Teaching fitness classes is a passion of mine. Quality is embedded, I want to give my classes the best safe and effective workout in order to keep them healthy and reach their goals. In doing so, my classes are always pre-planned, with somewhat of a leeway for spontaneity; I strive to deliver creative superior and never pre-canned classes, no exceptions! Though I am a bit of a health/fitness nerd, education of exercises and keeping up-to-date on health issues/studies is always part of my classes as well as my life. This allows me to continue to provide the best most effective class I can deliver!
Over the years, I have attended a variety of fitness classes and have encountered a wide array of talented and not so talented fitness instructors. Personally, I’ve stated this before and do not hide the fact that I am extremely selective whom I take my fitness classes from. Just because someone has a piece of paper indicating proper certification, does not necessarily translate to a competent instructor. That being said, please note, a professional current fitness certification is a must as well as a current CPR/AED certification for a fitness instructor/personal trainer.
Check out these ten questions, answer honestly about your current or past instructor and be mindful of clues to determine if your instructor is “fit” to teach and I do not mean physically fit!
My goal here is awareness, next time you walk into a fitness class, my hope is you are more astute to the characteristics of a competent, capable instructor and enjoy an injury-free fabulous workout!
How does your favorite fitness instructor rate, review the list of ten questions and see for yourself!
- Are you properly greeted by your instructor when walking into a class? Is the environment warm, friendly and inviting?
- Does the instructor give his/her name, ask if anyone is new, has an injury or if anyone present has not previously taken a class by the instructor?
- Is the class presented in an organized manner and starts and ends on time?
- Does he/she cue for safety (stabilize torso, bend knees, slow/controlled movements) etc?
- Is the instructor knowledgeable, able to identify muscles being used and offer modifications for injuries such as shoulder, hip, knee, low-back issues?
- If the class is geared toward all-levels, is a basic exercise offered, then layered by level of difficulty?
- Is the instructor motivating, are you learning new exercises or is the class the same old routine, you know what to expect and do not feel challenged?
- Is the instructor getting a great workout? Is he/she sweating and “working out” or is the class focused on YOU (class is never about the instructor, not a time for his/her workout).
- Does your instructor give concise clear cues, visual (i.e. demonstrates the exercise/pose) and gives physical cues (i.e. hand to ankle)?
- Does the instructor walk the talk; does he/she practice what he/she preaches?
How do you personally judge a high-quality fitness class and fitness instructor? Is it by how much sweat is dripping all over you and the floor?
Blog by: Lynn MacDonald, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, CPR/AED certified by American Red Cross, Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher and Therapeutic Yoga Teacher
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