You are applying to be a group fitness instructor at a nearby fitness center. The fitness director is
impressed with your resume but wants a quick snapshot of what you can do! They have asked
you to demonstrate a 5 minute combination (cardio + strength) block. While this request is not
choreographed/dance based, it is strongly led by the beat of the music, such that everyone moves
in unison. The director is very interested in your music selection and cueing skills.

Music Criteria:
o Select music that is appropriate bpm and genre for the class
o Music duration lasts 5 minutes
o No inappropriate or derogatory language

Cueing criteria:
o Auditory/descriptive cues:
o Explain what movement is about to be performed and when they will do it
o Prepare participants for transition movements
o Explaining proper form
o Counting reps/duration
o Listing muscle groups that should be engaged during the exercise
o Visual Cues:
o Demonstrate proper form
o Signal reps/duration left
o Point out directions, movements
o Safety cues:
o Breathing, alignment, positioning
o Mention modifications, if possible
o Motivation cues

*Refer to Chapter 5 of textbook (PDF on Canvas) and previous lectures/notes

5 Minute Exercise Block (45 seconds each):

1. Jumping jacks
2. Side lunges
3. Jog in place
4. Caterpillar walkouts
5. Body weight squat + alternating knee drive
6. Jumping jack punches
 Music and Cueing Questions

1. Using the sample exercise block (listed above), create a 5 minute group workout by
selecting appropriate music.
a. What songs will you be playing? Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz and Ludacris
(3:23). Dynamite - Taio Cruz (3:22)

b. What is the bpm? 120bpm and 122bpm

c. Why did you select these songs? We selected these songs because they fell within
the range between 120-140bpm for a high impact training session. Additionally they’re both
upbeat, clean songs by the same artist with the same bpm, so the transition between them will be
smoother than if they were too different. It will also help keep the cues more consistent.

2. Please list the appropriate cues (auditory, visual, safety, and motivational) for each
exercise. Criteria/tips listed above.
a. Jumping jacks
Auditory:
- describing how to do the exercise to them and proper form
- Calling out times in 15 second blocks
Visual:
- Doing the exercise yourself to demonstrate
- Pointing to where form needs improvement
Safety:
- Keep ankles locked and plant your feet with each jump
Motivational: “Keep at it!”
Modification: only moving arms

b. Side lunges
Auditory:
- describing how to do the exercise to them and proper form
- Calling out times in 15 second blocks
Visual:
- Doing the exercise yourself to demonstrate
- Pointing to where form needs improvement
Safety:
- Don't let knee come forward past your toes
- If you feel any pain or discomfort adjust how low you are going in the lunge
Motivational: “Good Job”
Modification: stay higher in your lunge, do not go down as low
 c. Jog in place
Auditory:
- describing how to do the exercise to them and proper form
- Calling out times in 15 second blocks
Visual:
- Doing the exercise yourself to demonstrate
- Pointing to where form needs improvement
Safety:
- Drive your arms and knees
- Make sure your ankles are locked
Motivational: “Keep going!”
Modification: March in place

d. Caterpillar walkouts
Auditory:
- describing how to do the exercise to them and proper form
- Calling out times in 15 second blocks
Visual:
- Doing the exercise yourself to demonstrate
- Pointing to where form needs improvement
Safety:
- Walk out slowly and controlled.
- Slowly transfer weight from legs to arms.
- Keep your core engaged, don't let yourself bow down
Motivational: “Good work!”
Modification: standing toe-touches or windmills

e. Body weight squat + alternating knee drive

Auditory:
- describing how to do the exercise to them and proper form
- Calling out times in 15 second blocks
Visual: demonstrate depth, using arms for balance,
Safety: keep back straight and core tight ,stop if you feel any pain or discomfort
Motivational: “You’re the man!”
Modification: only driving knee
 f. Jumping jack punches
Auditory:
- describing how to do the exercise to them and proper form
- Calling out times in 15 second blocks
Visual:
- Doing the exercise yourself to demonstrate
- Pointing to where form needs improvement
Safety:
- Make sure you have enough space from other people to punch forward
Motivational: “Let’s go!”
Modification: only doing the punches

3. Last step! Spread out and make some room! Practice your music and cues as a group.
Dr. K will walk around and sign off on your sample exercise block. Submit on Canvas once
completed.