fitness addicts come to the class because they enjoy being led by an enthusiastic instructor . If this changes they will start to notice , and so will you .
If you feel a little uninspired , some techniques to reinvigorate you include :
Taking a break
Rest is really important when you are face-to-face with people for a living . It ’ s vital to take a break from your classes a few times a year , whether you take an actual holiday or just a week off from teaching . When I ’ ve taken a break , I have often had space to understand the real reason why I ’ ve been lacking in motivation and then been able to address it .
Sometimes changing the day or time you teach can be as good as a holiday . If you are able to swap classes with a colleague , participants will enjoy a new style of teaching , and you ’ ll see some different faces and often be reminded why you love what you do so much .
Learning something new
When I ’ m lacking motivation I often invest some time in learning a new skill . Unlike taking courses specific to a class I teach , this skill may be completely unrelated to my career . However , it is always something that I want to do , not something that I feel I should do . Investing in myself helps me feel full again and renews my energy for teaching .
Knowing when it ’ s time to go
Sometimes no amount of internal or external inspiration can help keep content and motivation fresh . In such instances , a courageous instructor will let go of a class and provide an opportunity for another instructor to lead it back to its original heights .
This can be hard , especially if you ’ ve led the class for a long time , and letting go means letting go of an identity and a group that you know well . Ultimately , however , if you ’ ve done all you can to reinvigorate the class and yourself , but the spark isn ’ t returning , then it ’ s probably what needs to happen . Mentoring a replacement is often the gentlest way to do this , and a great way of easing your participants into a change that will be better for all in the long term .
There are many ways to approach change in your classes and how it ’ s done will differ for every instructor , group and program . As long as it ’ s based on awareness of your own motivations as well as signs from your participants , however , you ’ ll be able to ensure the best possible outcome .
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 .
28-30 APRIL 2017 / ICC SYDNEY
Caroline is presenting at FILEX 2017 – find her session at filex . com . au or in the brochure accompanying this magazine
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