Cardio Circuit Staff Guide
Workout Wednesday
Staff Facilitation Guide: Easy Cardio Circuit
60 Minutes
No Equipment Needed
Session Overview
Level: Low-Impact / Beginner Friendly
Goal: Increase heart rate safely through continuous, gentle movement and social engagement.
Structure: 4 Stations (15 mins each) + Group Warm-up/Cool-down.
Staff Safety Roles
- Monitor for fatigue, heavy breathing, or dizziness.
- Encourage hydration breaks at any time.
- Ensure 5-6 feet of "personal bubble" space between participants.
Room Setup (0:05-0:10)
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Clear Space: Move chairs to edges. Ensure wide walking lanes are free of trip hazards.
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Mark Stations: Use the 4 corners of the room. Place 1 Peer Leader at each.
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Visual Aids: Write station names on the whiteboard. Display Peer Action Cards clearly.
Session Timeline
| Time | Activity | Staff Focus |
|---|
| 0:00–0:05 | | |
| Group Warm-Up | | |
Marching, shoulder rolls, side steps, deep breaths.
| Model the movements with high energy. State the "Safe Heart" goal. |
| 0:05–0:50 |
Rotation: 4 Stations
Groups of 3-5 rotate every 15 minutes.
| Float between stations. Assist Peer Leaders with transitions/timing. |
| 0:50–0:55 |
Group Cool Down
Slow march, inhale/exhale, neck stretches.
| Direct participants to notice their breathing slowing down. |
| 0:55–1:00 |
Reflection Circle
Q&A session about favorites and effort.
| Celebrate successes. Validate both standing and seated participants. |
Station Quick-View
1 March & Move
Focus: Cardiovascular endurance.
Staff: Check that knees are moving safely. Watch for balance issues during overhead reaches.
2 Side Step Flow
Focus: Lateral coordination.
Staff: Ensure steps are small and controlled to avoid tripping. Watch the "sit-back" form.
3 Cardio Combo Counts
Focus: Cognitive-motor engagement.
Staff: Help Peer Leader keep the count of 10 audible and steady.
4 Walk & Turn Circuit
Focus: Functional mobility.
Staff: Monitor the "turning" points for stability. If backward walking occurs, spot closely.
Reflection Prompt Sheet
Gather everyone in a circle at the end of the session.
Station Success
"Which station felt easiest for you today?"
Heart Health
"Which activity made your heart beat the fastest?"
Achievement
"Did you do anything today that surprised you?"
Peer Leader Action Cards Thin Layout
Station 1
March & Move
Say This:
"Knees up high! Swing your arms! Take a break if you need it."
Leader Challenges
- "March like a heavy giant!"
- "March like a fast tiny ant!"
- "Reach for the clouds while marching!"
- "March in a slow-motion circle!"
The Moves
• March (1 min)
• Add arm swings (1 min)
• Overhead reaches (1 min)
Seated Version
Seated Marching
Seated Arm Raises
Station 2
Side Step Flow
Say This:
"Small steps side-to-side! Keep your head up. No rushing!"
Leader Challenges
- "Step and clap every time!"
- "Push forward like a heavy door!"
- "Do 2 steps right, 2 steps left!"
- "Wiggle your fingers while stepping!"
The Moves
• Side steps (1 min)
• Add arm pushes (1 min)
• Add light sit-backs (1 min)
Seated Version
Tap Feet Side to Side
Push Arms Forward
Station 3
Cardio Combo Counts
Leader Calls:
"10 Marches!"
"10 Arm Raises!"
"10 Side Steps!"
Leader Challenges
- "Count backwards from 10!"
- "Whisper the count like a secret!"
- "Shout the last number: TEN!"
- "Do one jump at the end!"
Pro Leader Tips
- 1 Speak LOUD and CLEAR.
- 2 Check if friends are ready.
- 3 Give a big High-Five!
Station 4
Walk & Turn Circuit
How to Lead:
1. Walk to the corner.
2. Stop and turn.
3. Walk to the next corner!
Leader Challenges
- "FREEZE like a statue when I say STOP!"
- "Walk on your tiptoes like a cat!"
- "Wave to everyone you pass!"
- "Walk backwards SLOWLY!"
- "Lift your knees high like a horse!"
Seated Version
Wheel or Pivot in a Square
Arm Pattern Movements