Yes, we know that essentially this is a person whose role is to guide you into getting fit, regardless of the basis of programs conducted.
A fitness professional who is serious about his trade will not only have the certification to teach the program(s) he will deliver. But also investing time, money and efforts in continuous learning to update himself in the industry and fitness knowledge.
The understanding of fitness encompasses a lot of other studies, some more technical than others. Anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, just to name a few. And a dedicated and responsible fitness instructor needs to pack himself with such knowledge to be able to correctly guide his students, reducing the risks of injuries, and generally keeping to the objectives of the workout.
The larger group of (especially new) fitness enthusiasts has the main focus of losing weight. But what does that really entail? It is commonly known by now that skipping meals or forgoing carbs is not the only way to achieve this, and more so to consider in a safe and healthy way.
What about the types of exercises that are suitable for the fitness newbie? How about the form that the participant is using in executing that move which the trainer just demonstrated. Is he able to correct based on the different types of muscle groups activated?
As a dance fitness specialist, I consider every move carefully to add to each choreographed track. I try to add a variety of moves to include the major muscle groups so as to have an all-rounded workout per track. Of course, with more than 10 songs on playlist per session, I am able also to adjust by regulating the muscle-group specific songs.
For example, tracks that focus on legs will usually be followed by a track with more arm movements, to give the legs a breather. High intensity tracks will be balanced with a lowered one after, so as to moderate the playlist.
I keep in mind the abilities of my participants for each class, so as to allow them to keep up with the pace. This is how the experience and knowledge of the trainer comes into play too, to be able to introduce progressions or regressions on the fly! I try to maximise their cardio workout, yet making it easy and fun; so that they won’t give up on me and my class the next round.
With all these factors considered, the moves need to go with the music and flow easily into the next. AND, it’s got to have the groove! Now, will this make you think about appreciating your dance instructor a little more? 😉
I hear comments saying how some instructors can be a crazy bunch – making students do funny moves and clowning around in class to make everyone laugh. Dressing up occasionally in costumes and using props to make the class more entertaining. Getting students to shout along with them to the music and making wildly, exaggerated movements when cueing.
To be honest, if being the clown in the class to drive participants to enjoying the workout, having fun while exercising, why not? If this is the kind of motivation my students need to continue coming for classes and staying interested in keeping active, just why not.
I would love to be their partner and cheerleader in their fitness journey. If this appeals to folks to encourage them to move and keeping them excited, I’m in!
Having said this, to each individual fitness instructor and coach their own. Not everyone’s personality is the same and so will this apply to your trainer. In fact, not every participant’s preference is for an instructor with silly antics too. I know fitness professionals with a large pool of following students who are serious, no-nonsense types.
At the end of the day if I may suggest to those planning to keep fit, go search out the classes and programs available out there, the fitness instructors whom you’re comfortable with. It’s good to find out a little more about the options and if you have the chance to try out other classes to compare, do it! Even the fellow participants may make or break your class experience, you know. And only by experiencing for yourself (with an open mind) you will find out what suits you best.
This will sustain you longer in continuing your fitness pursuits, and this should be what you’re aiming for, to maintain a strong and healthy body and mind, so as to support the other important aspects of your life such as family, career and relationships.
P.S. I used the male reference here for convenience of writing. But there are really a lot of good female instructors out there as well! 😉