GX SKILLS
HOW TO CREATE A TRUE
GROUP FITNESS COMMUNITY
Amazing class atmospheres don’t always
just happen, but by adopting some
strategic techniques you can foster a safe
and supportive environment in which
participants excel.
WORDS: CAROLINE HYNES
n a recent survey of regular group fitness
participants, 1 in 3 named community as one of
the top three reasons they enjoyed going to
classes. Although initial triggers for attending group fitness
classes revolved around weight loss and general health, the
survey revealed that the key to member retention and
successful classes appears to be the ability to foster an
environment of group interaction and connection.
We might assume that community in group fitness works
because:
1. It creates a safe, supportive space for newcomers within
a sometimes uncomfortable environment
2. It inspires healthy competition among members and a
drive to better themselves
3. It creates a sense of accountability and routine
4. It improves the energy and fun of the workout by creating
a team atmosphere.
In my experience as an instructor, a well-developed group
fitness community in your class takes the pressure off you
having to provide all the energy needed to make the class
successful. Taking complete responsibility for lifting the
energy of the group is a surefire route to instructor burnout.
A solid community (once created), comes to class with an
existing energy, motivation and connection, eagerly awaiting
what you have in store. Instead of being energy vampires, they
provide the energy, and the instructor’s role then becomes
one of a conductor, channeling and refining this energy to
deliver an effective and memorable class.
I
How can you create community?
So if community is such a great thing, how can you go about
creating it? We’ve all walked into ‘that’ class. You know, the
one where no one dares to look at each other, and all eyes are
on you in what seems like an angry silence while they sum you
up and begin the judgement process. This is one of the most
intimidating environments for even seasoned instructors. You
may find yourself questioning your talent, your choreography
or even why these people are here every week when they look
so unhappy. Where do you start the seemingly impossible task
of helping these people connect?
Talk to your participants
Establishing a connection from the very start of the class is
the key. Talk to your class members. I mean really talk to them.
Start 15 minutes before the class by standing outside the door
with them, introducing yourself and asking their names. You
won’t remember all of them, but people forgive that if you’ve
shown that you care by taking the time to ask them initially.
Identify newcomers
When you open the class, introduce yourself again. If
you’ve spent enough time talking to them outside then you’ve
probably identified the newbies and already screened them for
injuries or conditions. I like to do another check once the class
has started by asking ‘Is there anyone else brand new to class
today that I haven’t already spoken to?’ If someone says yes,
then I jump off the stage, go up to them and quietly check if
they are new to exercise and have any injuries. I also like to
let them know that if at any point during the class they are
uncomfortable with a movement or need any type of help, to
raise their hand for assistance.
Reassure
I like to reassure them that they don’t have to get everything
perfectly right (it is their first time after all) and what’s important
is that they do their best and don’t give up. I also repeat this
to the wider group in my introduction at the start of every
class. We strike a deal and I don’t start until they respond
affirmatively. This might appear to be a somewhat lengthy
process, especially if there is more than one new person, but
it only takes a couple of minutes and immediately creates a
personal connection between you and the new member.
Acknowledge class regulars
It’s also important to acknowledge the regular members.
Where the program you’re delivering permits, get off the
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