A good fitness instructor can make or break your class, your mood and even your morning. That’s why when you find ones that you click with it’s a RELATIONSHIP. Sure, we up at the front might not know you that well. But let’s face it, whether you’re PMS and wishing you were on the couch rather than at yoga, ready to scream as you picture your ex’s face mid-kickboxing class (hiii-yah!), or you’re just having a bummer of a day, we’re there – in all our peppy, can-do glory. And while we love supporting you (it’s actually amazing!), there are a few things we wish you knew.
1. Even We Have Off Days (But We Try REALLY Hard Not To!)
Being energetic, supportive and cheerleader-y (or commander-esque, depending on your class style) is practically a requirement in the fitness industry. Many of us have those naturally peppy personalities, but we’re all still human. Sometimes we have bad days; maybe our backs hurt, maybe we didn’t get enough sleep, maybe we’re just feeling a little off. Whatever it is, know that if you pick up on even 1% of it, we’re trying hard 100% of the time to minimize our own lives and emotions and present you with the best of ourselves. So please, cut us some slack!
2. We Get Asked Fitness Questions 24/7
The minute someone hears that you’re a personal trainer or a group fitness instructor the questions start to roll in. I’ve had people I’ve just met ask me personal questions about their fitness routines and even point to body parts and ask how to “whittle/shape/tone/you-name-it”. I’ve been asked how they can best motivate their partners and relatives and friends to get fitter. You name it, we get asked it! That said, if you have a lot of questions it’s best to make an appointment with us. Most of us are happy to have a coffee chat with you or set you up with an introductory session that will not only give you our undivided attention, but will also let us enjoy our social lives in peace!
3. We Work Really Hard On Our Playlists – And Request Are Appreciated!
These days a surprising amount of time goes into making playlists for class. After all, the music sets the vibe of the class and can help motivate our students as much as we can! We’re always looking for new music (I live on Shazam and Spotify), so please: give us your requests! Even if we can’t add it in the moment, chances are good that we’ll incorporate it into future sets. We’ll appreciate the tip and you’ll get to keep your ears out for “your” song! Win-win!
4. We Do Not All Look Like Jillian Michaels
There are some seriously iconic bodies in the fitness industry, and while they’re amazing, their status in the age of social media has taken on more importance than is necessary. While having an Adonis-like figure is drool worthy, movement for the sake of feeling good is and should always be the #1 goal. With that in mind, know that there are AMAZING instructors of ALL body types! We each bring something unique to the table and we can all challenge your fitness in our own way. So give us a chance!
5. We Sometimes Feel Left Out
It’s amazing having regulars, especially when they get along with one another or are friends outside of the classroom. But when we’re the same age as our students it’s normal for us to feel a bit left out seeing everyone socialize about life outside the gym. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be our best friends, but please don’t be shy to chat with us about things that exist outside the studio from time to time – you’ll make our day!
6. Your Feedback is Cherished … And Cringe-worthy
Reading reviews for your own classes is both addictive and painful… especially on sites where reviewers can leave stars with no comments! We know it’s easy to slam an instructor with one star when you show up late and aren’t allowed into a class, or to throw down three if you feel that the teacher has an off day, but please remember that we are human! Whether you love a class or hate it, be kind. Better yet, please leave us a few reasons behind your review – you’ll help us become better instructors and will in turn improve the experience for students in the future.
The bottom line? Whether you’re a yogi or Zumba-obsessed, know that your instructors care, work their booties off and genuinely want you to have a good time! So get off the couch and hop to your nearest fitness venue – just don’t forget to give your trainer kudos on your way out!
Xo,
Photo credit: Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash
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