Likes and dislikes in a fitness class? For a new instructor.

[Coffeetree]

Hi everyone,

I've recently started teaching Legs Bums and Tums and Body Conditioning. Mostly women in the classes, in a leisure centre.

Of course I ask for feedback but thought I'd see what people here would recommend? Anything in particular you like or hate in fitness classes?

Dislike - too much talking, classes being exactly the same for weeks on end

Like - when different levels of challenge are offered so the class is challenging/suitable for all, carefully chosen music

I hate it when the class feels cliquey and the instructor is part of me. Always make sure newbies are given a warm welcome and include them in any conversations that you’re having when waiting for the class to begin.

And start on time! I’ve been to a few classes where the instructor waits for people who are running late and it infuriates me! You should start the class at the set time.

I hate when they have clear favourites with the regulars and it all becomes a bit cliquey and unwelcoming to new people.
Not too much chat in between tracks. I like classes because I’m lazy and I know I can go to one, spend 45 minutes being told what to do and get a good workout so I just like to get on with it and get it done.

Too much talking from the instructor? Or chatter among participants?

I try to call out encouraging comments and reminders on form.

When its cliquey
Facing the group... so i prefer it when you are behind the instructor and can copy in a class with dance moves or step!
Too much talking and wasting time so the class doesn't fit the time

I make a point of welcoming new people and saying something like, "Nice to see a new face!" Because yeah, cliquey classes suck.

I appreciate:

Professionalism. Starting on time, not being overly friendly or cliquey with people you know, controlling class size or spacing if it is off.

Music loud enough! Sometimes I think new instructors want to make sure they are heard and they can hear themselves, maybe so they are confident their instructions are audible, so they have the mic volume really high and the music too low.

Knowledge. For example, providing different levels (e.g. leg taps to the side, jumping jacks, air jacks). Or providing little prompts to get more out of something (e.g. tilt your pelvis forward and squeeze your bum during this hip flexor stretch to feel the stretch, rather than just collapsing forward)

Instructors observing and helping with form
Asking re injuries before a class starts so adjustments are made

I like different ability levels to be given

I don't like personal comments

I HATE having to buddy up with someone to do an exercise and would always prefer to do it on my own (less of an issue with Covid I guess)

I like instructors to pay attention to form not just let people get on with it if they're doing eg squats wrong. No need to call individuals out just a general pointer.

Never ever touch me! I've had some instructors come up and adjust or stretch me without warning!!! Again, hopefully Covid stops this.

Good music, not too loud that we can't hear you.

And watch class sizes, don't allow people to sneak in as this just makes it uncomfortable for everyone.

And yes, cliquey classes are a turn off

Oh and over complicated choreography pisses me off too!!

Stop people from standing in the same place every week, as a newbie you feel unwelcome.

Don’t play crap loud music.

Do the opposite of what you are telling us. Eg if you’re facing us and tell us to lift our left arm, lift your right so we are mirroring you.

I hate it when the music doesn’t sound good, as it make sure it has enough bass. Worse than that is an instructor shouting over it and I have no idea what she’s saying.

Like - instructors who do not let people colonise a particular space (unless they have hearing/sight issues that mean they need to be somewhere at the front). Otherwise, the newbies get shuffled to the back where they can't hear or see properly and are negotiating arsey people who huff and complain that 'you're in MY/Bertha's place' - putting newer people in a position so that regulars can't 'own' anywhere is really useful. Maybe even put into the routine that the second line come forward, then the third for each section?

Explain what seem to be simple things - not just for the benefit of newbies, some of the regulars can be oblivious about how to perform a grapevine or how to secure weights on a bar (with the inevitable result that they go off the end at some point). And how to ensure you don't hurt yourself - I've seen women hoying around kettlebells that are too heavy for them and narrowly miss accidents or doing themselves a mischief.

Check quietly for medical conditions - and try to know how they affect the routines.

In short, come across as interested, observant, informed and approachable rather than just going through the motions for the session.

@OnlyClothes

Do the opposite of what you are telling us. Eg if you’re facing us and tell us to lift our left arm, lift your right so we are mirroring you.

Nah, doesn't work. I'll be lifting my left and wondering why it looks wrong compared to the instructor.

Turn to the side, turn your back, but never do the opposite of what you're telling people to do.

Dislike - screechy high-pitched shouting instructions from the teacher. Also, being singled out by the instructor.

Like - great music is a must!

Dislike: the music. Not the fact that there is music obviously but that It's always clubby and I hate "dance music". I suspect that's just me.

Oh yes definitely pointers on form. It kills me in body pump when I see people which such bad positioning which will give them an injury and the instructors never seem to notice

I hate being called out in front of everyone if I'm doing something not quite right. It's humiliating. And yes, start on time, don't spend the first few minutes chatting.

Partner work, too many lunges.

Excessively loud music. We might not be doing it properly because we can't hear you.

Making people work in pairs. Never do this.

Not introducing yourself.

Ignoring new people who are clearly struggling and looking around wondering what to do

Music loud enough to encourage you but not so loud I can't hear you.

Welcoming new people and making sure they know what kit they need

Clear instructions

Varied class and lots of options for levels of ability

Never film yourself or a class without clearly asking everyone for permission (I've had to walk out a class and complain before about this.

Yes to starting on time. One i went to got later and later because of class members chatting to instructor before the start. Those of us who were always ready punctually got really fed up with the hanging about.

Depends on the group I suppose but I like a routine that isn't complicated so that I can actually do it properly.

Music with a beat that suits the activity.

I agree with welcoming newbies and giving more guidance when needed.
This is totally wrong but when you leave please break your contract and tell me where you’re going. My favourite body pump instructor disappeared, I would drive for an hour for his class. Likewise aerobics teacher who was training and somehow made it painless in class but I could hardly get my shoes on to go home.

Definitely be very welcoming to newcomers. Remember their names. Remember any injures or issues they tell you they have. I like lots of interaction in the class. So pointers on form, coming round checking etc.