help from group fitness instructors

[boxer]

Hi
I am feeling very conflicted about becoming a fitness instructor i am very good in my living room but i cant seem to get the courage to get up in front of my kickbox class. I am currently in a class that is taught by a 15 yr instructor i feel like i have to measure up, Was it hard for you? I wonder if i should give up????

 

[fitxme]

Gosh Boxer,

You don't have to measure up to anyone but yourself. Come up with a style that suits you and makes you the most effective instructor that you can be and the rest will come.

When I started, I taught at my church with people who just wanted to work out and had no high expectations. They were patient and gave me great feedback. Once my confidence was up, I took my show on the road - so to speak.

You have to want it and you have to enjoy it. Know that you can't please everybody, but you just go out there and give it your best shot.

Good luck!!

http://www.GlitterMaker.com/created/39583717.gif[/IMG][/URL]
(fitxme)
http://www.picturetrail.com/fitxme

 

[tina72382]

Yes, I agree, just be yourself, and you will get better with each class. most participants are very supportive, especially if you are honest with them.

Take care! - Tina

 

[Aquajock]

Hi, Boxer - you should NOT give it up but you SHOULD do some practice sessions (perhaps with some friends of yours) before you go up in front of a live class. There is indeed a world of difference between being a participant and being a leader of an exercise class, and there is no real way to describe it or learn it without doing it. I learned that myself many years ago when I was seguing into being an aqua GFI from being a devoted participant.

Ask the intructor of your class if she can mentor you and perhaps let you lead portions of one or more classes, starting with the warm-up and working your way through from there. Or take some workshops that have you leading as part of the education.

A-Jock

 

[newswoman13]

Just another cheer for you! Keep practicing in your living room (I still do it!), then do like A-Jock suggested and see if you can start by teaching the warm up and cool down of a fellow instructor's class. Then, keep building. Any instructor has been there before and should be MORE than happy to pay it forward.

Good for you, and Very Important: BE YOURSELF!!!! Clients pick up on this and know a real one. If you're nervous, that's okay. It'll get easier, just go with the flow, practice, make eye contact, feel the connection, and have a great time!!

 

[melodygirl]

As a former group fitness instructor, I'd say you have some good advice above. I think A-Jock's suggestion about beginning by leading small portions of a fellow instructor's class is a good way to get your feet wet in front of a large group.

But whatever you do take the advice to be yourself, get comfortable with your own style and YOUR personality and YOUR style will develop. You will gain your own followers for classes.

Gosh, I wanna go back to teaching now.

 

[endorphin_junkie]

Stick with it Boxer it gets easier and easier. What's been mentioned above is exactly how I started. First I did the warm up and a few weeks later added the cool down. I also videotaped some of my first classes and found that this really helped me to be much more objective about my timing, effectiveness and personal style. It also gives you a chance to see how well the class is following. In the beginning I was struck at how encouraging participants were in their feedback and especially during the workouts, a re-assuring smile was invaluable. If you flub (who doesn't?!) tell them with a wink and a smile that it worked perfectly in your living room and move on. Try not to beat yourself up in front of the participants, they usually don't even notice little blips in the workout. Especially if you're working them hard. Great Good Luck to You!

Take Care
Laurie