The 30-second article
• Group fitness helps form the social life
and culture of many clubs, so the role
of the Group Fitness Manager is a
critical one
• A group fitness program is only as
good as its instructors, so a GFM
needs to know exactly what to look for
when hiring team members
• In addition to having the right skillsets,
instructors should be reliable team
players that are social, energetic and
passionate about their health and
fitness
• There are a number of ways to find
great instructors, including contacts
of existing team members, asking
local RTOs, advertising and reaching
out to current club PTs and passionate
group fitness ‘front rowers’
• Once you have a great team, you
should strive to retain it by making it a
priority to acknowledge their
achievements, loyalty and reliability.
motivator, have good conflict resolution skills and be a technician.
If this sounds like you, welcome to the role, you could be the next
amazing leader at your gym!
In an ideal world the group fitness department at every gym would
have a huge budget and an abundance of staff, space and resources
so it could stay up to date, in good working order and able to run
exciting new promotions and initiatives to keep members engaged.
Unfortunately, this is seldom the case, and group fitness is often run
on a shoestring, in small rooms with little equipment. For this reason
it is vital group fitness is run by a manager who can be resourceful
and cater for this important part of the gym’s business by providing
great classes on a vibrant on-trend timetable, and sourcing great
instructors – the ultimate key to group fitness success.
The instructors
Having the right instructors, with the right skillsets, who appeal to
members and are passionate about their health and fitness, will build
loyalty from the gym members and keep them coming back to see
what they have in store for the next class. So, what features should
the GFM prioritise when looking for instructors to join their team? The
following attributes are pretty much essential for instructor success:
Reliability. Someone who can’t follow through on commitments
and is continually running late or maybe doesn’t even turn up is a
GFM’s worst nightmare. The GFM should look for someone who is
always early, rarely needs covers, and will fill in whenever they can.
These guys are keepers.
Being a team player. The GFM should look for someone who
will go out of their way to help other instructors on the team, take
part in launches and promotions, share ideas and help out whenever
needed.
A burning passion for fitness. These instructors are always
looking for new training opportunities and participate in other
instructor’s classes. They teach for the love, not the money.
Being super fit. A great instructor is someone who walks the talk,
is a great role model and the kind of person members will aspire to
be like.
Being multi-skilled and adaptable. The GFM needs to look for
someone who is confident and can turn their hand to anything. They
will teach a stretch class when the yoga instructor doesn’t turn up
and is happy to learn on the job.
Being a social butterfly. They can interact with and relate to
members. They love a chat and to listen.
Outgoing and full of energy. No one puts a good instructor in
the corner. A great instructor has understated confidence but doesn’t
mind being the centre of attention. They are someone people are
drawn to and want to know.
Having great musicality. Is it essential for instructors to be able
to hear the beat and count a phrase. They know how to move to
music and can inspire others t