the minimal effective dose of nagging

[ninevirtues]

In my orthopedic internship, my instructor Did. Not. correct people's form. She just didn't bother. I think she was wrong about that; I've noticed that people get much better results from exercise when they do it the right way.

Unfortunately, if I tell someone to do a calf stretch (for example), and I demonstrate it, 90% of the time they do it the wrong way (that will not help them). If I then correct their form, I sound like a nag; they feel like they did it wrong; I lose rapport with the patient and they feel unsuccessful.

So, I need to figure out how to teach common exercises in a way that DOES make people successful at them, and does NOT come across as constant nagging about form. Arg.

Comments

[browse.livejournal.com]

Nags need to be buffered with praise on both sides. Praise, nag, praise.

Something like, "That's great, you're really dipping your right knee very far. Well done! Remember to keep your left knee bent too, you can't keep that straight. I like how far you're leaning into it, keep it up!"

Either that, or I tell her, "You look pretty today." That always distracts her. Oh, wait. You need something suitable for work. Nevermind.

[kproche.livejournal.com]

Well, I told my trainer up front that I knew posture and proper form were critical to getting results, so he has permission to nag ;-)


How about something on the order of "OK, that's a good start, but it will work much better if you x...y...z..." [while correcting their form]..."Feel the difference? That's what it should feel like *every* time. "

[ianhess.livejournal.com]

If I can offer a comment, in teaching martial arts I find that I have to rotate through communicating to different learning styles with regards to getting motion right. Letting them see it, guiding them physically through a correction motion, having them repeat the idea back to you, etc, all work for me. Of course, its easier with students you see every week.

hmm

[ninevirtues.livejournal.com]

well, yeah. That makes total sense.

I need a stock way of teaching stuff, and so far it's worked best for me to demonstrate and simultaneously explain. However, I've left the form cues out of the demonstrate-and-explain routine, and I think I need them, except I need not to overwhelm people with them.

.... and, as sirst says, at least I'm not teaching people while I dodge and they try to hit me with a stick. ;-)

[sirst.livejournal.com]

I usually try the "here's what we are aiming for, where/what are you feeling" approach. "So you're feeling x, but for your goals[in my world, 'to help your problem' probably better in your world] y is a better way to go.

Also covers my butt if x is the better tactic for someone else. No so much right vs wrong, lots of this is the tool I want you to use. And if you can get them to ask "Why this tool?" then you've got a good sign they are receptive to what you are teaching.

Everything above sounds good too. Again with the "many tolls" thing. ;)

sorry, huh?

[ninevirtues.livejournal.com]

Confused. Might be good to chat about what you said?

Re: sorry, huh?

[sirst.livejournal.com]

Yah always best in person. Remind me about the "seated row script". :)