The worst live class I have ever experienced!!

[eaglobo]

On the heels of my post about how much I enjoyed Turbo Kick, I have to share another experience that was nowhere near as good.

A week ago, I took a kickbox class at a local elementary school, mainly because I knew the instructor from past classes we had taken together, both as students.

I couldn't understand a word she was saying the whole class, she wanted us to punch with heavy weights...10 pound dumbells..an absolute no-no for kickbox class..no more than 2-3 pounds at most, and preferrably, no weights at all as they could be dangerous on your joints when punching.

The floor we were on was a filthy basketball court that hadn't seen a dustmop in years, and was slippery to boot...almost fell two or three seperate times.

I have never walked out on a class in my life, and I came close here. The worst part is, the instructor at the end of the class tells me she can't wait to see me next week...I really have to work on some good lies I suppose, I really don't want to hurt the woman's feelings, but geez o man, it was just plain bad.

I had to take something positive from the experience, and it was this..I don't know what kind of teacher I'll make, but I would never in a million years teach a class on a surface like the one I was on, I wouldn't put my students at risk like that, I'd rather not teach at all.

 

[kathryn]

Sounds like a horrible experience.
10# dumbbells? Where did that idea come from? I cringe at the thought of who might end up with epicondylitis from that (or worse).

I know you don't want to hurt this woman's feelings, but I think you hould have walked out.

At least you got something out of it : a model of what NOT to do. (I've been to several sessions at FL teacher conferences that were rather horrible---and I usually walk out if I can get away undetected. But the ones where I can't easily leave, I usually try to get ideas on what *I* would do instead of what the presenter is doing. I've actually gotten some ideas for my own presentations that way.)

 

[eaglobo]

Kathryn,

After I pretty much gave up on accomplishing much of anything during her class, I did exactly what you described, and thought to myself what I would have done differently.

I just didn't have the heart to walk out, I know for health reasons I should have, and I did let her know I strongly disagreed with the idea of heavy weights while punching..her response was pretty much along the lines of "You're a male, should be no problem for you".

If I run into her again, I really hope she doesn't push the fact that I won't be returning to her class, hopefully my non-appearance will do the talking, if she persists and asks, I'll have to tell her the truth.

 

[rnyogamom]

I can't imagine boxing moves with weights! I taught Turbokick for a year, really mindful of form and STILL developed rotator cuff AGONY due to simple overuse!

That's really awful!

 

[kathryn]

>I did let her know I strongly
>disagreed with the idea of heavy weights while punching..her
>response was pretty much along the lines of "You're a male,
>should be no problem for you".

Wow!

 

[Marie1120]

I stupidly did Tae Bo using 5# dumbbells and ended up with a torn rotator cuff!

Could you call the rec dept and anonymously express your concern? Or email or call the regional TK person that could give her some feedback to improve her teaching style.

I tried Zumba a few months ago and hated it but was in the minority so tried again and still hated it. Finally tried a different instructor and now love it. The instructor can make all the difference!