Community

I teach Step & Pump, and one of the things I often hear from my participants (including several who I've "poached" when I've covered classes) is that they really like my energy.  I am a pretty enthusiastic instructor I think (especially since this week I just finshed a bunch of work related exams!).  However I covered a class yesterday & one of the participants said she DIDN'T want to come to my classes again because it was too energetic!!  When I say energy, I mean in my voice, my cues, encouragement, between tracks etc, it's not like we're all doing the conga whilst curling!!!  It really perturbed me actually - has anyone else heard this?  I don't want to ignore the feedback, but surely we go to the gym for the energy?!

 I'd be pleased to hear what you think.

A friend of mine who teaches combat got a complaint during class from a first time combat participant that she was screaming too loud

She simply told her that that's the way she teaches the class. Luckily for her the other participant backed her up by saying that they like her screaming so loud. 

To me energy means enthusiasm and that is what I want as a participant and what I want to give back as an instructor.  Maybe that person  really doesn't want to be there, but know they should and is looking for an excuses.  Maybe ask them if they have any favorite tracks to get them hooked again, the reel them in!

Before I was teaching there was always one girl who subbed who barely did anything more than cue the count of the move, which was of course dull and boring.  Getting a smile out of her was a real fight. 

 You certainly can't please everyone but keep up the energy!!!  I really think the energy you put out is the energy your class will feel...and we want them to feel it!!  

 

Michelle

 

---

Don't regret doing anything that made you smile!!

different people have different preferences. Maybe that person was used to the instructors who only counted and liked that - as said before, can't please everyone. I know an instructor over here whom most participants totally adore, exactly cause he's  energetic and fun. But he was substituting for a guy who mostly counts, and after that his regulars were complaining that they didn't like it at all, way too much talking  and enthusiasm   but as most people in your class like what you do and keep coming back, you must be doing something right.

---

No animals were harmed in posting this message, although the yorkshire terrier next door is living on borrowed time, let me tell you.

 Hi, I just had this conversation with my instructors at our club... here's some points that came up.. hope it helps...

Its important to accept and graciously acknowledge the 'feedback' we receive as  instructors. Being up there opens us to all sorts of critique, good and bad.. Acknowledge it, sort through it and use it or dump it in the trash...its all about becoming a better teacher... no one is perfect and every class is a learning experience....the road is long and the party never ends! 

The best skills are learned by attending classes and studying teaching techniques. Not all of us like to copy the styles presented on the DVDs.. (I personally dont sing every chorus line, I like to give silence a chance too so I avoid talking non stop, nor do I count too much.. thats just my style... I focus on form, techniques and encouragement to the students)....When you attend other instructors classes you can gather all the 'good bits'  and apply or integrate them into your class. Gather from all the masters!

Speak clearly and precisely without using too much 'padding' ...be  to the point with info and cues. Keep it real... avoid OVER teaching..I see many instructors up there TRYING so hard to entertain while teaching... instead of being who they are and actually teaching class. Your personality and style should be GENUINE, and show confidence about who you are and what you are doing while on the 'stage' . Being creative is a great..( but if you are not a good comedian.. then avoid TRYING to be one!)...FOCUS on your good points and let them shine. If you use a microphone...dont scream into it...microphones are there as an aid so you dont have to yell! I personally  find this the most annoying.  So, if you find yourself screaming too much... maybe tweak the volume a little and learn more how to project your voice and make eye contact with those that need the instruction..

Remember above all, the class is for the participants, you are their as the guide and teacher. It's their time and money, and no, you wont please everyone all the time, but you will find a place in between all you have learned and experienced. Try not to get in a 'teaching rut' and let your style evolve..

 

---

List of things to do today. breathe in breathe out.

For God's sake don't change.

Pump like anything else risks becoming stale and monotonous. I find that the instructor's choice of track and presentation style can make the difference between a class being a chore and being enjoyable. When a good variety of tracks are delivered by an instructor who is motivating, engages participants and comes across as enjoying teaching rather than going through the motions, it makes an enormous difference.

If the killjoys don't like your teaching style they are welcome to vote with their feet. The rest of us will just keep pushing harder to keep up.

---

Check out my BodyPump Reviews: http://rickinoz.com/category/bodypump/

different people have different taste,most people like your energy so i guess the problem is in the participant, she might be too shy or something. if you ask me it's a lot better for an instructor to have too much energy than to lack energy.

I have heard this comment from members before.

I would take the comment and really try to grow with it.

I know I have had to really concentrate on creating a journey of contrasts in my cues!!!

I always make sure at some point I whisper that can draw your class in close....

then when you do lift your voice...its effective!

If someone yells and keeps the same delivery people will tune you out.( or stays on the same energy plan)

Just my experience though, u can choose to ignore negative comments if u like.

Sometimes the negative comments make me grow the MOST and create a better instructor!

---

Tim

Every instructor has their own way of teaching a class and also a different energy about them.  You'll never please everyone with your method which is why it's important that every instructor teach in their own style. People will have their favourite instructors as well.

 

As for the feedback, could the person mean that your energy is more a happy step feeling?  I remember an instructor here who taught step and pump, and her teaching style had more a fun happy step feeling to it.