Top 12 Frustrations of Managing Group Fitness Instructors

Submitted by Melissa Vidito on May 20, 2016 2:36pm

What are the expectations and subsequent frustrations of managing a team of Group Fitness Instructors? Let’s look at the TOP 12 FRUSTRATIONS of Managing Group Fitness Instructors:

Punctuality. There is a room full of people counting on you. Imagine for some of them, how much motivation or courage it took for them to even get to the gym, let alone step foot in the class. Imagine how many hats each of those members has to wear everyday: work, parent, friend, caregiver. We are ALL busy. Plan better.
Introduce yourself. Don’t take for granted that half of the participants have been coming to your class for ten years and know your children’s first names. There are always new people, timid, unsure, and a little scared of the class. Introducing yourself sets everyone at ease and again, is just good manners.
Come prepared. Winging it is a skill few can pull off with success. A prepared instructor acknowledges that everyone’s time is valuable.
Have a music playlist ready – it is distracting to the participants when an instructor is constantly messing with music. Muscle Mix Music provides an excellent music service; and online options, like Spotify, allow for playlist creation and offline music access.
Choose exercises that the average participant can do successfully. The general population does not have the fitness ability of Michael Phelps. The goal is to create a workout that is challenging but also leaves the participant feeling successful.
If you cannot perform the exercise with good form, leave it out. You cannot ask someone to jump a box that you cannot jump. Be realistic with your expectations.
Cue modifications for all levels. Demonstrate beginner level exercises first and then cue progressions to the intermediate level and finally to the advanced level.
Monitor the participants. Watch for form, pay attention to the room and ensure the participants avoid injury. If someone is rounding her back on a deadlift, politely cue for proper form. If she doesn’t make the adjustment, approach her, mute your mic, and address the issue. Don’t shout “Carol! You’re doing it WRONG.” Don’t make people feel small with your form cues. Empower them to strive for improved form.
Remember, it is not your workout. While you are exercising, you still have a job to do and the focus is on helping the member.
Do not advise the class in areas you are not credentialed to do so. Legally, nutrition advice can only come from Certified Nutritionists. It is not safe to encourage fad diets or drastic cleanses.
Do not promote your outside business inside the club. The club does not endorse all of the small businesses of the instructors and using the club’s platform to grow your business is bad business. Personal contacts can be made and business can be addressed outside the club.
If you allow participants access to your social media sites, keep the content appropriate. Otherwise, consider a personal and a professional profile.

Are you a club manager? What are your frustrations with the team of instructors you manage?

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In Good Health,