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‘McDonaldizing’ Aerobics: Learning, Training and Productive Systems in Group Fitness Instruction Alan Felstead http://learningaswork.cf.ac.uk
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Structure of Talk 1. Summary of the Argument 2. Health and Fitness Sector 3. Methods 4. Results
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The ‘Good’ Face of ‘Training’ Policy assumption: training & skills are the key levers to economic success Training teaches new skills & a thirst for learning Training enhances labour mobility & pay Training raises business performance
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The Evidence Base The ‘good’ face is based on survey evidence (training defined by formal, structured events, often courses) What is learnt, by whom & why difficult to capture Events recorded largely context-free (some attempts but inevitably limited to workplace) Difficult to situate training in a ‘productive system’ linking stages in the process
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Argument & Substantive Finding A fuller understanding of the role & function of training requires a case study approach which examines relations Training can stifle and prevent learning Sources of knowledge may be off-limits & out of reach (with script writers upstream in the ‘productive system’ & away from the point of delivery)
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Treadmills Bikes Elliptical Cross Trainers Rowers Cardiovascular (CV)
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Single Resistance Machines Bicep extensionsSeated leg curls
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Free Weights Bicep/tricep extensions Bench press Dumbbells Barbells
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Methods Stakeholder interviews (3) Operator-level interviews (11) Club-level management interviews (9) Observation of conventions – 2 day event Participant observation in 2 day event for ETM instructors Follow-up interviews & observations with fellow trainees 15 ETM interviews – most at evenings & weekends
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Attendance gives 4 CPD points
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Two Productive Systems 1.Freestyle (DIY). Began with Step in late 1980s with platforms being manufactured & sold for studio use, but little centralised instruction 2. Pre-choreography. Launched in NZ in 1990, entered UK in 1997 with 7 programmes, now in a fifth of UK venues – BTS is the dominant user of this system of delivery
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BodyAttack (floor aerobics) BodyBalance (mind & body conditioning) BodyCombat (boxing & karate) BodyJam (dance) BodyPump (resistance training) RPM (indoor cycling) BodyStep (step aerobics)
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Number of Operational Years June 1990 December 1991 March 1993 March 1997 March 1998 September 1998 June 1999
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Number of Venues in England, 2006
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Features of BTS Pre-packed product delivered by instructors Clubs licensed for 12 months to put BTS on timetable – fee paid Instructors need club-affiliation to access initial training + NVQ 2 Initial training (2-3 days) + assessment CPD (attendance at 3 out of 4 QWs when new release issued) Elements of ‘licence to practise’ but not allowed to freely roam
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Contrasting Labour Process Regimes 1.Freestyle (instructor centre stage): - analysing & selecting music - choreographing the moves - presenting their image 2. Pre-choreography (instructor mimics another): - sounds selected & remixed - choreographers fit movement to music - image makers promote clothes selection & use of dialogue
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Music segments Music phrasing – 32 count blocks Shorthand for moves Instructor dialogue Beats per minute absent
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Trainees are Drilled to Conform Everything pre-packaged & easy Specialised knowledge & decision-rules in-built into artefacts (DVDs, notes, QWs) Repetitive viewing of DVD Compulsory attendance at QWs Mimicking of Master Trainers encouraged – clothing, language & even bodies!
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Conclusion Music mapping, choreography & inventiveness are not ‘must have’ skills in a pre-choreographed world Standardization requires follow the scripts written by others! This formulaic solution cheapens labour & makes high labour turnover & absenteeism easier to cope with Contrary to popular belief training can deaden rather than awaken individual creativity
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But this requires ‘on the ground’ research – close to the field – and a nesting of these findings in a system of relations linking stages in the productive system
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Contact Details: alanfelstead@cf.ac.uk http://learningaswork.cf.ac.uk
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