Many Instructors find themselves in a position where it’s been many weeks since they last taught a live class.
We’ve outlined some tips to help you feel confident and ready to return to the front of the room.
GETTING BACK TO TEACHING –– SOME
SIMPLE TIPS TO HELP GET YOU READY
FEELING LESS LIKE YOURSELF?
YOU'RE NOT ALONE. FEEDBACK FROM LM INSTRUCTORS SHOWS THEY'RE DOING:
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| . 1 day less Per week of strength training and both | . 2 days less per week less of |
IT'S NOT JUST ACTIVITY LEVELS THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED.
INSTRUCTORS ARE REPORTING INCREASES IN:
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| . 15 - 26% Irritability | . 26 - 34% Hostility and Anger |
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| . 29 - 38% Boredom and Depression | . 5 - 9% Decrease in sleep quality |
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PHYSICAL PREPARATION
AVOID BIG INCREASES IN YOUR TRAINING BY SLOWLY INCREASING
YOUR TRAINING LOAD (EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL)
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EXTERNAL TRAINING LOAD:
How much you lift, how fast you run, how long you train for.
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INTERNAL TRAINING LOAD:
How a session feels.
Easy: You’re not really puffing, you’re breathing a bit harder and you’re sweating a little bit, but you’re reasonably comfortable.
Moderate: You’re starting to puff and you’re sweating a lot. It’s starting to get a bit difficult to hold a conversation.
Hard: You’re sweating a bucket-load and it’s really uncomfortable to talk.
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TIP:
Tailor your external training load to ensure internal load starts out as easy or moderate before moving to hard.
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REVISIT TECHNIQUE AND THE PHYSICAL ELEMENTS OF YOUR PROGRAMS
Revise education sessions and practice any challenging moves. Think about modifications to help manage the training load of your members too!
FOCUS ON GETTING QUALITY SLEEP
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| . Have a bedtime | . Reduce screen time | . Avoid caffeine late in |
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| . Be active during the | . Create a |
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MENTAL PREPARATION
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BE MINDFUL OF STRESS RESPONSES
Have a plan to respond when you notice them. Simple things like deep breathing for a few minutes can make a big difference.
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KNOW THE DETAILS
Familiarize yourself with the health and safety requirements of your club so you don't need to worry about these on the first day.
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RETURN TO BASICS
Think about your "script" for your first class. What will you say on health and safety? How can you reassure members? What encouragement will you offer to members who are also feeling less fit?
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PRACTICE
If you'll be wearing a mask, practice talking with the mask on. Think about how you can use more visual cues in your teaching - practice these too.
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Above all, remember nobody expects you to be perfect. Spread your preparation and practice over a few days (or weeks) if possible and you'll feel relaxed and ready to get back into it.