Don’t get me wrong, all of us group exercise class instructors love teaching our classes because of the awesome people in those classes. Nevertheless, we’re human, and this is our job. So, every now and then we may have a few choice thoughts about our class and participants. If you think I’m talking to you…I’m talking to you!
What your Exercise Instructors want you to know…but would never tell you!
Please don’t stare at me! Smile, look around the room, but staring at me blankly is a little unnerving.
Leave your phone alone! Stay off your phone during class—emergencies aside, that text from your hairdresser can wait until you’re done working out.
If I correct your form, pay attention! I’m trying to help you get the most from my class, and to avoid injury.
Stay for the whole class! The warm-up, cool down, and stretch are all equally important parts of the class.
Follow my lead! If you come to class, but do your own thing, what’s the point? I can usually offer modifications if you let me know before the class starts.
Please laugh at my jokes! It takes a lot to be entertaining, funny, and likeable—especially while motivating you to do things that will make you uncomfortable.
I’m a trained professional! The 80’s leotards and side-ponytails gave aerobics instructors a bad rap. These days, we are better trained, more knowledgeable, and better dressed. We’re also not all super bubbly and rail-thin.
Preparing is a lot of work! Pre-choreographed classes, like LesMills BodyPump & BodyCombat, take hours of preparation. Every 6 weeks, we have to review and learn all the music and choreography before we teach it to you.
Speak up! Tell me when you really like my class—but also, let me know when you don’t like something. Feedback is a great way for me to improve as an instructor.
Dress appropriately for the class! Please consider a camisole under your low cut top, or a liner under your baggy shorts. Sometimes we get a view that we’re not prepared for.
When you’re sick, please stay home! You may want to sweat out your cold or flu, but don’t share your germs. Coughing and sneezing your way through class is not good for anyone in the room.
ALWAYS bring water! Proper hydration is important for any class. I am going to make you sweat. Water will help you function at your highest level in a tough class.
Have your own “class confession”? Whether it be funny, or inspiring, we’d love to hear it!
Share Your Story!
Written by Annie Farley, MS, CPT; Spinning Certified Star 3 Instructor & Group Exercise Instructor at Elite Sports Club-Mequon
Annie Farley has been the Director of Group Exercise, and a personal trainer at the Elite Sports Clubs location in Mequon since 2010. As a two sport collegiate athlete, she developed a passion for strength and conditioning, coaching, wellness, and exercise physiology. Sharing the knowledge of exercise science, and the enjoyment of being active has been the focus of her tenure at Elite. Indoor cycling, boot camp, and strength training exercise classes are among her specialties. When she’s not teaching an exercise class, or training a client, Annie can be found on the tennis court, at the riding stable, or spending time with her husband and 4 kids.
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