Who Are You Rooting For?

We need to do more than correct form, choreograph workouts, and create playlists.  We need to do more.  But what?  We need to be encouraging. 

To be encouraging is to be supportive, positive, and a little bit hopeful.  Great group exercise instructors take the time to create and nurture relationships with class participants while also encouraging independence.  I would like each of the people in my classes to do something independently of my class that is considered exercise.  I would like them to attend another class – whether it is mine or my friends class.  I would like them to lace up their shoes and take a walk with their neighbor, daughter, or dog.  I would like them to try Yoga.  In order to encourage independent fitness choices, I have to say, “Let’s all commit to getting one walk in before we see each other next week!”  Or “If you can’t make my Thursday class, try to come to Sue’s Wednesday class!”  Tell the people what you want the people to do.  It is a simple cue.  Encourage independence with simple cues and use them every time you teach!

We need to encourage self-growth.  How do we do that?  We acknowledge when we see good growth in class.  We cue our class to push a little bit harder than last week, to try to squeeze in one more push up.  Then when they do it, whether you can tell if they did or not, applaud them with your cues.  If you have a group that will likely work with you through a whole month, challenge them with an assessment workout on day 1 and complete that workout again on day 30.  Acknowledge that growth.  If you have a class participant who drives to the gym and then doesn’t want to get out of the car, when you see that person out of the car – acknowledge it.  Speak encouraging words. 

To be an encouraging fitness instructor several things must happen.  First, you must create a workout that is challenging yet also one that is able to be completed by the majority of your class.  You want to set them up for success with the workout.  Second, you must create an environment that is welcoming, warm, and friendly.  You must speak words of encouragement and compliment efforts made.  Are you rooting for your class and do they know it?  

In Good Health,

MV

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