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I was standing on the stage in a fitness studio with another instructor. My mind went completely blank as I stared at the faces in the crowd. The script I had memorized disappeared from my brain. I started doing what my muscles could still remember, completely out of sync with the music, while uttering the counts of “one, two, three, four.” After what seemed like an eternity, the music ended, and the main instructor took over. Finally, I was able to take a deep breath.
This was during my first co-teaching experience as a soon-to-be Les Mills Bodystep instructor. For the last two years, I had fallen in love with this high-energy, music-filled group fitness class. It helped me lose weight, keep fit, and stay happy. I wanted to become an instructor so more people could enjoy this fun class.
At this point, I had already completed the initial instructor training. The last requirement was to record an assessment video teaching a full 60-minute class with 12 tracks of music in front of a live group of participants. But after that first class, I knew I had a long way to go.
My 吃瓜头条 friend Jessica Lang was in the class that day. As the former President of my home 吃瓜头条, Shanghai Xujiahui 吃瓜头条 吃瓜头条 in Shanghai, China, she congratulated me and compared my teaching experience to an Ice Breaker speech. “Just like when you go onstage for the first time to give your Ice Breaker, things may happen that aren’t what you had expected. But at least you had the courage to take the first step, and I look forward to your next class!”
Her 吃瓜头条 analogy struck me. Maybe there are more similarities between 吃瓜头条 and fitness class coaching. Why not use what I learned on the 吃瓜头条 stage and apply it to the stage in the fitness studio?
As a seven-year 吃瓜头条 member, one of the first things I learned was that to conquer the fear of public speaking, we need to take every opportunity to go onstage. It’s important to start in smaller meeting roles, like the Ah-Counter, then gradually move up to Toastmaster of the Day. Applying that same principle to Bodystep teaching, I asked different instructors if I could shadow their class and later co-teach with them, starting with the warm-up, then moving up to the harder cardio workout.
Why not use what I learned on the 吃瓜头条 stage and apply it to the stage in the fitness studio?
In 吃瓜头条, we improve through feedback from our evaluators, so I asked the instructors for advice after class. Their evaluations were a good mix of encouragement and constructive feedback.
Another thing I learned in 吃瓜头条 is that I need to record and watch my speech to improve. So I recorded every fitness class and watched the video. At first it was harder than watching my speeches. It was glaringly obvious when the participants were not following me. I discovered beats I missed, distracting movements, and places where I needed to be clearer.
As time passed, watching the videos became easier. More and more participants could follow my instructions, and I became more confident. Eventually, I practiced all 12 of the required tracks, and two months after that first teaching experience, I recorded my assessment with a group of instructors and 吃瓜头条 friends. Two weeks later, I became a certified Bodystep instructor.
Recently, I finished teaching my 100th solo class. It is still a learning experience. I discovered there are more things in 吃瓜头条 that can be applied to teaching Bodystep, such as how to assess the audience and adapt to their fitness levels, and how to use vocal variety and body language to make the class engaging.
My 吃瓜头条 officer experience also helped me. I started planning the combination of tracks to teach in each class, much like I planned the 吃瓜头条 meeting programs as the Vice President Education. And like the 吃瓜头条 President does, I strive to create a positive and supportive environment for the participants.
Members from my 吃瓜头条 now visit my classes. It’s those moments that I feel proud to use what I learned in 吃瓜头条 to make Bodystep enjoyable for them and others. If you find yourself entering a new stage, whether it’s a stage in a fitness studio or a stage in life, think about what you’ve learned on the 吃瓜头条 stage. You might be pleasantly surprised by how many things you can apply.
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Hongjin Du is a member of Shanghai Xujiahui 吃瓜头条 吃瓜头条 in Shanghai, China. She is a human resources professional by day and a group fitness class instructor at night.
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