Frequently Asked Questions

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Paulina Pope
5 years ago
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1 How many times should an instructor teach the same MOSSA program release (workout)? MOSSA recommends that instructors teach each program release for a specific period of time; as an example, an instructor would teach the Group Power JUL16 release for 3-5 weeks before switching to a different release. We refer to this period as the shelf life for the program. Each program s shelf life is based on the amount of time most participants will need to improve performance and feel successful with the workout. For example, the shelf life for Group Ride is 2-4 weeks because cycling movements are relatively simple and straightforward (there s only so much you can do on a bike!). In contrast, the shelf life for Group Centergy is 6-8 weeks because the movement patterns are three-dimensional with more programming nuances and progressions. The recommendations for shelf life in each program have been tested for over a decade, and instructors all over the world have been successful using the recommended shelf life periods. After the shelf life of a new quarterly release, instructors should go back to teach a prior release for the shelf life period. The shelf life policy should be dictated by each facility s management. It is important to understand that shelf life is not based on an instructor s tolerance for the music; instructors spend much more time listening to each song and learning the programming. Shelf life is based on the average participant s ability to improve doing the workout 1-3 times per week. MOSSA also provides bonus tracks that can be used later in the shelf life of that release to add variety of music and programming. Why does MOSSA recommend that instructors teach a release from beginning to end without mixing and matching from prior releases? Each MOSSA workout is created as an entirety; this means that the entire experience is considered from beginning to end, including diversity of music within a playlist, muscular balance, movement connections from track to track, and even overall release themes. For the most well-rounded experience, MOSSA recommends teaching each release as a whole. In order to create a strong periodized effect, a given track may be significantly different from one release to another. The safety evaluation for each release examines the workout as a whole, and the entire workout is deemed safe and effective as it is programmed for that release. This means the safest workout and most effective results will happen when releases are taught as a whole. 1

2 Bonus tracks are provided with each quarterly release. The bonus tracks are designed so that they can be used in the same release, as their programing is consistent with the training objective of that release. Bonus tracks allow for a variety of music and programming while maintaining consistent training objectives, which could otherwise be lost by mixing and matching from other releases. Can I be a tester for MOSSA programs? Instructors may apply to be MOSSA testers after they have passed assessment. Each quarter we rotate through testers, so we are always looking for more instructors to add to the list of potential testers. You must be able to teach two workouts per week during the two weeks of testing, and you must have permission from your facility management. Why does MOSSA use cover versions instead of original songs? MOSSA engineers music to enhance the exercise experience. Each workout is sound-designed to produce the most motivating physical and emotional experience for participants. Reproduced music is better for group fitness because unlike original songs the reproductions can be edited to create the ideal exercise experience. Songs can be lengthened or shortened to ensure the appropriate duration of work. We can also edit songs to be symmetrical so that both sides of the body are worked evenly, as compared to original songs that can produce an imbalanced effect. Lyrics can also be edited to avoid offensive language. None of this is allowed with original music. MOSSA partners with Saifam, the most highly respected producer of exercise music in the industry. From reproductions, to electronic mixes, to mash-ups, our music producers are experts at making songs that motivate the exercise experience. When was the last time you listened to MOSSA music? We are constantly improving the quality of MOSSA music, so the songs we use now sound even better than several years ago. If you listen to a recent MOSSA playlist as part of a workout, you will hear for yourself that every song is the highest quality available and just right for the movements you are doing. 2

3 Why does MOSSA require instructors to teach from the front of the room, facing participants? MOSSA prioritizes the visual medium in teaching. Studies show that approximately 65% of people are visual learners, and visual representations have been shown to improve learning up to 400%. Instructors who teach from the front of the room and face their participants are in a better position to visually demonstrate movements and timing, coach the entire room of participants, connect with a broad range of their participants, and monitor the safety of everyone. Walking around and calling out cues decreases the ability for participants to follow the programming. Turning away from participants and facing the mirror makes it difficult or impossible for participants to see the front of the instructor s body, as well as impairing the connection that is built through direct eye contact and facial expressions. MOSSA s philosophy on this issue is informed by research and experience in the field by a team of exercise science professionals. Instructors should not leave the stage while teaching. If the instructor leaves the stage to help one participant execute a move, it is more difficult for everyone in the room to follow the programming and timing. MOSSA programs are designed so that instructors can effectively coach participants and correct execution without leaving the front of the room. If participants need more one-on-one assistance, MOSSA provides Program Intros for each program. These can be delivered in 15- and 30-minute formats with time devoted to explaining execution. Instructors can also spend one-on-one time with participants before and after the workout. What is the rationale for how MOSSA workouts are filmed? The purpose of producing videos for each MOSSA workout is to provide instructors with a realistic representation of how to teach the workouts. MOSSA does not use flashy production tricks (e.g. light shows, smoke machines, or LED screens) because the goal is for instructors to be able to replicate what they see in the video in their own facilities, including team teaching on a stage with marketing materials, etc. Multiple presenters team teach the new workout so that instructors can see a variety of teaching styles. 3

4 Does MOSSA have a variety of time formats for programs (e.g. 30/45-minute express formats)? MOSSA creates programs with set lengths of time because each workout whether it is 30 minutes or 60 minutes is a complete experience from start to finish. One-hour programs would be less comprehensive, less balanced, and less effective if any track(s) were removed. The one-hour format has proven to be most popular with the highest number of people. This is because most people who exercise attend 1-2 workouts per week, so they need a one-hour program to make the most out of those visits. MOSSA offers 30-minute programs like Group Core, R30, and ViPR Workout, which are ideal for lunchtime workouts or to pair with another workout. MOSSA also provides Program Intros for new exercisers who would feel more comfortable starting in an abbreviated workout. These can be delivered in 5-, 15-, and 30-minute formats. Does MOSSA publish the amount of calories burned in each workout to market their programs? MOSSA has done extensive research on caloric burn. Here are a few key points: o It is nearly impossible to estimate the number of calories burned in a workout because it depends on a person s height, weight, age, muscle mass, level of fitness and skill, as well as other factors. o When fitness companies give calorie estimates, they are usually inflated marketing gimmicks that are not scientifically reliable. o The most important factor in maximizing caloric burn is making sure that each individual gets their own best workout. MOSSA programs are professionally developed and tested to ensure that both new and experienced exercisers have the best possible physical and psychological experience. There is an education video for instructors that explains the details behind calories burned, as well as a handout for participants that helps answer their questions about how many calories they will burn in MOSSA workouts. 4

5 How are options or modifications shown in MOSSA workouts? Each quarterly video shows three presenters team teaching the workout. The person on the left side of the screen is the Options Role Model who shows an entry-level version of the workout. The person on the right side of the screen is doing the general programming. The lead instructor in the center is coaching the workout as it would probably be coached during most workouts. The Options Role Model shows modifications and variations of the workout to help instructors who may need to provide options for new, inexperienced, or deconditioned exercisers. MOSSA s teaching philosophy is to provide participants the options they need to be successful while encouraging them to try exercises that enhance the movements of everyday life. We believe in modifying exercises so that everyone can keep moving; however, we also believe in challenging participants to improve their performance and maintain key movement patterns like standing/sitting, pushing/pulling, pressing, lifting, and rotating, as well as the ability to bear weight in their wrists and upper body. MOSSA recommends that instructors provide options to participants and demonstrate lower intensity options when appropriate. By living in the options, instructors make participants feel more comfortable doing the exercises they need to be successful. How do I pass assessment? In order to become an instructor, you must pass a technical assessment by MOSSA. The technical assessment is a quantitative system and safety check in which instructors are assessed on their ability to accurately deliver programming, move in time to music, and execute according to the guidelines of the program being assessed. MOSSA also provides X-TRA WOW Assessment templates for instructors to assess their skills at a higher level, including Coaching, Entertaining, Connecting, etc. Is advanced training offered or required for MOSSA programs? MOSSA provides quarterly education on each release. Each year, there are opportunities to watch the quarterly education and earn continuing education credits for professional certifications like ACE and canfitpro, at no extra charge. 5

6 MOSSA does not require advanced instructor training in order to earn additional certifications above and beyond the initial training for a program. Instead, we offer teams the option of hosting an Intensive, such as the X-TRA WOW Intensive and BEST Intensive, to hone their skills and improve their delivery of MOSSA programs. We will also custom-design Intensives based on the training needs of an individual facility. How can I become a MOSSA Trainer? MOSSA periodically announces that we will be holding Trainer Tryouts. The frequency of Trainer Tryouts and the positions available are based on the needs of the trainer team. There is an open application process for instructors who have been teaching a program for at least 12 months. The application process requires a video of the instructor teaching and permission from their facility management. A select group of instructors are invited to attend Trainer Tryouts at MOSSA headquarters. From that group, instructors who meet the standards are selected to be Rookie Trainers as part of a 6-18 month process. Upon successful completion, the instructor may be offered a MOSSA Trainer position. For instructors who are interested in becoming MOSSA Trainers, we encourage you to practice and hone your teaching skills, watch all of the quarterly education, and video yourself teaching in a live setting from time to time. Please understand that there are a limited number of positions available, and there are many people who may not be selected as trainers but are nonetheless excellent instructors. 6

Assessment. Video Guidelines

Assessment. Video Guidelines Assessment To become a ViPR Workout coach, you must pass a Technical Assessment by MOSSA. After completing training, you are a rookie until you have passed assessment and become a coach. You must pass