Health Promotion Reflection

Title of Work: Group Fitness Instruction at Platteville High School

Date Completed: 3/25/15
DESCRIBE WORK SAMPLE
I developed a short 15 minute training plan using dyna bands and stability balls for group fitness
instruction at Platteville High School. I instructed a group of 20-25 junior and senior students at
the high school gymnasium. Each student had their own dyna band and stability ball for use. I
implemented strength and aerobic fitness into the workout for the students. I was assisted by
Sean, a fellow health promotion student from UW-Platteville. Sean guided the students and
helped them get the most out of the workout by correcting form and motivating the students. I
was also evaluated at the end by the physical education teacher at Platteville high school and
given feedback on how to help myself in the future.

ALIGNMENT REFLECTION
The group fitness instruction at Platteville high school best aligns with Standard 5 Leadership:
The health promoter leads by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and
stewardship of a vision of healthy lifestyle that is shared by the health promotion community.
This artifact best aligns with standard 5 because I used leadership in planning and
implementation of the dyna band and stability ball instruction. I developed the workout plan
using outside resources and my previous knowledge and experience. I showed leadership also
planning meeting times with Sean to go over the workout and make sure we both understood the
goal of the workout and how to best implement the skills demonstrated. We had to use basic and
some complex terms to help the development of the students using new equipment they had
previously never been introduced. I implemented both strength and aerobic exercises to show the
students the value of the equipment being used and the benefits of this type of fitness. Strength
was implemented with movements such as the front and side shoulder raises with the dyna
bands. Aerobic fitness was implemented by having the students play tag using the stability balls.
The students were instructed to play tag using the stability balls for aerobic fitness and to show
that they can have fun and receive fitness benefits at the same time. Each strength component
was given a set amount of time and each exercise was properly demonstrated by myself and
assistance from Sean.

Health and Physical Educations Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement Alignment

The artifact best aligns with KS3.c. ENGAGES STUDENTS IN LEARNING The
candidate has the ability to engage clients in the learning process by linking appropriate
content, based upon suitable instructional materials and resources, to students knowledge
and experience, being certain that all students are cognitively engaged in the
activities/assignments and that the students actively contribute to the content design.
Instruction is highly coherent and appropriately paced for all clients and allows for
reflection and closure as appropriate. This artifact best aligns with this KSD because the
instruction and workout engaged students learning, use of outside resources, reflection was
given by the physical education teacher at Platteville high school, and students were
cognitively engaged during the workout. The workout engaged the students learning by
showing them how to properly do exercise using the dyna bands and stability balls. I
instructed the students which muscle groups were being used for each strength component
and how to properly perform each exercise correctly. Sean was there to correct the form of
the students and keep them engaged and motivated during the workout. I used outside
resources to develop the workout plan, to help pick proper exercises given the tools
provided, select the workout base upon skill level, and time allowed for myself to instruct.
The physical education teacher reflected on the workout at the end. She reflected upon the
things we did well and the things Sean and myself could improve upon.
Additional Alignments
KSD2.e. ORGANIZES PHYSICAL SPACE The candidate has the ability to establish an
environment that is safe. Physical resources will be arranged to best serve the candidate
and client in providing productive learning for all involved.
KSD1.b. DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE OF CLIENTS The candidate displays
knowledge of the typical development characteristics, learning styles, skills, interests,
development backgrounds, and cultural heritages of clients and is always aware of the
broad ranges and variety present for each of these client characteristics and lifestyles.

PERSONAL REFLECTION
What I learned about training from this experience.
I learned that group dynamics are much different than solo one on one training. The aspects of
group fitness are much more complex and challenging at times. I have a lot of experience with

one on one personal training and training in different environments but have never taught a class.
I learned that I must be accepting of a wide range of skill levels and be prepared to handle a more
dynamic setting. I also have only dealt with clients over the age of eighteen. The attention span
and methods of training have to be adapted for this to be successful. I found myself having to
raise my voice much more than expected and keeping everyone engaged is a challenge. I found it
to be a great learning experience and it gave me some good tips on how to be a better health
promotion specialist.
What I learned about myself as a prospective health promotion specialist as a result of this
experience/work sample:
I learned that I am not quite suited for group training or teaching physical education. I do know
that group fitness is something I need to work on for the future. Many fitness occupations will
require me to have group fitness experience and be able to lead in group fitness. I learned that I
need to be accepting of everyones skill levels. I spent a lot of time trying to correct students
form and it was counterproductive because it took too much time to be effective. I also found out
that motivating students can make a huge impact on students success. I found out that students
will not give close to full effort if you do not engage them with motivation. I also found out that I
made the right decision choosing health promotion over physical education teaching. I just do
not have the personality or desire to deal with the aspects of teaching students dealing with the
group aspect. I think it would be a rewarding career choice but it is just not for me. It was a fun
experience though and I am looking forward to getting another chance to teach again in a few
weeks at Platteville High School.