A group exercise instructor’s responsibilities are all encompassing. They are under the constant scrutiny of a room of people, each with their own needs and likes. It is up to them to find an exercise routine and playlist that accompanies all their class members’ abilities. In order to understand what the role of the group exercise instructor is, you need to familiarise yourself with their responsibilities:
Group exercise instructor responsibilities
Have a plan
As group exercise instructor, being prepared is probably the most important part of any class. You can’t just walk into the class and make up a routine as you go along.
Each routine needs to have the perfect balance of exercises to optimise the workout. Your students will be eager to see results. It is up to you to make sure they have the right routine to give them this.
The routine also needs to have the right intensity options as well as proper warm-up and cool down exercises.
Be a form stickler
As an instructor it is your responsibility to demonstrate and coach the correct form during class. Making sure your students have the right body alignment when exercising is crucial. If you don’t show them the correct way to perform exercises, and correct them when they are wrong, they can get injured.
Pay individual attention
Like any good teacher, paying individual attention to each students’ needs is important. You have to modify your routine for every student according to what they feel is appropriate for them.
Some students might have hip or knee problems. It is your responsibility to adjust your routine in a way that avoids injury.
Live by example
Your students’ health and fitness are very important when they are in your class. Be a good example by making and discussing healthy lifestyle choices, proper nutrition, rest and recuperation.
Stay up to date
There is also a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into being a group exercise instructor. You need to stay abreast of new developments in exercise science, sound nutrition and new class trends.
Be medically prepared
When an injury does occur in your class, you need to be medically prepared to treat the injury or keep the student safe until appropriate help arrives.
Normally, you need to have a complete CPR/First Aid certificate before you can teach a class. But you also need to be emotionally prepared to handle the situation and keep the injured student, as well as the rest of the class, calm.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
Being a group exercise instructor isn’t as easy as showing up to a class, showing a group of people what to do and going home. You are responsible for an entire class of people. You have to make sure they get what they are paying for and that they are having a good time while doing it. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Gym Instructor Course will show you EXACTLY what you need in order to become a world-class gym instructor. Follow this link for more information.
