I went through a period of about 10 years, maybe longer,
when I refused to take a group fitness class. I enjoyed running, lifting, and
using the cardio machines, but I thought I did not like classes. This was back
in the day when old-school aerobics was really popular, and I always felt like
I was the one person going the wrong way when everyone else seemed to know what
they were doing. I took one yoga class and I thought I hated it, because this
particular teacher liked to do a lot of partner work, which was really not my
bag at the time.
When I belonged to the Gold’s Gym in Warrenton, VA, one of
the trainers suggested I try the group classes, since they were free with
membership. I found that I really did enjoy yoga (it all depends on the
teacher) and I loved Zumba. In fact, I loved it so much that I decided I wanted
to learn how to Salsa for real, which started my social-dancing history and my
launched my fitness education path.
I don’t really enjoy Zumba anymore—the reasons don’t really
matter, but I think it has a lot to do with teachers. However, I have taken and
taught a lot of group exercise classes in the past 20 years or so. Recently, I
have been exploring with some new teachers and methodologies, which started me
thinking about the things I like and the things that really turn me off in
group fitness instructors. Trying to focus on the positive, I will share the
things I love.
Things I love:
1) When teachers make an effort to get to know students’ names.
I appreciate teachers who ask you to wear nametags, or look at the class
sign-in sheet and attempt to use each student’s name. This is especially
helpful when making corrections: “Valerie, be sure to keep your spine straight
up and down.”
2) When teachers spend the minutes before class conversing
with students.
3) When teachers offer up-and-down modifications of
exercises, so that beginner and advanced students can get a good workout in the
same class.
4) When teachers allow themselves to stop talking for a few
minutes during the course of the class. For me, this allows me to focus on the
work and the music.
5) When teachers change their classes often—whether it’s
changing out one or two songs and exercises or completely revamping the class
from month to month. I enjoy learning new things and challenging myself with
the same teacher.
6) When teachers ask permission before making hands-on
adjustments. I would prefer that teachers not physically move me at all. I always
prefer verbal/visual cues, but if that fails and it’s something really
important that could cause injury, they could at least ask, “May I touch you,”
or put their hand in the place where they want your foot/arm/shoulder to be,
and ask you to move yourself to that spot, instead of trying to move you.
7) When teachers are knowledgeable. They should be able to
explain why you shouldn’t lock out your knees on the upward phase of a squat,
for example.
8) When teachers don’t assume that you are a brand-new beginner just because they have never seen you in their class before. They also
should not assume that you are an expert. I love it when they ask, or wait to
see what you can do.
9) When teachers make eye contact with students, or at the
very least, watch the students during the class. I have heard teachers, with
their faces turned toward the wall, say “that looks great!” (psst, hey, you
can’t see us!)
10) Teachers who come to class prepared. They know what they
are going to teach, have a play list ready, and know what tools the students
will need.
As I continue to grow as a teacher, I will make it a conscious goal to incorporate these strategies into my personal teaching style.
