Network Magazine winter 2015 | Page 35

COMMUNITY WHAT’S ON? As the days get shorter and those social engagements of the warmer months fade away, why not take the opportunity to fill your days with some top notch professional development? Network presents a wide range of ongoing education opportunities, many with CECs/PDPs attached. Details on all of these can be found at fitnessnetwork.com.au/calendar Inspiration in your Gymbag! Check out Network’s online Member Gymbag for a wealth of inspiration to fire-up your members and clients! As a Network Member you have access to loads of resources, including posters you can print off and put on your walls, and memes for social media and online comm’s. Go to fitnessnetwork.com.au/gymbag and, as always, if you need assistance logging in, please just call the friendly Network team on 1300 493 832. In your expert opinion... Stephen Parker, Group Ex instructor & Director of Fitness for Life I’m ready to learn a new Group Ex program to instruct, but not sure which one to choose? Good on you for adding another string to your bow! Here are a few considerations to help you make your decision. Firstly, love what you do! It may seem obvious but it’s crucial to select a program that you love participating in yourself. You’ll be a better teacher when you have a genuine interest in the workout, and your desire to learn will also be greater. Next up, be a star! Choose a program that you are technically good at. Even if you love to participate in a workout, you may not have leading technique or execution. Then consider how much work you could get instructing the program and how many classes are available on the timetables in your area. I recommend teaching a minimum of two classes per week per program to build your skills and maintain program fitness. Finally, teach me grasshopper! Another big consideration is the availability of post-training mentoring by an experienced instructor. Line up someone who is willing to mentor you for at least three months after your training. Also, get to know your fellow program teachers. Build relationships with them, participate in their classes and see what and how they teach. This will also create a network of cover instructors. Upskilling is essential for keeping our industry moving forward and having fitness professionals with knowledge and experience. Most accredited training will also carry CEC/PDP points which are essential for your professional registration (and training expenses are tax deductable.) All the best with your decision and training! Schwinn Cycling Instructor Certification 4 July Sydney, NSW 15 August Melbou