I’ve been a personal trainer for over a decade now, and a group fitness instructor for just as long. I’ve coached hundreds of classes, and group fitness is very different from 1-1 training. If you’re a personal trainer, or a group fitness instructor looking to provide a fabulous fitness experience, read on.
Many people begin their lifetime journey of health and fitness by taking a group fitness class. You might be the front line, the first impression they get to see, so it’s important you create a fun, safe, and welcoming class experience.
In large commercial gyms, group fitness classes are attractive to newcomers because large gym/weight room floors can be intimidating to some people. In group fitness classes, there’s minimal equipment to worry about and someone will lead you through a fun workout.
Even better, you’re not alone so group classes can bring tremendous comfort in numbers. If someone wants to hang in the back of the room, they can. It’s a safe place for most people to “test the waters,” so to speak. Plenty of people will begin here, in your group fitness class and learn many basic exercises (squats, lunges, pushups, crunches, etc).
Make sure you coach them effectively and safely, because they might later hire you to coach them for 1-1 personal training or nutrition coaching, depending on your certifications. Group fitness can be a great way to get you more clients, so the onus is on you to provide a fabulous first time impression, and keep them coming back for more.
