Hi Bridget!
I teach a class full of beginners to advanced exercisers. This can be very difficult at times to keep everyone happy. I am sure that Cathe will have amazing ideas for you, but until she can get to your question, here are some of my tips:
-SMILE!!! It makes your students feel special.
-Encourage them especially if they are unsure of themselves.
-"KEEP IT SIMPLE" When I have new people starting, I use very basic steps so they can master them and feel like they can do what everyone else can. This is also a great help to you while you are getting back into it. I show them ways to keep it low or jump it up so my advanced people are not bored and are still able to get a good workout.
-Make eye contact with everyone but I find that if I watch the student that is on a different beat than everyone else in the class, I can "lose it" myself.
-I have learned that instructor or not, I can and do mess up. I laugh at myself and my class LOVES IT when I mess up.
-Make it fun. I always tell them that the idea is to keep it moving. If they miss a step, so what. I say things like; "Oh I guess we messed that up, it's a good thing we're not shooting a video".
-I have offered to help a student prior to or after class to "get a step". It helps them and it helps me to know what they are doing wrong.
-After 2 1/2 years there are still some of my students who just can't get "around the world". I show them other options.
-Last but not least, "NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU SWEAT". Actually, let them see your sweat but don't let them see your nerves. Try to act like you know what you are doing and soon you will realize that you do and so will they.
Good luck and enjoy it!!!
