"All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus... "

 

 
In the process of writing blog posts, I sometimes get side-tracked & unintentionally change directions from where I started.  Sometimes I just change the entire post altogether & other times it results in an additional post like today. 

Yesterday I mentioned I should talk about what to expect if you decide to become an instructor. 

I have quite a few friends that have recently decided to get certified to teach fitness classes.  In fact, there's a Zumba training this weekend.  So excited for those attending & LOVE that they've been inspired to do it.  It is an AWESOME job and a FUN format to teach!  

 

Here's some of my thoughts + opinions on teaching based on my own experience over the past 5 years.  Other instructors have their own opinions & experiences.  Take what you need to help guide you in your own journey while primarily listening to your own gut. 

This post isn't intended to bore you if this isn't your path, so forewarning to stop now & don't waste your time reading.

On the flip side, this post also isn't intended to make anyone feel bad either.

It is MY experience alone over the past 5 years.  And even though I've been teaching for 5 years, it all still applies to ME.  I still look at every single class as a new one, still sub as much as I can & still very much LOVE what I do.  It is a HUGE blessing in my life & I have loved every minute of it!

1. This isn't a big money-making job, but it is rewarding in more ways than money can buy.  There are a lot of fees associated with whatever format you teach... to that particular company, your own liability insurance is likely required depending where you teach, continuing education requirements, CPR certifications, etc.   At first your goal will likely be to just break even with what you're making & what you're paying.  I also looked at it like... hey... I'm being paid to workout & maybe that also involves a free gym membership too.  In fact I still think of it that way because I'd be working out every day anyway!  But eventually, if you teach enough that you'll make a profit too. 
2. Grow thick skin as fast as possible.  I'm not sure one ever totally gets to the point of not caring what anyone thinks, but it can save you a few tears if you realize you have to keep pressing on in spite of negative comments to your face or behind your back.  And it will happen.  So don't quit & don't let it get the best of you.  For whatever reason, I can apparently hear 50 nice comments, but that 1 hateful comment will leave me crushed for days.  Well let's be honest... I can hold a grudge with the best of 'em, so it will last longer than days for me.  But seriously... opinions are like assholes.  Everyone has one & everyone can be one sometimes.  Press on.  
3. Sub.  Sub.  Sub.  Sub your ass off.  Even if you just taught 2 classes that morning & someone asks you to sub that night... do it if your body can handle it & you have the time to spare.  Every single time you get in front of a class, you introduce yourself to a new set of people who in all likelihood may have never taken your class had you not snuck in & caught them off-guard.  And then oopsie daisy.... what do you know... they liked you!  5 years into this teaching gig, I still sub as much as I can.  People stay stuck in a rut with their "favorite instructor."  And the majority of people aren't cool with trying someone new.  Sub as often as you can... even if it's for someone who makes an announcement that they won't be there causing most not to attend class.  Be on fire & on your game for those few that do show up.  Teaching is a process.  It takes a lot of time, sweat & tears to build a decent size class.
4. Did I mention subbing?  That can also help you get your foot in the door before you get a regular class.  If people like you, I can assure you they'll be telling the owner to bring you back again! 
5. Realize that you'll spend more time working outside of class than in class.  This assumes you want to keep your playlist fresh and not just do the same thing week in & week out.  I, personally, try to add at least 1 new song per week.  There are weeks this doesn't happen because my brain cells are maxed out with choreography for a different format or... I'm just being lazy & uninspired... but for the most part I work hard to keep songs moving in & out of the playlist.  But I'll also hold onto some songs longer that make people want to jump on stage with me.  Because well... the stage is way more fun with others than alone!
6. Your good friends will likely not take your classes.  Re-read #3.  The majority of people aren't cool with trying someone new.  If they already work-out, they likely already have a favorite instructor.  If they don't work-out, you've got that hill to climb on motivating them as well.  Re-read #2.  Grow thick skin because the people who will cause tears are likely friends.  Press on & let it all fuel your fire.  You WILL grow from this journey you're on.  It will make you stronger & not just physically.  I promise!!  Be ready to meet new people & make many many new friends!  The bottom line is, friends may or may not come to your class, but you want to build your class outside of who you already know.   Hopefully people like you & bring their friends next time!
7. Leave your personal life at the door.  Everyone has problems.  No one needs to hear yours or see anything but a smile on your face.  For most people, that hour of class is therapy.  It's an hour of personal time that they can leave the outside world & escape their thoughts & just dance, or pump iron, or whatever class it is.  You are there to lead & to create that atmosphere of therapy.  Give people something to look forward to.  It's actually my therapy to be there, too.  Life at the door.... lights.... camera... action.  SMILE!  MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH EVERYONE IN THAT ROOM!  You don't have to be serious.  In fact it's better if you're not!
8. Expect the unexpected & know that the show must go on.  No matter what happens... keep going.  If you forget your moves, have something up your sleeve you know you'll go into even though the rest of the class is looking at you like you're a nutbag.  For me, it's usually a single/single/double move in Zumba.  Don't just stand there whatever you do.  Thankfully my classes realized I really am a nutbag years ago & they just shake their head & laugh at me.  Embarrassing things will happen too.  My shirt came untied & fell down while I was on stage once... thank goodness I had on a bra top.  Everyone laughed & I just yelled "the show must go on!" and we kept going until I got to a point in the choreography where I could pull my shirt up again.  I've also fallen on my ass in the middle of class.  Jumped up & we all carried on like nothing happened.  Seriously.  After awhile, people will know you well enough that they expect something stupid to happen.  Make them laugh.  Laugh at yourself.  Just have to go with it, whatever happens.  My biggest worry is that someday I'll split my pants on stage during a squat, but knock on wood that hasn't happened yet.  You sure as hell better wave your arms at me if it does though, just sayin!  Watching me fall on my ass & actually having to look at my ass is totally different.  Might have to stop the show for just a second in that case, but only to tie a shirt around my waist.  LOL
9. Over-prepare.  Even though mistakes will likely sometimes happen... I am almost always over-prepared.  I practice & learn all the time.  My pre-class ritual is to listen to the first minute or so of every song on my playlist in my car on the way to class.  It's usually very loud too, so I just don't make eye contact with other drivers at stoplights especially if I'm doing a little of the choreography in the car.  Not only does it get me motivated, it gives me a visual in my head of the choreography I'm about to do.  I don't want to mess up in front of people.  Yes it will happen from time to time, but if you're over-prepared it likely won't. 
10. Don't just walk into class & walk out.  Introduce yourself.  Talk to people.  Thank them for being there.  Sounds like common sense, but not every instructor does this.  And why not??? You're there to help people stay motivated to workout.  They may want help outside of class with eating habits.  Stay connected.  A lot of my time outside of class isn't only spent working on new choreography, it's also spent staying connected with friends via social media or private messaging.  You like hearing nice feedback about your class, right?  Guess what!  The people coming to your classes like to hear nice feedback about their efforts too!  Duh.  You're there for THEM, not to compete with other instructors or get your ego stroked.   And if you are worried about getting your ego stroked, you've totally lost sight of the reason you should be there in the first place & this might not be the right job for you.  Don't just be a good dancer on stage, that part is easy.  Be a good instructor. 
11. Market yourself & promote the gyms/studios where you teach.  Yes, you'll probably lose a few friends on social media that are sick of your fitness posts.  Realllly... Zumba again?  That chick needs to get a life.  Hey... things could be worse though.  At least I'm not posting daily selfies.  Or life sucks & everyone's out to get me.  Or yo... I'm boozing it up again.  Not that there's anything wrong with any of that... I'm just sticking with some positivity, like it or leave it. 
12. Take other instructor's classes.  Until you get to the point where you're teaching so much that you really don't have time or can't handle the extra wear + tear on your body, it really does reignite your passion & give you inspiration for your own classes when you get out of your own head for awhile & let someone else lead.  I always always leave someone else's class inspired.  It helps get me out of a rut sometimes with coming up with new choreography.  Win-win.
13. Keep it simple, sweetie.  Your cueing is SO important.  I had that light bulb moment about a year into teaching when the words... "choreograph your cueing into every song you do" registered in my brain.  My cueing pretty much stays the same & is part of my choreography, whether it's a brand new song or I've been doing it for months.  There's someone in that room that may have never been there before.  And hopefully when they take your class for the first time they'll tell you that you were easy to follow.  Honestly that means more to me than anything else.  If you can't follow me, you can't get your heart-rate up... and then you're leaving my class without a decent workout.  I do not want that to happen!  Keep your moves easy to follow.  Keep your cueing on point.  You're not there to perform.  You're there to lead people in following your moves.    
14. Listen to your gut.  We all have an inner voice.  A lot of the time we ignore what it says to us.  Try to tune out the opinions of others & listen to what your gut is telling you to do or not to do.  You don't have to take on every opportunity that presents itself, nor should you doubt your abilities either.  Only YOU know what's right/wrong for YOU.
15. I am MORE than happy to help if you want it.  Getting on stage here & there, helps ease stage fright.  Team-teaching helps ease you into leading an entire class.  Practicing outside of class over & over again helps.  Use any of my songs/choreography you'd like... I started my first classes that way too.  Been there, done that with this journey you're about to embark on... and am happy to help you if you want it!!  Big hugs, high fives & much love.  YOU GOT THIS. 

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Comments

[Julie Tucker-Wolek]

Awesome tips!! A friend of mine wants to be a spin instructor -- I need to share this with her!