ACSM Health & Fitness Summit

(Kiana) #1

  1. Add-on method (Building Block)
    Only one move is added at a time (A, A+B, A+B+C, A+B+C+D). Always restart from ‘the top’ (A).
    Can also Add-on in blocks of choreography, e.g. Block A + Block B.
    A simple process for teaching and learning
    Can be both physically and mentally challenging. Keeps participants thinking and stimulating
    Adding too many moves = difficult to recall the sequence. A maximum of 4-8 moves is recommended.
    A one-hour cardio focused class will typically allow for the building of 3-5 32-count add-on patterns.


Practical Application – Add-on method
Counts Move Lower Body
Teach A
1-8 A jump rock rlrl, chasse rock Lat
face front
Teach B
1-8 B 2x double curl llrr OTS
face front
Join A+B leading right then left.
Teach C C 4x single curl lrlr RTN square
face front
Join A+B+C+C leading right then left. (Move C is repeated so that a 32-count block is completed).
Teach D
1-8 D. 2x V-step 'X' OTS f /b
face front
Join A+B+C+D leading right then left


Considerations for Add-on method:



  • Requires quite a bit of pre-class planning and practice

  • Be aware of balance and symmetry

  • Smooth transitions from one combination to the next

  • Use different base moves to begin each combination

  • Watch the group for signs of add-on ‘overkill’ and be willing to back down a bit to simpler patterns



  1. Link method (Part to whole teaching)
    Teach moves A and B and then link together, Do the same for C and D
    Join moves (A+B) to moves (C+D) to develop a four-move combination.


Practical Application – Link method
Counts Move Lower Body Travel Direction
Teach A
1-8 A 6 ct grapevine cha cha Lat face front
Teach B
1-8 B step tap lrlr OTS face front
Join (A+B)
Teach C C dbl hop ll + 6c mambo OTS face front
Teach D
1-8 D. dbl hop rr + 6c mambo OTS face front
Join (C+D)
Finally, join (A+B) and (C+D)



  1. Layering
    Once the basic combination has been learned, your participants should be able to repeat the combo with
    less cueing from you. This is a good time to gradually layer in variations to add excitement and gain
    more mileage from the original combination.

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