All of your confessions were a blast to read—it’s reassuring to know I’m not the only one with a few admissions to make.
Yay, it’s the weekend! Who’s excited?
HEATHER <—this girl is!
Wednesday was my first time teaching an entire workout to a full, public class. Sure, teaching friends and family is great practice, but leading a room of regular participants feels different and a little more official.
The class I teach is called Pump It. It’s not Body Pump, but it follows a similar idea: full-body strength training using a barbell, plus hand weights, resistance bands, medicine balls, and bodyweight exercises. It’s a flexible format that accommodates many strength training tools.
I also subbed Pump It on Friday morning, so I now have two real classes under my belt. On the same day I was supposed to audition, I ended up subbing a cycle class because the instructor needed someone—so I stepped in. It was lots of fun!
Today I want to share how I prepared for that first class. Lately I’ve had many questions about getting group fitness certified and how to start teaching, so I hope this helps anyone who’s nervous about teaching their first session.
Prepping
My preparation actually began months earlier when I started volunteering where I planned to teach. Volunteering is a fantastic way to get a foot in the door and an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced instructors.
I began by team-teaching Pump It, starting with just five minutes and gradually working up to leading half the class. That gradual approach is a gentle way to gain experience and confidence.
Team teaching also gave me a clear sense of the class structure and what regular participants expect from the session.
For my very first solo class I wrote out the workout plan so I could glance down if I needed to. That simple checklist helped prevent awkward pauses and kept the class flowing.
I also prepared my playlist the night before. Ready-to-use workout CDs or pre-made playlists are convenient and reduce last-minute stress.
Teaching
Be as prepared as possible. Know how to operate the sound system and microphone, and keep your plan—your “cheat sheet”—within reach if nerves strike. Having those small details handled takes a lot of pressure off you during class.
I never had to consult my cheat sheet during the class, but having it nearby was calming. Writing and typing out the plan beforehand helped engrain it in my memory and made delivery more natural.
Bring energy. Lots of it. Your enthusiasm is contagious and will help motivate participants and set the tone for a positive, engaging class.
Loving It
The first time you teach will probably feel nerve-wracking, but try to enjoy the experience. I get so focused during class that I sometimes cue the wrong move—when that happens, laugh it off and keep going. Participants appreciate authenticity.
Make an effort to learn participants’ names and personalities. Teaching becomes more rewarding when you know the people in the room. Likewise, share a small, lighthearted detail about yourself—something simple like a funny thing your pet did—so the group feels connected to you.
If you teach group fitness, what tips would you share? If you’re a regular class member, what makes a great instructor in your eyes?
Heather