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Start Strong: Top Tips for New Instructors
As
a new instructor, I’ve found teaching Spinning® classes to be among the
most fun, rewarding and powerful learning experiences I’ve ever had. My
journey has just started—but I’ve made discoveries that I hope will
help fellow newbies and seasoned vets.
Make like a boy scout and be prepared
1. Review the manual and practice. Get back to the basics, know your stuff, and practice, practice, practice. Review the Spinning Instructor Manual
on a regular basis and practice all the basic elements to become
stronger and more confident on the bike. Students can tell
whether or not you have put work into developing your classes and look
to you as an examples on proper form and technique.
2. Learn from your fellow instructors.
Attend other Spinning classes and observe teaching styles and
strategies of other instructors. Talk to them after class. Ask them for
tips or solicit advice. Their experience can help you become a better
instructor.
3. Listen to the music. Expand your
horizons. Collect a variety of music and keep your ears open for
anything that might work well for class. Choose music conducive to
everything from aggressive climbs to flats with a tailwind. As we all
know, music can make or break a class.
4. Network.
Get to know other instructors, trainers and students and let them know
that you’re a Spinning instructor. You never know who might have the
inside scoop on a teaching gig.
5. Sub. Get on
facilities’ sub lists and take every class you can. After class talk to
the students, ask them for honest feedback and work to build a rapport.
Try to sub at various clubs to learn to cater to different types of
club cultures and students.
Lights, camera, action!
1. Understand what you want to give your students.
Can you evoke the true essence of the Spinning program? Can you
personify it when you’re at the front of a class? For 40 minutes,
students look to us for guidance and motivation. Be clear how you want
to lead them.
2. Come ready to ride. Create class
profiles and playlists ahead of time so you know your stuff and never
fumble to figure out what comes next. Arrive early so you’re ready to
greet your students and help with bike set-up if needed. As a new
instructor, students are checking out your every move to see what kind
of instructor you are. Everything you do and say when you first
start teaching makes a strong lasting impression, so start strong!
3. Make a connection.
If you’re not already comfortable smiling, approaching people, and
starting conversations with strangers, now is the time to practice.
When your students like you, they like your class. Building
relationships with them, making them feel valued and understanding
their needs is what will make you a truly exceptional instructor.
Beyond
these suggestions, each of us have special gifts, attributes and
insights that we can offer our students. Find your gift and share it
fearlessly. Your students will thank you.
Lola
Tsai is a certified Spinning instructor, yoga teacher, and Education
Manager of SPINNING® TAIWAN. She is also an Empowerment Trainer
dedicated to the growth and empowerment of children, youth, and all
people around the world through fitness, inspirational art, and
education. She would love to hear from you at lolatsai@gmail.com
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