BUILDING A
SUPPORTIVE TEAM
By Aileen Sheron
TO GEY YOUR GROUP EX AND PT STAFF TO WORK
8 WAYS
BETTER TOGETHER!
F
or as long as I have
been teaching in
gyms, the personal
training and group X
departments have been
seen as separate in both
purpose and function. The
goal of a personal trainer is
to gain clients through the
club or self-promotion and
help individuals through
private or small group
trainings.
Their work could be measured
(monetized) by the number of
trainings they generate and their
contribution to the club’s bottom
line. The fitness instructor’s focus is to
provide education and inspiration to
a room full of students who enjoy the
camaraderie and reap the benefits
of a supportive and enthusiastic
community. Although some
members may join a club just for
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group X classes, it can be difficult to
know what percentage of the club’s
profits can be attributed to group
class participation. All involved
are striving for the common goal
of optimal customer service and
helping clients reach their fitness
goals, but there may be instances
when these departments feel and
act divided.
A gym that encourages a synergistic
approach where trainers, group
X and all other staff support each
other not only benefits emotionally,
but financially as well.
If you are not already actively
encouraging your employees to
get to know each other and work
together, here are some ideas that
might help you facilitate some quick
changes.
schedule allows it, trainers should try
to attend classes with their clients.
This could increase the opportunity
for success for all involved. It
would give the group instructor
an opportunity to connect with
the trainer and see their skill level.
Group X instructors are more likely to
recommend a particular trainer they
get to know, especially one who
takes an interest in GF formats.
Managers should encourage both
teams to get to know each other.
This can be done by simply paying
or otherwise incentivizing the PT
team to take group X classes, and
for group X teachers to get trained
by a member of the personal
training staff.
1 Criss-cross training is one of
the easiest ways to get your
departments to appreciate each
other and have them experience
what the other does first hand.
Personal trainers don’t often
recommend that their clients take
group programs to enhance their
gym experience. Actually, if their The return of getting your
employees working together and
recommending each other’s
services could just be worth it.
Integration Departments
WHAT’S NEW IN FITNESS - SUMMER 2019
2
Team Teaching
We all have different styles of
teaching, and we can all learn from
actively watching others first hand.
Instructors have the gift of being
able to control and motivate a
crowd. Personal trainers know how
to evaluate the individual, and
provide essential coaching tips. All
of these qualities are important to
motivate and train students and
clients.
The best way for group X and PT
departments to learn from each
other, gain respect, and support one
another, is to work together.
Co-teaching works great for
boot camps, circuit classes,
cycling, rowing, or any class that
could benefit from additional
demonstration, coaching, and
energy. This scenario would also be
great for SGT (small group training)
and specialty workouts. When
two partner together, the entire
group benefits from the playfulness,
positive competitiveness, and
extra pair of eyes and hands. For
the teachers involved, there is an
opportunity to make a deeper
connection, share the stage, and
learn how to cooperate with others.
3
Encourage Mentoring
Nothing elevates the quality and
level of classes and PT sessions more
than mentoring.
The best way
for group X and
PT departments to
learn from each
other, gain resepct
and support one
another is to work
together.
WHAT’S NEW IN FITNESS - SUMMER 2019
Yes, it is important to take
educational workshops outside
the facility, but having a personal
mentor who knows the clientele and
has years of applicable experience
is incredibly valuable, both to rookie
teachers and the more experienced
ones.
When you partner the right two
people together, it can streamline
the adjustment period of a
newbie and help propel them. It
also gives veterans the chance
to impart knowledge that will
elevate the entire staff. Why should
the seasoned PT participate? It
gives them an opportunity to find
a great substitute when needed
and also allows them to practice
their presenting, communication,
delegation, and teaching skills.
Mentoring is a form of giving back to
your fitness community
4
Charity Events
Set a great example for your clients,
employees, and local businesses by
participating in charity events. > >
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