No matter if it’s your first class or the 40th one you have led since starting group fitness instruction, or you have been leading group exercise classes for decades – whether just beginning as an instructor, or leading them for decades already – there will always be new ways for you to enhance teaching abilities and bring in more participants for group X classes. There is, in effect, an “formula” for being an effective one; check out this roundup of tried-and-tested tenets to strengthen your group X game – click any link below for additional guidance regarding its respective topic areas!
What to Expect When Teaching a New Class
Preparing to teach fitness class for the first time or just trying a different format is bound to feel daunting; but planning will ensure a smooth experience before, during and afterward! Don’t panic: this process is easier than you might expect!
Why You Wish to Accept Substituting
Substituting for another instructor might seem like a generous act–which it certainly is!–but it can also serve as an invaluable way to showcase your abilities. You could potentially attract more attendees for your own classes (or pick up regular timeslots!), which in turn allows you to develop as an educator more rapidly than expected.
How to Save Your Voice
Playing great music in class helps generate great energy, but your voice–i.e., how you cue and communicate to participants–may be of equal or even more significance. For instance, misusing cueing techniques or careless voice projection may irritate participants while potentially harming vocal cords over time. Adopt voice management techniques in order to increase long-term success as an instructor.
Effective Responses to Negative Comments from Participants
Any instructor would rather receive positive comments rather than constructive criticism for their class, yet group exercise instructors know all too well that criticism can occur from time to time. Thankfully, however, there’s an effective system available for dealing with negative feedback that makes identifying what should be addressed for professional growth and what may need be dismissed for peace of mind easier.
Why First Impression Matter for New Participants
Teaching regular participants should be straightforward as you’re likely already acquainted with them and understand their preferences and abilities. But making a lasting first impression with newcomers to your class can be more of a challenge; being welcoming could give newcomers motivation to stay active – not to mention helping increase class numbers! Don’t forget to learn their names along the way!
Innovative Teaching Methods for Analyzing Breakdowns of Systems.
An ideal class would involve all participants being able to execute all exercises or sequences you present with precision; unfortunately, however, that rarely happens. But don’t despair: multiple breakdown techniques may help participants “get” an exercise more efficiently or perform it with greater proficiency.
How You Can Rise Above As An Instructor
Un oft-cited characteristic of successful instructors is being able to garner loyal followings. But for your fitness community to rally behind you, you need to understand and promote your personal brand as a group fitness instructor – this knowledge helps become stand-out instructors at facilities where you teach group fitness classes.
Amanda Vogel, MA in Human Kinetics is an independent fitness instructor, presenter and writer in Vancouver BC. In addition to serving as social media consultant, Amanda tests fitness gadgets, gear and clothes and writes reviews of them on FitnessTestDrive.com blog. You can follow Amanda online via social media at @amandavogelfitness on Instagram as well as @FitnessWriter on Facebook.
