What Makes a Great Instructor?

So you took the training and you have the certificate. But are you really ready to teach your best class? It takes more than just knowledge of a bunch of different exercises to make a great instructor. Even after completing an all day training, there is still so much to learn! After more than five years working in the Group Fitness industry, I have grown so much since my early days. To help you along your journey, I have compiled the top 3 ways you can lead your very best class!

1.) Know your stuff. Your clients look to you as “the expert.” This means that you need to be knowledgeable in your field, whether that be barre, cycle, step, dance, etc., and keep learning! To hold my Group Fitness Certificate through ACE, I am required to obtain 20 hours of continuing education every two years. I use this as an opportunity to freshen up my skills and keep up to date on all the new research and studies. It is equally as important to know when to refer your clients to other experts, whether that be a general practitioner, physical therapist or nutritionist. A well-rounded instructor should also be able to offer any modifications that are needed and the ability to teach to all levels. Your clients will appreciate your work ethic if you come prepared with plans and know what you are going to be doing in each class.

2.) Be clear, concise and calculated. Mean what you say, and say what you mean. When giving cues, don’t fluff with words and nonsense. Your clients have a lot to think about during class, so it is important you get straight to the point. Everything you say should have a purpose and be calculated. When you are writing out your exercises, practice speaking out loud to make sure you can clearly explain the set-up, motion and end goal. You want to be intentional with your words, movement, class flow and use of props.

3.) You be you. What is your uniqueness? What sets you apart from the other instructors at your facility? Is it your personality? How you choreograph the exercises to the music? Your class intensity level? Or maybe it’s the sassy pants you always wear to class?! Whatever “it” is, that’s what will increase your class attendance! I always encourage our new trainees to take classes from other instructors. Take what you liked about them/their class and apply it to your teaching style. Or maybe there was something they said or did that you weren’t a real fan of. Take a mental note and check yourself the next time you are teaching to make sure you aren’t doing the same thing. You don’t have to be like anyone else. Find your voice and raise it up!

As you can see, just because you have a piece of paper that says “Congratulations you are now a blah, blah, blah instructor,” doesn’t necessarily mean you are done learning! It takes more than an 8 hour course to become the best instructor you can be. To reach your greatest potential, it is important to continue to grow, do your homework, and above all, be yourself! If you are interested in becoming a Barre Instructor or learn a new format, you can find out more about our upcoming trainings here and be sure to follow us on social media for lots more #teachertips!

Hope to see you at the barre soon!

Cheers,

Heather McCreight