My 10 Group Fitness Instructors “Dos”
When I’m reading the “Dos and Don’ts” for group fitness instructors in the magazines I receive from my personal training organization, I sometimes find myself on the “Don’t” list. Oopsie!
I shouldn’t be:
- Talking about myself
- Testing out so much music on my classes
- Swearing or playing music with swear words
- Overweight
- Teasing
- Giving unclear direction (I have word vomit/get words mixed up or together from time to time)
Like I said, “oopsie!” A lot of the work of being a fitness instructor is being “on,” and it’s hard to hide certain parts of my personality (telling bad stories/jokes, teasing, swearing, etc.). And besides, when else do I have people’s undivided attention to listen to me?! Ha, I kid, I kid… sorta.
I could work on all of the things on that list though…
But I am not writing this post to be down on myself! I am writing it to share the list of group fitness instructor “Dos” that I live by:
- Plan safe workouts for all planes of motions/incorporate basic moves, and don’t get too crazy trying new stuff/combos
- FORM > PACE/AMOUNT OF REPS
- Give adequate breaks
- Be encouraging
- Start and stop class on time
- Stretch before and after we work out
- Greet everyone when they arrive and say goodbye when they leave/give people my attention… until I am interrupted, then always follow up later
- Ask how people’s bodies are feeling and follow up on injuries
- Keep in touch with people after they stop taking my class
- MAKE IT FUN!!!
These are all important to me, but especially the last one. Everyone needs to strength train and not many people do it. So why not make it fun when we do?
I’m reusing an old photo because I don’t have many of myself teaching! I’ll have to retake this with my mom this weekend when she takes my fitness boxing class!!!!!
Themocracy
Don’t you dare change a thing from that first list. The way you teach; the music, the swear words, the personal stories, all of that is what makes your class so much fun. It’s all perfect, and why your classes are so popular. No “oopsies”!
Ha ha, thanks! No need to worry – it’s too much work to change my personality!
Ha, I feel like some of the things from the first list would make the classes not fun! I feel like the instructors I enjoy the most are the ones that are genuine and seem like they’re having fun with the class 🙂
Ha, like eliminating them would make the classes not fun?
That is the kind of instructor I want too! Nothing too serious, please!
You should NOT change one thing about the way you teach your group fitness classes! They are the best and rock! Quite honestly, it’s nice to have an instructor that is REAL!
Aww, thanks so much!!!!!!
Back in the dark ages when I used to do Jazzercise, I’d choose the classes based on my favorite instructors…I’m positive that’s why people go to your classes, so hey, keep doing you!
I want to try Jazzercise! I was running laps at a gym where they were doing it and it looked so fun!!!
Thanks 🙂
It’s been awhile since I’ve taken regular group fitness classes, but I still remember how much I resented the instructor at a studio I visited when I did a month of ClassPass like 3.5 years ago who only seemed to care that we got in the number of reps listed on the board, not what we had to do to go about making that happen. My form was a nightmare and I knew it, and it made me SO angry that she didn’t seem to care. I’ve had a poor opinion about that studio ever since, even if it was just one instructor on one occasion. And, as I have blogged about more than once, NOTHING drives me crazier in my dance class than my teacher starting late and ending late! Stick to the schedule, man! I think both of those things are CRITICAL to being a good instructor.
I agree with you, because those are things that (obviously) bother me greatly as well. ESPECIALLY classes that focus on speed and/or amount of reps without properly teaching form. It’s just asking to get hurt. And I hate things starting and ending late in general. I only start late if there is a weather incident affecting everyone. And I never end late. People signed up for what they signed up for – they don’t want more time working out – they want to get on with their day!!!
Kim- I love all your group work out classes! I even like the items on your oopsie list! Many of these items are the reason why we all connect with you as an instructor! I say keep being you:)
Thank you so much!!! I will keep being me!!!
I’m guessing people come to your class because they like all these things about them! All your DOs are sensible and safe and matter a lot more than “don’t be overweight” (Gah!).
Maybe one more do: Play lots of BTS! (JK)
I think so! I just get frustrated with myself when I am tripping over words AGAIN or telling too many stupid jokes or stories.
I was going to write more about the overweight thing – there was actually a huge article in the most recent magazine about trainers NOT being so hard on themselves and each other about appearance. So that is progress!
Ha! I’ve played “Fire” a few more times!!!
ALL of the things on your “don’ts” list are why I LOVE taking classes with you! You’re a real person (yes, even with flaws), and you’re fun, and that makes your classes a hell of a lot of fun too!
In conjunction with #7, I appreciate that you a) take the time to get to know everyone’s names (small classes I know, but you know that’s been my biggest pet peeve about my new studio here WTF HOW HARD IS IT?!) and b) introduce new people to the class so they feel welcome! Basically everything you do makes people feel welcome and makes group fitness less intimidating than it is at other studios.
Aww, thanks! 🙂 I do want to be relatable! And definitely to make it FUUUUUUN!!!!
UGH, that makes ME bonkers that they still don’t know your name when you go every freaking week! COME ON! I know they teach a lot of classes, but you are a familiar face. So lame.
Thanks for the nice feedback! I am glad it seems welcoming and less intimidating!