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How To Choose An Instructor

Posted 12 January 2009 at 4:00:39 PM by Alex Rees
Posted in Fitness
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With the excesses of Christmas and New Year now behind us you may well be thinking of taking up an exercise programme, which may possibly involve a group exercise class at a gym or from our site. But where do you start in deciding which class is right for you and how can you be sure that the class will be enjoyable as well as safe and effective? Opinions of what constitutes a good exercise class will vary from person to person, someone might be motivated by the music the instructor plays whilst another prefers complex choreography, others may even be motivated by the people attending the class. However regardless of the preferences involved in your decision the main factor underlying all these aspects is the instructor.

 

A knowledgeable, friendly and fun instructor will determine the quality of the class, the pace and the progression. Whether you are new to group exercise or have been participating for years, the following points will help you select a high-quality instructor and enhance your exercise experience.

 

  • Is the instructor trained in exercise physiology, injury prevention and monitoring of exercise? Is he/she certified by a nationally recognised organisation? To prepare a safe and effective workout an instructor needs good grounding in exercise technique. A certification indicates that the instructor has at least basic knowledge in necessary areas to teach a quality class.

  • If the class is advertised as 'advanced' or specialised check with the programme director or club manager to verify the instructor has the appropriate advanced level of expertise (rest assured Lucy Case our Fitness Director checks all the ThinQ Fitness Instructors are of the highest calibre!!!).

  • Does the instructor belong to a professional fitness association such as Fitness Professionals or the YMCA to keep up to date with latest exercise theories and and techniques? The exercise industry is in a constant state of flux so latest information is vital if an instructor is planning a class. Membership to a professional body indicates the instructor is staying current.

  • Does the instructor attend workshops/masterclasses/conventions regularly? Regular attendance demonstrates a commitment to ongoing education and offering a quality service to students.

  • Does the instructor screen the class? Medical conditions may affect your participation and a good instructor will always screen before commencing the class and issue suitable advice.

  • Does the instructor explain the benefits of each exercise and demonstrate how to perform each one correctly? Your instructor should give detailed information regarding how and why to perform exercises.

  • Does the instructor provide exercise modifications or offer alternatives for varying fitness levels or special limitations? An instructor should be able to show moves that are suitable for all exercise levels and those with a variety of health concerns.

  • Does the instructor move around the room to give individual instruction? A good instructor will move throughout the class at different points to check students technique, motivate the class and get to know participants.

  • Can the instructor be heard above the music? Because the coaching tips and safety reminders the instructor gives are vital you should be able to hear these clearly above the music. If the instructor is using a microphone do they have good vocal technique or are they constantly shouting?

  • Does the class flow smoothly? Regardless of the type of class (ie; aerobics/body conditioning) sequences should be well-organised without the instructor stopping in between. If performing choreography routines should be fluid, transitions smooth. Conditioning classes should be balanced ie upper verses lower body, with equal attention being given to the front as well as back of the body.

  • Does the instructor encourage a non-competitive atmosphere that allows all participants to work out at their own level? A caring instructor will make all students feel like winners and leave you feeling motivated instead of demotivated.
  • Does the instructor stay after class to answer questions? A qualified instructor will be happy to share their health and fitness knowledge with you and to further enhance your exercise experience.

  • Does the instructor change their routines on a regular basis? Whilst some students prefer the predictability of the same routines month in month out, regular change not only stimulates the mind but ensures the body is also challenged. Constant challenge creates physical overload which ultimately means your fitness levels will only progress, as opposed to regress.

 

New Year is a perfect opportunity to make fresh starts, re-invent yourself, change direction and find new interests and now that you know how to spot a great instructor there is no excuse not to get out there and create the change you want . Help yourself on your journey by being realistic and setting goals for yourself that are stretching but achievable. Be prepared to work as hard as you can but similarly don't beat yourself up if you have to miss the odd session. Find a class thats fun and you're more likely to stick with it.

 

Other articles in this series:

 

 

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Comments
 

Alex Rees
God point, being lost in the moment allows the brain a chance to re charge free from worries. Alex Ress Presenter

Posted 6 August 2009 at 11:04 by Alex Rees
 
Jessica Vasquez Cruz
Also...choose an instructor you can relate to. Going to a class is about connecting to those around you, having fun, being lost in the moment and just being as aposed to doing. It is absorbtion and emersion in a comfortable and stimulating enviroment. Jessica

Posted 29 April 2009 at 16:34 by Jessica Vasquez Cruz
 
 


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