A prospect in every class: How clubs can recruit more Instructors from within

Sebastian, how did your Instructor journey begin?

It started 12 years ago when I was taking part in BODYPUMP™ and BODYCOMBAT™ classes. The way the classes made me feel was so inspired. I knew once I started taking classes that I wanted to give back and become that person who inspired me. I really connected to what was happening in the room: the energy, the people. And I told myself ‘That’s what I want to do in my life’.

What impact did a mentor have on you?

Once I knew I wanted to become an Instructor, I approached the person who was teaching my classes and I told him about my goal. And he was so helpful. He gave me his time, and organized moments for the two of us to work together in the studio. He shared his knowledge and experience with me and showed me how to teach a class, how to say a cue, how to go with the rhythm and use the music. I wasn't an Instructor back then – I didn't have a background in fitness. He was kind enough to offer me all the information I needed, right from the start.

What are the key elements that mentors can help with?

Once they decide to start teaching, most people have the motivation nailed. Where a mentor can really add value is by offering the benefit of their experience with mastery. Really helping new Instructors look at the moves, break down how those moves should look to an audience, how you connect with people, those moments when you have to play with the music to enhance the class experience. For me, having those key elements broken down was the most important part of my career.

That mentoring was the boost that I needed. Because I was so inspired and I really wanted to become that Instructor and I'm really grateful to that person. Even now, I still say to them: ‘Thank you so much for believing in me and for taking the time to mentor me.’

How can clubs play a role in helping members become Instructors?

Clubs are a really amazing platform to recruit new talent! I believe at least one person in every single class, really wants to be that Instructor they’re looking up to and following. One thing I’ve really seen with Les Mills Instructors over my years teaching is how well people can slot it into their existing commitments. There are so many people teaching Les Mills alongside their normal life and work. So clubs have such an important role to play in getting the information out there. Sometimes members are taking part who have interest in training, but they just don’t know how to start, or even that it’s possible for them.

I’m a prime example! In my case, I thought it wasn’t possible. I thought I probably needed to study fitness or have a background in it. No, you don't! So it’s really important that clubs make information accessible. That could be simply by placing marketing materials at key member touchpoints asking the question ‘Do you have an interest in becoming an Instructor? Join the team.’

And using the appeal of your existing Instructors. Every Instructor should have that speech at the top of the class: ‘If you’re interested in becoming an Instructor, let me know, I can give you more information.’ It’s opening up the conversation and making it easy. Maybe members don't have the confidence to ask, or they don't know. Serving the information up removes those fears.

What role has development played in your Instructor career?

Development for me means a lot. I’ve benefited from development at every stage of my Instructor journey, from the beginning until now. It’s important to me to keep up to date. And development means not only for Les Mills, but keeping abreast of everything that’s happening in the fitness industry. Keeping knowledge fresh, coaching, the way you teach, the ways you connect, and the differences in how you actually connect with new generations.

At Les Mills, we have clearly defined career and development pathway. When you become an Instructor, you're never alone in the journey. You're always working towards the next step, finding out what you can do next, how you can become better. When it comes to starting out, we never look for perfection. Perfection is boring. We want to see who you really are and just harness all that potential. So that's a key development opportunity at Les Mills.

What makes a great Instructor?

I'm a true connector. I need people. I need to receive that energy from the crowd. And that’s one of the great things about being an Instructor – we are not training alone. This is group training. People look for a community, they want to be seen and enjoy the energy of the group. So for me, it’s really important that a person can be the motivator the class needs.

It's all about connection. It's funny because I’ve seen and known so many people who didn't have that confidence before becoming an instructor. They were shy, and maybe they felt unsure of stepping up to the front and teaching a class. But the Les Mills Initial Training tackles all of these concerns and we break it down, step by step. No one expects mastery overnight! It’s designed to help you build everything up; connection, energy, confidence. Because we believe as a company in you as a person. We don't want to create a copy of someone else.

We want to see you. And that’s what really connected with me on my journey. I realized the Initial Training was designed to highlight my unique skills, and it made me feel empowered. I always say that the Sebastian you see on stage, maybe isn’t always the same as the Sebastian you meet off it. The stage brings that confidence out. If you don't have that confidence yet, just don't think about it. Because the journey is going to give it to you. I can say that because I was that person. I never thought that I would be on a stage leading thousands and thousands of people at LES MILLS LIVES. I never thought about it, and nowadays, that's what I really love to do. When you start seeing people move, that smile on their face, that's what is going to give you confidence, because you are creating that smile. You are creating happiness.