Delivering a group exercise class requires…..Preparation – Dedication – Organisation – Professionalism
Being prepared to deliver a group exercise class is as important as actually delivering the class. A failure to prepare is only going to lead to an unhappy ending. Here are some tips I use to run a class.
Music – Always make sure you have your music ready to go. Is your music downloaded? Do you have a backup playlist downloaded too? If you use an iPod for your music and not your phone, do you have the app on your telephone with that particular playlist downloaded in case the iPod doesn’t work? Without music you have no class, so make sure you have a back-up or two.
Choreography – Practice, practice, and practice more! Have you looked at regressions as well as progressions? Even in a group exercise class that has been established for years with the same users, today may be the day somebody new walks in.
Your regulars may need a regression anticipated to a recently available accident or surgery. Devoid of the practice you can’t make those key changes and modifications. You’ll also want to practice the complete release at least one time completely before you coach it.
Concluding the workout can help you learn how challenging it is, this will help you to deliver the type, monitor participants and also have those regressions or progressions already at heart prior to the class, take care not to get complacent and simply assume we’re able to execute a move/exercise simply by enjoying it on the app.
Impressions – First impressions always count up – Present yourself in ways you would be prepared to be provided to. Your type will be delighted to participate and you ought to be corresponding that energy, and pushing more!
Take time to have a good healthy breakfast time, be sure to have your appetizers and mineral water ready. Being fuelled could keep one up, the energy you can switch to your categories. Look after your whole body as well as your body can look after you.
Delivery – From the moment the music is on this is it – everything you’ve practiced comes to life – cueing, pre-cueing, verbal as well as nonverbal, effective layering, teaching skills, observation, safety checks, technique corrections, level options, demonstrations and of course motivation- bags filled with motivation. Interact with every single person in your studio, even if it’s a wink and a smile or an acknowledgment of how well they’re doing. Be observant, the small things go a long way with the class.
Strategy – If you’re educating a specialised school like combat fx, do your own training outside of classes; get in the engagement ring at your local boxing health club, or get a one to one with a combined martial arts PT if you have the opportunity, or simply research the combined martial arts community classes in your area and rock up to one of those. Our company is always learning and learning from the best is a great base in my book.
Timekeeping and Professionalism – Isn’t it great to walk into a studio and the instructor is already there, a smile on their face, music on quietly in the background and with a large welcome to class. Smiles are infectious and go a long way. I know we all have times where we simply don’t feel like putting that encounter on, but trust me guys, your smile could be that one point that brightens up somebody’s day – by no means assume we know everyone in the class and their reason for coming to your class. Everybody has a story/journey, be a part of that in the best and most positive way you can.
Delivery – From the moment the music is on this is it – everything you’ve practiced comes to life – cueing, pre-cueing, verbal as well as nonverbal, effective layering, teaching skills, observation, safety checks, technique corrections, level options, demonstrations and of course motivation- bags full of motivation.
Interact with every single person in your studio, even if it’s a wink and a smile or an acknowledgment of how well they are doing. Be observant, the small things go a long way with the group.
Process – If you’re coaching a specialised category like attack fx, do your private training beyond classes; enter the ring at your neighborhood boxing gym, or get yourself or someone to one 2 one with a blended martial arts PT assuming you have the opportunity, or just research the mixed fighting techniques community classes in your town and rock up to among those.
After the final bell – Do not be the first to leave the studio – become the last!! Congratulate, and acknowledge everyone as they leave with a “well done” or “great workout, see you next week”. Use names where one can, stating hi or bye and applying someone’s name can make their daytime! “wow, the instructor, in fact, does recognize me and remembers my name” Tell them yours too!
Finally, always remember, as instructors – you are only as good as your last class!
Perhaps you have found something else that works for you? Comment below 🙂
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To our continued health and success
Eric
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