My Top Five Favorite Traits in a Fitness Instructor
Friday, August 24, 2012 at 3:20PM Happy Friday and happy first day of vacation for me!!
Plenty of this will be happening.
I am so excited to have a week off to hang out and enjoy what’s left of summer! I feel like it hasn’t really been summer this year because I haven’t taken any time off to go on holidays! #workinggirlproblems I guess. I’m trying to save up my vacation days just in case Mike and I can swing a hot vacation around Christmas time ;)
Today, Mike and I are going to the university so he can get his books and a parking pass. Plus I’m going to show him around the campus so he knows where his classes are and all that jazz. I totally remember doing this the August before my first year of uni with my friend Morgan and now 6 short years later, I’m the tour guide. Scary how time flies.
Anyways, on to the meat portion of this post!
FIVE QUALITIES OF MY FAVORITE FITNESS INSTRUCTORS
I had just finished my speed training at the gym on Wednesday and heard the Zumba music when I took my earphones out. Since I’m still in the process choreographing my class, I decided to go and stretch by the Zumba class so I could maybe pick up some new moves and songs from this instructor. I was so disappointed to see that she was going at maybe 50% energy! Then I noticed that her class wasn’t going as hard as a zumba class usually does with an instructor who goes balls out. So that got me thinking – I definitely want my class to be high energy and feel like they’ve had a great workout at the end of it; what are some traits of my favorite fitness instructors that I definitely want to have? Since I don’t want to bore you with a novel of a post and since 5 is a nice number for a list, here are my personal top five traits my favorite fitness instructors possess:
1. ENERGY – As I said above, if the instructor is not giving energy out, the class won’t give it back. My favorite fitness instructors are the ones who actually perform the moves with you (yes, I’ve had classes where the instructor just shouts out directions and doesn’t do it) and they perform them at a high level of intensity. I understand that in some cases, the instructor has taught a few classes that day or is completely wiped because of other personal reasons. But when an instructor is consistently low-energy or never does the exercises with you? That’s a problem.
2. HAPPY BUT NOT LIKE A MAD HATTER – I love fitness instrcutors who are peppy, have a smile on their face, and look like they’re having a good time. But there’s definitely a line that some cross and go into psycho cheerleader from hell mode.
I literally stopped going to one girl’s zumba class at my gym because she was scary happy and it got to be annoying in a class where you have to look at the instructor and follow along. She was a total woo girl and would contort her face into scary happy expressions. It was too much for me. And before you think “Oh Erin, you’re just so cynical and hate happy people”, a bunch of other people felt the same way (the locker room at a gym is a great place for gossip) and we all avoided her class. Harsh, but if I’m taking an hour of out my day to take your class, I want to enjoy it!
3. CORRECTING FORM – I know that I am not a fitness expert or have any degress or certifications pertaining to the human body and how it works, but I like to think my years of sports and working out have taught me how to do a proper squat. Just in case anyone needs a refresher:
In any fitness class, squats are almost always a given. And without fail, someone is going to do them wrong. Not a big deal if the instructor corrects them. Some instructors never give out form cues, correct people or say anything. To me, this is a big problem because someone can get seriously injured if doing a move wrong.
4. PUNCTUALITY – Some people are pretty busy and this may be their only free time to get a workout in. If a class starts and ends on time, I’m a happy camper. When instructors say they’re waiting to start just in case some more people show up, I start to get rage-y. It puts all the classes from that point on behind if one class starts and ends late. Plus, some instructors cut back on cool down if they’re running late and in my opnion, that’s a huge no-no. Our bodies need a good cool down after exercising!
5. APPROACHABILITY – I LOVE when instructors stay a few minutes after the class and talk to people. Instructors who just get in, do the class, and then bolt are no fun. I will come back to a certain instructor’s class if they take the time to answer questions or just talk about life with you. Plus, this gives participants a chance to ask them questions about form or execution of a certain exercise if they were too nervous to do so in front of the class.
What’s one trait you love about your favorite fitness instructors?
Any fitness instructor horror stories? I still can’t get over the instructor that sat in a chair and shouted directions to us.
Have a fantastic weekend everyone!
Reader Comments (9)
Lol - #2 is the best {and a total pet peeve of mine}
I love it when it's evident that *they* love it. I've had some instructors that clearly were not into the class and that just makes it torture to take!
Good point! Always good to have an instructor who has passion for the class!
Very cool post! I love an instructor who just pushes, pushes, pushes with extra motivation:) Makes you want to do them proud!
those are all good points forsure!
when i am a personal trainer, and possibly a spin instructor, those are some things I will definitely possess for qualities.
Energy is key. I can't stand dull people. Even at my gym, the manager who is like 5 years younger than me i'm pretty sure, is so lifeless and just looks like a huge stuck up bitch... (just being honest) I think you NEED to be approachable and happy with a good positive vibe in this field. I can do that!
I agree with all those traits, especially the mad hatter one. Ugh, so many of those.
Yes! That's one of the best things about instructors and trainers - the motivational push!
Completely! You'll be an awesome personal trainer! If we ever live in the same city, I totally want to hire you for some sessions.
Right? There's such a thing as too happy. It's so annoying!
Great list!
I'm a fitness instructor and appreciate hearing what participants like from their group fit classes.
I'd add 'is a good educator' to your list. I think people (in general), want to know WHY they're doing a particular exercise. HOW it will help them in their everyday life. I try to educate when I teach.
While I agree that having an instructor who goes all out, in front of the class is very motivating, the class really isn't the instructor's workout. I notice that on days when I participate fully, I'm not nearly as good at correcting my participants' form and educating them about what we're doing. It's a fine balance between motivating through actions and being a good TEACHER. I hope I'm walking it!