There you were, shaking your groove thang in your group exercise class, anticipating your instructor’s next move, when you suddenly had that thought which comes to every participant eventually – “Hmm, I bet I could do that! How hard can it be to teach group exercise? Shoooore does look enticing.”
(Before you jump onstage, find out more about “Saying Good-bye to Excess Fat, Love Handles, and Cellulite” in the FREE Health and Beauty series we were invited to participate in. Register by clicking this Women Getting Fit/ Health and Beauty teleseries link.)
This is the Perfect Hairstyle for New Instructors
In deference to your career (or hobby) musings. we thought we’d share some of the reasons you should consider becoming an instructor (definition: person who puts on music and a microphone and leads a group of people in movement).
1. You get paid to work out – Yup, every time you teach, you get money. Sa-weeet deal. This would probably not be a good time to mention that some places do not actually pay as they firmly believe you should teach for the love of it. Don’t fall for that trap – if you want to do something unpaid “just for the love of it,” become a parent. We do encourage a certain level of volunteering, but not in this way.
2. You get to meet lots and lots and lots of new people – And 99% of them are really kind and fun. Great news for extroverts, kinda scary for introverts. But even introverts can find a way to let their inner diva out. We’ve seen some kick-ass introverted indoor cycle instructors. If you do a good job, these people you meet will bring their friends to your class and you will become massively popular.
3. You can share your love of music and movement – All those dance and gymnastics lessons can be put to use, as you choreograph the freshest, finest dance-delicious classes ever known to the world of exercise. But don’t sing along on the microphone unless you have a tolerable voice. High kicks cannot save you if you make dogs cry.
4. You get personal satisfaction out of helping people improve their lives – This one is a big deal and supersedes all the other reasons. If you feel good when your students feel good, that’s good! Just ask James Brown ; he was a famous fitness instructor!
5. You will become a very consistent exerciser – You know, assuming you show up for your own classes on a regular basis. Subbing out a lot is lame. Getting paid is cool, but having a healthy, fit body is even cooler. And you’ll look hot. Cool and hot together.
6. You become a role model – Bonus points if you have children.
7. You get lots of positive attention – Yup, it’s all about YOU as long as you make it all about THEM! In other words, learn their names, know their goals, help them modify for their needs, be compassionate, be sincere, earn their respect and trust, give good advice that’s within your scope of practice, and interact. You can also stare in the mirror a lot if you like that kind of positive attention, as long as that mirror is at home in your bathroom.
8. Your social life will improve – Whether you’re single or partnered up, just take our word on this one. Can you say “flexible?”
9. You know the teacher is good – If you like people, enjoy leading, performing and educating, have essential knowledge of how the body works, hear the musical beat (for most formats), and have the ability to design an effective class, you are probably in good hands with yourself in charge!
10. It’s fun
What do you think? Are you ready to become an instructor? Are you ready to check out the “Health and Beauty” free teleseries we’re speaking in? All about action around here!
Coming soon: Top Reasons NOT to Become a Fitness Instructor.
[...] thing in my book.Thinking about becoming a fitness instructor? Alexandra from Fun and Fit gives you ten reasons why it’s a good idea. This article really came at the right time for me as I’ve been [...]