There are a variety of lessons I have learned over the past couple of
years as a fitness instructor. Some lessons have been invaluable and some have
been funny… as a result of a complete mishap. What I have learned on a
fundamental level is to be prepared for the expected AND the unexpected.
Extra
Shoes: I am sure you will encounter that day when you are late and running
around like a chicken with your head cut off and you realize most likely too
late that you either forgot your workout shoes, or you brought two left shoes
instead of a full pair. I learned the hard way that keeping an extra pair of
shoes in my car (even if they are an old pair) will help resolve that disaster.
Old and worn out shoes are better than no shoes! The bonus, one day one of my
students came straight from a yoga class and forgot her shoes and I let her
borrow my spare pair, win-win for both of us!
Stereo
Wires: It is so hard to keep track of all of the different fitness clubs
and their rules and procedures on music hook-ups. Don’t be caught in a class
with the wrong wires! Keep an extra set of wires (all types) in your gym bag.
That way you will be prepared for any type of stereo system. If your iPhone or iPod happens to break or go
dead I would highly recommend ALWAYS having a back-up CD in your car with your
favorite playlist stored on it. It’s better to be safe than sorry. I have been
in class when the music situation has not been favorable and I can promise you
the quality of your class will suffer. One class I knew how awful the stereo
system was acting prior to the actual class and I rolled in a portable sound
system to ensure that we would be able to party to audible tunes!
Undergarments:
The day you forget your sports bra is not a happy day. The day you are
teaching, wear a sports bra under your clothes or put an extra one in your
purse, your car or gym bag. Not having adequate clothing or having an outfit
that is uncomfortable will inevitably make you feel awkward during class. In
addition to having an extra pair of threads with you, I would recommend knowing
your style and size in the active wear department in Target in case you have to
make a pit stop before class.
Stay Hydrated: We all have
those days when you don’t have time to eat enough before class. We also have
those days where you forget to grab an extra bottle water, and when you get to
the gym; the café is closed for maintenance! Don’t be stuck without something
to drink. It’s not a good idea to keep filled plastic water bottles in your
car, but you can always keep an empty bottle or water cup that you can at least
fill up at the water fountain.
We hope these little “lessons learned” helps you avert a mishap during one
of your fitness classes. Share your funny oops with us and your helpful hints.
You never know when someone else will experience the same thing!
#happyfitnessinstructor #shoes #music #sportsbra #water
Thanks - I'm pretty sure I've done all of these...and more!
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