More and more, sports programs are available to accommodate beginners and all age groups and fitness levels. It’s not uncommon to find some sort of “basic athletic training” class on the schedule. “Sports conditioning is popular because it’s functional exercise,” says Jay Blahnik, who teaches Nike’s Athletic Total Conditioning class, designed to improve fitness performance for recreational sports.
“This type of programming gives members a bang for their buck; they see measurable results for the first time in group exercise. For years, there was no way to measure results. We’d crowd 60 people into a room, put on good music, have them follow our lead, then they’d leave. Sports training is the long overdue programming answer that truly accommodates men and isn’t partial to wearing a certain type of apparel.”
The trend for health clubs to offer sports instruction has also spurned concern about the quality of instruction and safety of the classes. Chicago attorney Frances Krasnow specializes in health club law, and says it’s not likely anyone would sustain injuries through off-the-premise health club activities any more than participating in sports or even at home.
“Just like in a usual group fitness class, a good sports instructor has a professional obligation to use teaching progressions, making it easy to learn a new sport or activity,” says McPherson. “If you’re looking for a club or studio that offers outdoor sports, lessons and specialty classes involving a high skill level, make sure you verify the instructor’s certification.”
