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Hi guys

 I have a big decision to make!! I have been doing the BTS programmes for about 4 years now as a class member but just recently the instuctor and studio co-ordinator have asked me to think about doing the Combat module to become an instructor.  My intial feeling was yep, great, go for it as i stand with the instructor at the front of the class every week and team teach but without the use of the mic and queuing to the class.

 For a long time i have thought about becoming an instructor but my biggest fear is using the mic and istructing the class.  My technique is fine and i can pick up the tracks very quickly but having never been an instructor etc its stepping into the unknown.

 I am slightlyworried about doing the course as i dont know what to expect on the training days and if i can have the extra confidence to stand and teach a class.

 What do you think being instructors yourselves and haing done the course?  Any tips or hints or can let me know how the training days go??

 

Do it! Do it!

I was the same as you - a front row diva. Instructor encouraged me so I took a fitness qualification and went on the module. That was 4 years ago - now I teach most days in addition to a day job.

The module is tough - but you will get all the help and encouragement you need and the whole point of the module is to prepare you for teaching - so don't worry - enjoy it and learn.

You don't say from where in the world you are but most places require and Exercise to Music or Gyn Instructor type qualification first so you may have got some teaching experience from that.

The first time I taught Combat after the module was the first time I had ever done a class like that - nerve wracking but if you are truly passionate about combat you will grow and grow quickly. 

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I'm damned, I'm hot and I just can't stop

 

Your never going to know unless you try.Its like taking your driving test.You may not get it straight away, but persevere and you will get due reward and a skill that will be useful for the rest of your life.

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BodyPumped "The Bon viver of Body Pump"

Maybe it's possible to just stand on stage with the regular instructor and teach one or two tracks during class (without doing the basic training). You have proven you are good at class, otherwise they wouldn't have asked you. This way you can see if it suits you.

I would do it. definately!

I started off really nervous, I didn't think I could stand in front of a class, do the moves, watch what they were doing, think what was coming next and no way could I shout instructions at the class, i'm too quiet.

But I am loving it, grown so much in confidence.

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GO HARD OR GO HOME

Hands up, I'm another that was just like you.  Participated for about 5 years when I walk in one day and the instructor grabs me and asks me to stand up front with her.  Reason: she had done her knee in and was confident I knew what I was doing.  Two years later I'm still standing there and the question everyone kept asking me... why hadn't I done the training yet. 

Anyhu, did the training - was fairly cocky that I knew everything and would breeze through.  Learn't my lesson there pretty quick and a few other things too.  Didn't get my team teach but got a shaddow.  What you learn - if you want it you keep going for it.  Two weeks later I was cleared to TT.

Now anyone who knows me will laugh when they hear this, but believe it or not I am shy.  I'm just a good actor .  What I told myself was: I know I want it, and I know I have to stand up in front of everyone to get it.  Simple answer, just stand up and do it. 

After that you pretty much catch the bug and have a blast teaching.  Hey, we've all got hang ups on something but the trick as an instructor is to pretend like nothings bothering you and deliver a fantastic class.

If you're enthusiastic for Combat you're half way there!

Cheers guys

 Im from England so yeah there is a qualification needed.

Everyday i convince myself that i can do it then get last minute nerves and think im stupid for even thinking about it.  Its one thing doing your thing atthe front of the class with the instructor team teaching but to teach on your own is another thing.  Had a nice compliment the other day from someone in a class asking if i taught and said i should as i looked like i did and many people ask if i do a class hinking im an instructor so comments like that make you think you can be a success but then again!!!!

Its the course thats and that video that worrys me right now, the unknown!!!!!!

 

Thanks for all your comments though guys.

You should go for it! I took combat 4 years when I decided to train to instruct, being encouraged by the instructors as well as other participants. I knew I was fit enough and could do the technique well, but my main fear was like yours - getting up in front of people with the mic. I've never been very good at that. But I just decided I needed to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new in my life, and I was passionate about combat. So I did it and never looked back! Now I enjoy teaching so much, I really look forward to it every class. The training is tough but if you are fit you should have no problem, and they will really check your technique and teach you where you need to change or improve in order to deliver a great class. You should really have a great head start on the training if you do it well enough to stand up there with the instructor. I got such a great feeling of accomplishment after going through the training and then the video certification process. Even though the training was tough and I was physically wiped out after the 3 day period; I really had alot of fun. If you love doing combat, you will too!!!!

Hey there, I agree with everyone else - GO FOR IT!!!

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"All glory comes from daring to begin." Eugene F Ware

Big step, and it is very different, BUT so rewarding.

Having a good class is such a buzz.

First few times, I was nervous as hell, but you learn to push it down and get on with it, it's a useful skill and your comfort zone will get a lot bigger.

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GO HARD OR GO HOME

I agree! Do it! Go for it. it's so much fun and can be very rewarding. :o)

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Rosy xx

you should definitely go for the training, regardless of whether you want to teach or not. helps in training your techinques, and you will probably appreciate your instructor more when you realise it's not that easy to teach a class.

as for myself, started out as a member doing the prog for a couple of years, then when the opportunity to go for training came, i just went for it. i cleared the course, but still carried on as a participant as i have a full time job, and had no intention to be an instructor.

Then 5-6 months later, my club needed instructors, the coordinators knew i was trained, convinced me to start TT... and here I am, teaching 5 classes a week, and enjoying it!

My new theory - if you ask the question "should I train" it means you should! If you're even thinking about it it means you're ready

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Free the body. The mind will follow.

Right, if this 43 year old is making a go if it, so can you. 

Well it did involve a load of cyber slapping from the likes of grandnat and Shady over on lesmillstalk

I'm off to Edinburgh over the next two weekends to do my ETM course.  I've opted for that as it will hopefully help with the queuing and understanding music and how it fits with exercise.  Also, at the time it was a pre-requisite for BodyVibe, which will be my fall back if the joints give up (that said the way my back feels today...).

I had a bit of a set back last week, as my original course was cancelled, which would have meant I would miss last module for Combat of the year, which is at end of October.  However I scoured the REPS website and eventually found Drummond Education, who happen to be a Fitpro/BTS partner.

I finally plucked up the courage to ask the GFM about 'the letter'.  Got to say was really shocked and touched how supportive and complimentary she was -- heck she was ready to head to the office to write the letter for me.  Plus even told me that  if I wanted I could make use of the studios when they are free!  Wow.

So off to Edinburgh tonight (though sadly won't be up there in time for grandnat's class).  We'll see how it goes.

Of course my big fear is that I am so used to doing Attack (and one of the CD's they sent me has a variant of track 2 from current Attack release!) and how am I going to deal with it be so sedate.  So I keep teling myself, it's just BodyAttack...but on Benylin.

Oh and don't forget, that you will be able to write it off (eventually) against your tax (if that helps )

Will let you know how this weekend goes.
 

 

All sounds great guys, which is very encouraging.

 Im helping out at one of the quartlies at Kingshill on Sunday which im going to get encouragemnent from and hopefully confidence also helping out on a launch and been asked to team team with the instructors whih is great.  Was asked to take a few tracks and give it a go on the mic at the launch but the confidence is not that good yet and infront of 100 odd people, i think not.

 Can any of you give me a bit of an idea of how the module training works, like the format of the days and what is involved so i can convince myself that i can do this!!!