Managing the Why ? Factor …
Of course , not everyone who instructs group exercise possesses these qualities . You ’ ve doubtless attended classes where you ’ ve wondered why the instructor was teaching when they didn ’ t seem to have the right skills or appear to be enjoying themselves . These group fitness experiences leave me perplexed and asking myself , how did this person end up here ? Why did they decide group fitness was for them , when they obviously aren ’ t enjoying it ?
At some stage in your career you ’ ll find yourself working with an individual or a team of people that don ’ t appear to have the X factor . This doesn ’ t necessarily mean that it ’ s not there , just that they may not be in touch with their own passion , or allowing it to be their driving force . For some , it ’ s a lack of the third quality we discussed – awareness . This is something that can be changed , especially if you are managing , mentoring , coaching or teaching them .
As a group fitness coordinator , it ’ s my responsibility to not only find and employ those with the X factor , but to guide our other great instructors to get in touch with why they do what they do . Simply asking an instructor to reflect on this , what they love about the job in general , and what inspired them to teach the programs they teach , will usually illuminate their motivation pretty quickly . If it doesn ’ t , it may be because specific experiences or circumstances have dampened their enthusiasm . If , after discussing it with them , they remain unsure what they love about the program they teach , they don ’ t like to be in front of a crowd , or they don ’ t enjoy the leadership role in some capacity , then perhaps group fitness instructing is not for them . If the barriers can be identified and addressed , however , the instructor may be able to rekindle their motivation into the raging passion that is the heart of the X factor .
This isn ’ t a passion that is simply switched on in the studio though : it permeates their everyday life and trickles into the lives of their participants . It comes from the soul . Of the four qualities discussed above , some are innate , and some can be learnt . When an instructor lives their passion , however , they become authentic and congruent , meaning that there is no line between work and play . This is the dream , and these people are living it . No wonder it ’ s infectious ! Instructors with the X factor are the catalysts
that ignite the passions in their participants ( just like my 16-year-old lycra-clad self ), some of whom go on to become amazing instructors themselves . They support the talent and share their stage to mentor the new generation of instructors ; they consciously and unconsciously create the X factor blueprint that keeps the industry alive .
It ’ s never too late to find the hidden stars who do have passion , who do love people and who do have that X factor – it ’ s just a matter of helping them uncover their motivations , gain self-awareness and really understand what programs and situations fire them up . After a little digging and some strategic instructor ‘ Tetris ’ to get everyone teaching the programs they love , you can establish that next level of group ex excellence – the illustrious Group X Factor Team .
Caroline Hynes is an experienced fitness professional currently employed as an instructor , teacher , tutor and group fitness coordinator within the industry . With a passion for group fitness and education , she is committed to doing all she can to see group fitness continue to thrive through the development and education of current and future fitness instructors .
MAGAZINE
ARE YOU LOOKING AT ME ?
Well so are lots of others . But they could be looking at you instead . To find out more about placing your brand in front of your core market of Australian and New Zealand fitness professionals call 1300 493 832 or email editor @ fitnessnetwork . com . au
FITNESSNETWORK . COM . AU / ADVERTISING
34 | NETWORK SPRING 2016