Category: Group Exercise Tips

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What’s Part of the Group Exercise Instructor Job Description?

Woman looking up the group exercise instructor job description

A typical group exercise instructor job description leaves a lot to be desired. Sure, you sort of already know what you’ll be doing if you’ve ever taken a group fitness class before, but what about intangible qualities that are important for Group X instructors to have? And, what about embracing and embodying the unique culture at each gym?

After a few searches, I came up with two group exercise instructor job descriptions that I found particularly helpful in understanding what is expected of you as an instructor, and what the culture is like at the gym. Check out some of my favorite lines from the 24 Hour Fitness and Club Sport job descriptions.

The 24 Hour Fitness Group Exercise Instructor Job Description

What I really liked was that the job postings went on to explain in detail what the responsibilities included, like:

  • Greet all members and orients new participants
  • Instructs class to the ability level of the students participating
  • Encourages new participants and orients them to class
  • Stores all equipment neatly and appropriately

And, the qualifications were useful, as well:

  • Ability to deal with a diversity of individuals
  • Ability to communicate with people of all age groups
  • Ability to effectively demonstrate all skills being taught to participants
  • Must be outgoing, energetic and able to perform in front of an audience

The Club Sport Group Exercise Instructor Job Description

Club Sport also keeps it real in their job description, including the responsibilities:

  • Arrive at least 10 minutes early for class to prepare; stay after class to interact with members
  • Be available to substitute teach whenever possible
  • Strive to maintain and increase your class size
  • Teach to make students feel successful, and educate members on proper exercise techniques
  • Make your students’ safety and enjoyment your number one priority
  • Convey warmth and genuine interest to the students: make eye contact, smile, use students’ names, personalize the workout, even in a large class
  • Operate studio stereo equipment properly, with music at sound levels that are appropriate to class type and intensity, but also safe for students and not disruptive to the adjacent studio (where applicable)
  • Ensure all equipment and props are properly used during class and properly put away / stored after class

And, the qualifications were pretty specific, as well:

  • Properly demonstrate and perform all exercise / dance / stretch movements included in each class routine taught
  • Perform assigned class for duration of class while cuing and coaching without becoming “out of breath” (i.e., maintain a level of cardiovascular fitness that allows this)

If you are looking to start teaching group exercise classes, here’s a pro tip. I would recommend trying to find the email address for the group fitness director, and sharing your resume with them directly. I’ve been most successful in getting on a new class schedule when I’ve either sent an email directly or known someone at the gym already who was able to refer me.

For more tips and tricks, check out the group exercise ideas page.

(Image Source: The Training EDGE, NASM Magazine)

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How to Find a Mentor to Help You Become a Fitness Instructor

How to Become a Fitness Instructor

If you’re looking to become a fitness instructor, you’re likely already aware that you’ll need to get a certification to teach, like ACE or AFAA. As long as you pass one of these tests and are CPR/AED certified, you can officially teach a class. But, imagine a certified group fitness instructor walking into class on their very first day without having ever taught a fitness class in their life — pretty terrifying for both the instructor and participants. Since it’s not required as part of the certification, how do aspiring fitness instructors get the experience they need to successfully teach a class? My suggestion: find an expert group fitness instructor to be your mentor.

I trained to become a fitness instructor through a year-long program at UCLA, which included getting paired with a mentor and assisting in that person’s group fitness class each week. This had the biggest impact on my actual ability to teach an exercise class. I was able to start by just teaching the warm-up, getting feedback from the instructor each week on how to improve, and building up to teaching more and more of the class.

Since having a mentor was so pivotal to my experience in becoming a fitness instructor, I’d like to offer a few suggestions for anyone looking for a group fitness mentor.

If you want to become a fitness instructor, here’s how to find the right mentor.

Step One: take a ton of group exercise classes with a ton of different instructors.

The best way to get experience with group exercise is to participate in a lot of classes. That way, you’ll start to notice what types of teaching styles resonate with you. I would even suggest taking classes out of your comfort zone — dance, spinning, aqua, boot camp, kickboxing, etc. Normally, we get really excited about one or two formats, and have no idea what goes on in the other classes. Who knows, you may find out you love one of the less popular classes!

Step Two: talk to the group fitness instructors after class.

Once you’ve taken enough classes, start to talk to the instructors that teach the classes you really like. Instructors are usually pretty distracted before class, but after class is the perfect time to chat. You can start by introducing yourself, and talking generally about the class. Build a relationship or rapport with the instructor, so he or she can start to recognize you in class and help you with your workout.

From there, you’ll likely want to let some of the instructors know that you’re interested in teaching, and are planning to take your certification test.

Step Three: ask one to be your mentor as you become a fitness instructor.

After you begin to build a rapport with different instructors, your gut will likely tell you which instructor you should ask to help mentor you. Then, go up and let them know that you’re training to become a group fitness instructor, and ask if they would be open to being a mentor for you.

Specifically, you want to see if you can teach a short segment, like just the warm-up or a lunge routine, in one of their next classes. They may be open to giving you their email address, so you can email them your routine for their input beforehand.

Finally, you’ll want to see if they would be willing to stay after their class for just a few minutes to provide feedback on the segment you taught that day.

If anyone helps mentor you as you become a fitness instructor, make sure to thank them. A handwritten thank you note goes a long way. Depending on how much time they spend helping you, you might also want to consider getting them a small gift card to Starbucks or a frozen yogurt shop.

For more tips and tricks, check out the group exercise ideas page.

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2017 U.S. Health and Fitness Expo and Convention Schedule

Group fitness instructor attending a health and fitness expo or convention

If you’re a group fitness instructor in need of some exercise inspiration or new workout ideas, a health and fitness expo or convention is the ultimate way to break out of a rut. After spending the day surrounded by fitness professionals and immersed in wellness conversations, it’s hard not to feel reinvigorated. Even if you don’t need a motivation refresh, a health and fitness expo or convention is a great way to network, learn new moves and get updates on the latest happenings in the fitness industry.

I do have one caveat: they can be expensive! If you only teach one group fitness class a week as a side hobby, it can be hard to justify spending hundreds of dollars on a fitness gathering. There are ways to attend an expo or convention without breaking the bank. Consider activities in your area — if you can commute to and from each day, you’ll save major dough you would otherwise spend on hotels. You can also attend for one day instead of a full weekend.

Some of the major shows have volunteer programs. I was a volunteer at the SCW Fitness convention in 2015 and loved it. Being a volunteer was much more affordable, and it helped me connect with other professionals I would have never talked to otherwise. I liked it so much that I’m going to be a volunteer again at this year’s SCW Fitness convention.

If you’re looking for a health and fitness expo or convention in your area, here’s a list of some of the most popular events this year.

January 2017 Health and Fitness Expo and Convention List

February 2017 Health and Fitness Expo and Convention List

March 2017 Health and Fitness Expo and Convention List

April 2017 Health and Fitness Expo and Convention List

May 2017 Health and Fitness Expo and Convention List

July 2017 Health and Fitness Expo and Convention List

August 2017 Health and Fitness Expo and Convention list

September 2017 Health and Fitness Expo and Convention List

October 2017 Health and Fitness Expo and Convention List

November 2017 Health and Fitness Expo and Convention List

Notably, I didn’t find any major events happening in June or December scheduled so far (as of January 15). This doesn’t include workshops, so check out your local certification websites to see what workshops are going on in your area.

If you want to take your career in group fitness up a notch in 2017, I strongly encourage squeezing a health and fitness expo or convention into your schedule.

For more tips and industry insights, check out the group exercise ideas page.

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7 Surprising Qualities of a Great Group Fitness Instructor

Group fitness instructor leading ab exercises

What are some qualities of a great group fitness instructor? I’m sure it’s a no-brainer that group fitness instructors should like to work out. They also need to have a pretty good grasp of biomechanics and body functions, or at least a desire to learn all of those things. But, what about the qualities that aren’t so obvious? Do group fitness instructors need to be extroverted or rhythmically inclined? My short answer is not necessarily. In my experience, some of the best Group X instructors are shy outside of the studio and some were even born with two left feet.

But, there are common characteristics that make for fantastic group fitness instructors. Here are a handful of the qualities important to the job.

Great Group Fitness Instructor Quality #1: Adaptability

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve showed up to teach a Group X class only to find the stereo not working, the mic out of batteries or my pants have a hole in them. The best group fitness instructors have learned to roll with the punches, and always have a backup plan. It’s also the reason we all have those sexy raspy voices — is the mic ever working?! 🙂

While it’s great to be able to go with the flow from Day 1, this one gets easier with time. After enough classes under your belt, you’ll start to know exactly what you’ll do when the stereo is out or when you run out of equipment for participants, etc.

Great Group Fitness Instructor Quality #2: Preparation

It’s certainly important to be flexible when challenges arise, but it’s just as important to put time into planning your class in advance. Nothing is worse than coming into class and sitting around for a few extra minutes as the instructor figures out what to do.

Make sure you’re finding ways to mix up your fitness routines and workout playlists, so your participants don’t get bored. Also, preparing a lesson plan is a great way to make sure the workout will take up the whole hour and balance out each muscle group involved.

Great Group Fitness Instructor Quality #3: Eloquence

Since fitness is all about movement, it would seem like it would matter more for instructors to be able to perform the exercises well in front of the class. But, it’s even more important for group fitness instructors to be able to describe the exercises clearly. On top of that, group fitness instructors should be able to accurately explain form cues, so that participants can understand how to self-adjust their form all from one to two sentences of instruction.

I’ve seen stellar group fitness instructors come in with a taped ankle, sit in front of the room and lead an amazing workout because they are able to provide instructions, cues and motivation all verbally.

Great Group Fitness Instructor Quality #4: Thick Skin

I wish I could say that every participant is a pleasure to work with, but unfortunately there will be people that are mean to you as a group fitness instructor. Some will blame you for their problems, whether it’s their fitness plateau or overworking injuries. Others will “jokingly” tell you that your Group X class, the music or lesson plan sucked.

As a group fitness instructor, you’ll have to find ways to handle these situations and try not to let these comments affect you in the long term. You’ll also deal with wonderful, passionate, friendly participants, so I hope you won’t let the one or two outliers distract you from the great work you’re doing.

Great Group Fitness Instructor Quality #5: Quirkiness

I’ve taken a lot of group fitness classes over the years, and the one thing I don’t like to see is an instructor that tries to be perfect to a point where it comes across as disingenuous. That’s why I much prefer instructors that have a quirky uniqueness about them. Find whatever makes you special and own it. All those times we mess up or are a little off make us more interesting, relatable and just plain fun to be around.

Great Group Fitness Instructor Quality #6: Persistence

Working in the fitness industry and maintaining group fitness certifications requires a lot of time and upkeep. If you think about how much the industry has changed, you’ll be glad that we’re required to keep up-to-date on our certifications in order to teach. For example, new research suggests static stretches are not helpful during a warm-up, which is why we’ve replaced them with dynamic exercises that warm the body and actively prepare our muscles for the workout. Yet, even recently I’ve gone to other activities, like sporting events or casual workouts, where folks are still stretching before they exercise. It’s because the people leading those activities aren’t required to keep updated on the latest findings in fitness and wellness.

If you want to be a great group fitness instructor, you’ll have to be persistent in your fitness education, and always seek new industry insight.

Great Group Fitness Instructor Quality #7: Multi-tasker

When you teach a Group X class, you need to be able to keep the class working through each exercise without any awkward breaks, share modifications and progressions to accommodate every fitness level and provide form cues to make sure folks are doing it right. The list goes on. When you first start teaching group fitness, it will feel almost impossible to say everything you want in between each exercise. It’s a good idea to practice leading certain exercises while listening to your playlist, so you can work on the best ways to phrase each cue and how it will fit within the timeframe.

As you get more comfortable teaching group fitness classes, the multi-tasking will come naturally, and you’ll be able to lead the class through an exercise, perform it in front of the room and walk around to correct form — all in an hour’s work.

These are a few qualities of a great group fitness instructor. Many of these can be learned, so if you don’t feel confident in your ability to multi-task in the first class, that’s okay. Over the years, teaching Group X classes has improved my ability to adapt and have thick skin. I remember those first few group fitness classes being awfully scary to teach. If you’re persistent and prepared, the rest will come naturally and you’ll be a great group fitness instructor in no time!

For more group fitness tips, check out the group exercise ideas page.

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What’s The Average Group Fitness Instructor Salary?

Know the average group fitness instructor salary

Teaching Group X classes seems like a glamorous job. You get to hang out every day in sweats, work out all the time and get paid doing it. If you’re interested in becoming a Group X instructor, it’s important to know the average group fitness instructor salary before jumping into the deep end of the employment pool. It takes time, effort and experience in order to make enough money to support yourself as a group exercise instructor, which is why you see a lot of us teaching as a side hustle or hobby. But with the right experience and class opportunities, it is possible to make bank as a group fitness instructor.

What’s the average group fitness instructor salary?

According to the 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) findings, fitness trainers and instructors made an average of $36,160 per year and/or $17.39 per hour.

Salaries do vary by location. The top-earning states include New York, New Jersey, California, Connecticut and District of Columbia.

Group fitness instructor salary chart by location
Image Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

In another 2013 survey, ACE Fitness reached out to 3,000 of its certified members and found the average salaries for personal trainers to be $52,537 annually and $26 hourly, and the average group fitness instructor salary to be $52,848 annually and $26 hourly.

Group fitness instructor salary by location and position
Image Source: ACE Fitness

What factors affect the group fitness instructor salary?

In addition to location, there are many factors that will affect the salary you’re able to negotiate with your Group X director. First, the number of certifications you have. Most gyms require you to have a general Group X certification like ACE or AFAA, unless you teach a specialty class like yoga. If you’d like to make more cash money, consider adding additional certifications like a spinning or dance class. Keep in mind that each certification costs money to acquire, and some will have different costs associated with upkeep (think continuing education credits, monthly dues, etc.).

After that, many gyms will pay differently based on experience and popularity in class. Something else to consider is that some gyms will also pay an admin fee to cover your time spent preparing for each class. Talk to your director about their policies, because this can be another way to boost your salary.

What’s the outlook for group fitness instructors?

The good news is that the fitness industry is growing, which means more job opportunities for group fitness instructors. The BLS expects Group X instructor jobs to grow by 8 percent, about as fast the average job growth. This is because more people, and even more companies, are getting serious about fitness.

For more news and trends, check out the group exercise ideas and tips page.

(Image Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics; ACE Fitness)

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December Links I Love for Gym Instructors

December Links I Love for Gym Instructors

With holidays, school tests, end-of-year reports and New Year’s resolution prep all high priority in December, it’s safe to say gym instructors had a busy month. When life gets hectic, oftentimes we don’t get to spend the time we want catching up on industry news and trends. Yet, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in the fitness industry to provide the best experience for folks coming to your group fitness classes.

Each month I pull together my favorite fitness articles from the month prior to help my fellow gym instructors quickly catch up on the news. So, grab that cup of coffee or protein shake, snuggle up on the couch and dive in to the top fitness and health articles from December.

  1. A new study suggests that a single vigorous workout may do little to counter the effects of prolonged sitting, while strolling around frequently in addition to exercising does seem to keep the harm at bay.
  2. Shoulders are sexy. And this workout series exclusively targets shoulders with unique moves you don’t see that often.
  3. New Year’s resolutions are bound to fail. Try this instead.
  4. A new study shows the best time to work out varies from person to person. I LOVE the message here: any workout is better than no workout. But, always take rest days for injury, fatigue, etc.
  5. Arianna Huffington, James Altucher, and Gabrielle Bernstein share life lessons they learned the hard way.
  6. 30 bizarre fitness classes that actually exist — for anyone looking to switch it up in the new year.
  7. ‘Twas the night before fitness: how to incorporate holiday spirit into your classes.
  8. The 10 best health stories of 2016, curated by Huffington Post.
  9. 6 trainers share the one workout move they can’t live without. Did yours make the list?
  10. This article on wellness trends to watch in 2017 shares fresh, interesting predictions for the fitness industry.

As December and 2016 come to a close, we see common themes popping up. Many gym instructors in the industry are talking about the dangers of sitting, the challenges of sticking with New Year’s resolutions and fun ways to mix up the same ‘ol fitness routine.

If you liked this post, you’ll also like my fitness article roundups from November and October.

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How to Bounce Back from a Bad Group X Class

How to Bounce Back from a Bad Group X Class

True story: I taught a pretty rough Group X class recently. Here’s what happened — I tried to mix it up by having participants go across the floor, and there was a lot of time wasted trying to get everyone coordinated. I take full responsibility in the fact that I did not cue the activity well, so it’s safe to say it was utter chaos for the first few minutes.

We finally were able to find our Group X groove, wrap up the across-the-floor portion and transition back to the center of the room when I realized we had been listening to the same song for the past 15 minutes. The stereo was on repeat and when I took it off repeat, it didn’t work at all. So, I had to manually click to the next song after each one ended.

It was the sort of group fitness class where I never really felt like I found my rhythm (no pun intended :)). It’s really hard to leave an exercise class like that and not feel down on yourself. A thousand bad thoughts ran through my head. Did I just lose all of my participants? Is everyone going to be talking trash in the locker room? Did I ruin everyone’s night?

Well, the short answer to those questions is “no”. But, how do you squash all of those terrible thoughts in your mind and not let a bad class ruin your night?

Here’s what helped me: I thought about how I would react as a participant of that Group X class. I thought back to all of my favorite Group X instructors, and asked myself how I would react as a participant if they taught a chaotic class like the one I just led. And you know what? I wouldn’t bat an eye.

What I would do is make sure I got a good workout by modifying or adjusting, as needed. And, I wouldn’t think twice about the stereo problems, because it really wouldn’t be a big deal to me.

I tend to magnify my mistakes when I’m the instructor, and it’s refreshing to remember that everyone else will go on with their day as if nothing out of the ordinary happened. Sure, maybe I’ll lose a participant or two, but if I come back to the next Group X class with tried-and-true, challenging activities and (hopefully!) a working stereo, everyone else will be satisfied.

I hope this serves as a reminder to cut yourself some slack as an instructor. We try so hard to give our participants the very best group fitness class each and every session, but we’re all human.

For more lessons learned, check out the group exercise ideas and tips page.

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Top 10 Group Fitness Blog Posts from 2016

Group Fitness Blog Author Michelle

At the beginning of this year, I started this group fitness blog, and ever since then, we’ve covered everything from new spinning routines and workouts to group exercise tips and motivational cues. There was also quite a bit of fitness news this year, including that ClassPass upped its pricing, REI marketed a campaign encouraging us to get outdoors and a celebrity conducted in inappropriate gym behavior that we all must take seriously. To look back on everything this group fitness blog has covered this year, I rounded up 2016’s Top 10 blog posts.

The 2016 Top 10 Group Fitness Blog Posts

  1. How to Cue a Group X Class Without Wasting Time
  2. How to Make Those Holiday Group X Classes Special
  3. Group X Spin Class Routines: Steep Hills (45 minutes)
  4. Group X Spin Class Routines: Climb & Sprint Combo (45 minutes)
  5. 21 Motivational Songs for Workouts
  6. “Across the Floor” Exercises for Packed Group Fitness Classes
  7. 3 Simple Tricep Workouts for Group X Classes (Part 1)
  8. How to Cue Music for Group X Beginners
  9. How to Get Your Group X Class Out of a Rut
  10. Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Group Fitness Instructors

I’ve noticed the most popular blog posts cover spin class routines, themed workout playlists and motivational cueing tips for group fitness, so I’ll be sure to give those topics extra attention next year. As a Group X instructor, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to think of new workout routines and songs to try each week, especially when we start to get busy with everything else life throws our way.

I created this group fitness blog as a way to build community with fellow instructors, and be a resource to make it easier for us to do our jobs. I think 2016 brought me one step closer to that goal, and I look forward to striving towards it with all of you in 2017.

If you’d like to check out more group fitness blog posts, check out the group exercise ideas page. And, if you’d like to see more posts or new posts on another topic, please let me know! 🙂

 

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26 Things from a Group X Instructor

26 Things from a Group X Instructor

I turned 26 earlier this month, and between a birthday and the holidays, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting. I compared myself at this year’s company holiday party to the person I was at last year’s, and in those moments, it doesn’t feel like much has changed — I work with mostly the same people at my day job, teach the same Group X classes and am part of the same communities. But, when I think back on all that’s happened this last year, a lot has changed in ways that have helped me grow, learn and deepen my relationships and roots here. To look at the facts: I bought a house, started this blog, became a manager and got engaged.

Yet, those facts don’t tell the whole story. So, here are 26 reflections, lessons and goals — 13 things I learned this year, and 13 things I want to work towards.

The Things I Learned at 25 as a Group X Instructor

  1. The need for self-compassion. I’ve always been really hard on myself. I tend to dwell on the things I’ve done wrong or said in just the wrong way. But, I’m learning that we’re all just trying our best, and we need to nicer to each other, and also ourselves.
  2. More high-intensity intervals doesn’t equal a harder workout. I used to think that if you wanted a tougher workout, you just needed to add more intervals. But, really it’s about optimizing the intervals you do, so people push themselves to work at their max.
  3. The world doesn’t stop spinning when you ask for a sub. I have a hard time asking for subs, because it makes me feel like I’m doing something bad or that I’m neglecting my participants. But, I’ve started to learn that life goes on, and everyone needs rest now and again. Just make sure that when you do find a sub, you reciprocate sometime down the road.
  4. Nobody likes it when you’re easy on them. Whether it’s in a Group X class or working on a professional team, nobody likes to be coddled. We want to be challenged, find our limits and push past them. So, I’m going to embrace those difficult conversations and the stuff we’re not so good at, so we can continue to improve.
  5. Assumptions are bad. I’ve learned that you can’t assume other people know what you’re thinking or how you’re feeling. On the flip side, you can’t assume you know how others are feeling or thinking. Instead, ask questions and be honest. Always come from a place of kindness and compassion.
  6. Gliders are the best. My favorite core exercise is to do a “bootcamp crawl”. Put your feet on the gliders, and come into a plank on your elbows. While keeping your hips down, crawl on your elbows forward and backward. I’d recommend doing this on a mat to make it easier on your elbows. My participants love this exercise.
  7. Music is No. 1. Most people I’ve talked to go to Group X classes for the music. If you’re going to spend extra time preparing for your class, spend it on choosing music that is upbeat, entertaining and flows well together.
  8. Your community is larger and stronger than you think. I saw others raise their hand this year in need, and their community stepped right up to the plate to help out. It may sometimes feel like you’re going at it alone, but if you give others the ability to help you, they will do so without hesitation.
  9. First really is the worst, and second really is the best. Instead of spending hours and hours trying to get the first time perfect, let the first time be just okay. Then, promise to learn from the first time, and do better the second. This is true for your first Group X class — that first time never goes quite how you want it to. And, it’s also true for personal projects, like writing, planning and even cooking.
  10. The hardest battles to win will be the most rewarding. This year, I had to fight tooth and nail to prove to myself and my manager that I was capable of writing for a new technical client. That effort and determination was able to make me so much better at the task, and also helped make achieving the task feel so wonderful. I may not always reach my goal, but I want to make sure I always give it my all.
  11. Don’t offer unsolicited feedback in the Group X classes you take. How many times have you gone to a group fitness class as a participant and wanted to share your thoughts with the instructor? Well, I recently offered my perspective to the instructor teaching, and it was not appreciated. Instead, I’ll keep my comments to myself, unless the instructor specifically asks for it, because I’ve started to understand that you have to be in the right mindset for critique.
  12. Always mix it up. Many of my participants love classic rock songs, so I started playing a lot more to appeal to their taste. Then I realized that other members were starting to get tired of the heavy emphasis on classic rock. To please the most members, you’ll always want to have some variety, and try to add some fresh songs as often as you can.
  13. Herbal tea and honey are so soothing for a sore voice. I have had a love-hate relationship with the mics in my classroom, and have gone to work the next day sounding like I was sick. I’ve started drinking more tea to help soothe my scratchy vocal cords after a day of what I like to call “Boot Camp Michelle” voice.

My Goals for 26 as a Group X Instructor

  1. Continue to build and improve this blog.
  2. Travel! My fiancé and I have already started planning our European honeymoon. 🙂
  3. Help those I mentor grow and develop.
  4. Learn from Arianna Huffington, and get a solid bed time routine.
  5. Spend lots of time with friends and family.
  6. Learn basic WordPress developing skills.
  7. Be the kind of friend/colleague/sister/partner that people want to have around.
  8. Write, write, write.
  9. Bring more hype to my spin class playlists.
  10. Go to the SCW Fitness Convention in the Bay Area.
  11. Start phasing out crunches from my core class.
  12. Get better at having difficult conversations (in classroom, at work, etc.)
  13. Take some time for self-care during wedding planning.

This next year is going to be one for the books, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow in so many aspects of my life.

 

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November Links I Love for Fitness Instructors

November Links I Love

As a huge fan of fitness, I stumble upon health, wellness and exercise links I love almost daily. Fascinating new research and tips are released each day, which is also a good reminder of how challenging it is to stay up-to-date on everything that’s happened in the past month.

I’ve done some of the hard work for you, and gathered my favorite links I love, including articles, news and tips from November into one handy roundup.

Before we dive in, I do want to give a special shout out to the Self magazine team. It was just announced that Condé Nast will be shuttering Self magazine. February will run the last official issue, while the Self.com team will continue to operate. Self magazine and the Self team have always been a source of inspiration for me. I wish the Self team well in this next chapter – both those that will continue working on the Self.com site and the ones moving on to the next adventure.

Self magazine cover photo

Now, here are the November links I love for fitness instructors:

  1. Confidence coach Susie Moore’s recent post on Greatist, “How Successful People Think (Hint: It’s Not All About Being Positive)”
  2. One woman’s experience working out for the first time. I’m disappointed with how the personal trainer acted in this situation. Good learning lesson that we don’t want our clients and participants feeling defeated on Day 1. Imagine how helpful it would be to have a trainer that motivated and encouraged her.
  3. What your doctor wish you knew about weight loss. It’s scary that doctors don’t have time to help patients plan out weight loss anymore. Here’s the advice they would share if they had the time.
  4. The power of giving thanks in group fitness from a global perspective. Tips for bringing thankfulness inside the Group X studio.
  5. 3 push-up modifications to try. If you’re looking for even more options, check out my push-up round up here.
  6. Are your ankles interfering with your squat form? Small, weird tips to remember when helping others with their squats.
  7. Strokes rates are rising in younger people. Reasons are unclear, although rise in obesity and diabetes likely play a role.
  8. Why do I gain weight when I exercise?
  9. Here’s why you shouldn’t take too much time off from the gym this holiday season.
  10. A good reminder that you can’t always trust what you find on the internet. A woman took “before and after” photos seconds apart.
  11. And finally, the best pump up songs to tackle any workout.

These articles provide great inspiration and research to share in your next Group X class. If you liked this list, you may also like my “Links I Love” roundup for October.

(Image source: Self magazine and Fitness magazine)