Essential requirements
The GFM should be open and honest with the
instructor, and let them know that it will help
them develop and get better as an instructor
Creating an assessment form
When designing an assessment for instructors, the GFM needs to ask,
what traits, skills and teaching approaches make a great instructor? What
is expected of each instructor on the team? What do the members at
the gym expect? And, is the latest industry research being used in the
class? Using these questions, an assessment form should be developed.
This should be easy to understand, not too complicated, and give the
instructor a very clear understanding of what is expected of them.
When preparing for instructor assessment, it’s important to be clear
about what aspects are being evaluated and what conclusions will be
drawn. Assessments are an opportunity to identify the weak points of
each instructor and to find new ways to improve their skills.
Here are some items which should be included on an assessment form:
At every class, every instructor should:
• arrive on time, organised with equipment
and music
• greet members as they arrive, identify
new people
• collect tickets, screen members for
injuries, pregnancy, newcomers
• introduce self and class type and format
• thank members after class, and invite
feedback and questions.
Class connection and care
The key to filling classes with happy
participants is a good relationship between
the instructor and class members. The
assessment should identify instructors
that are not connecting with participants.
The assessor should check that the
instructor:
• is open and approachable
• makes eye contact
• gives praise and encouragement and
great motivation
• has great cues and visual techniques to
correct and adjust technique.
Class format/structure
It is important that there is consistency
across the class timetable. If one instructor
teaches a Sculpt class completely
differently to another instructor, it can cause
confusion and uncertainty for participants.
The assessment should look at whether the
class:
• follows the class format and description
as advertised on the timetable
• follows the prescribed Les Mill format, if
applicable
• runs smoothly from warm up through to
cool down
• offers options.
Teaching technique and use of
equipment
Instructors should role model great
technique and fitness. The GFM should be
looking for any issues in relation to how
the instructor moves, and also how they
are cueing technique for the class. The
assessment should assess if the exercises
included in each class are safe and whether
options are offered.
The instructor should demonstrate that
they understand the requirements of the
participants standing in front of them. In
addition to cueing great technique, they
should be informing the class of why it is
20 | NETWORK WINTER 2019