Preparation – Dedication – Organisation – Professionalism

1. Choreography
2. Impressions
3. Time Keeping & Professionalism
4. Delivery
5. Technique
6. After the final bell

Being prepared to deliver a class is as important as actually delivering the class. A failure to prepare is only going to lead to an unhappy ending.  We asked Katy Moore, International Fitness Presenter and Master Trainer for fight fx, pump fx and blast fx for her top tips.

Music – Always make sure you have your music ready to go. Is your music downloaded? Do you have a backup playlist downloaded too? If you use an iPod for your music and not your phone, do you have the app on your phone with that particular playlist downloaded in case the iPod doesn’t work? Without music you haven’t got a class, so make sure you have a backup or two.

Choreography – Practise, practise and practise more! Have you looked at regressions as well as progressions? Even in a class that has been established for years with the same members, today may be the day somebody new walks in.  Your regulars may need a regression due to a recent injury or surgery.  Without the practise you can’t make those key changes and alterations.

You will also want to practise the whole release at least once in full before you teach it. Completing the workout will help you find out how challenging it this will allow you to deliver the class, monitor participants and have those regressions or progressions already in mind ahead of the class, be careful not to get complacent and just assume we are able to do a move/exercise just by viewing it on the app

Interested in learning how to deliver Exercise to Music classes

Impressions – First impressions always count 😊- Present yourself in a way you would expect to be presented to. Your class will be excited to participate and you should be matching that energy, and encouraging more!  It all starts in the morning before a class, take the time to have a good healthy breakfast, make sure you have your snacks and water ready. Staying fuelled will keep your energy up, energy you can transfer to your groups. Look after your body and your body will look after you.

Time keeping & professionalism – Isn’t it great to walk into a studio and the instructor is already there, smile on their face, music on quietly in the background and with a big welcome to class. Smiles are infectious and go a long way. I know we all have days where we just don’t feel like putting that face on, but trust me guys, your smile could be that one thing that brightens up somebody’s day - never assume we know everybody in class and their reason for coming to your class. Everybody has a story/journey, be a part of that in the best and most positive way you can.

Deliver HIIT classes with a T3 Instructor course

Delivery – From the moment the music is on this is it – everything you’ve practised comes to life – cueing, pre-cueing, verbal as well as nonverbal, effective layering, teaching skills, observation, safety checks, technique corrections, level options, demonstrations and of course motivation- bags full of motivation. Interact with every single person in your studio, even if it’s a wink and a smile or an acknowledgment of how well they are doing. Be observant, the small things go a long way with the group.

Technique – If you’re teaching a specialised class like fight fx, do your own training outside of classes; get in the ring at your local boxing gym, or get a one to one with a mixed martial arts PT if you have the opportunity, or simply research the mixed martial arts community classes in your area and rock up to one of those.  We are always learning and learning from the best is a great base in my book.

Think beyond your classes too, consider Pilates or some form of stretch class, this will help with your flexibility when it comes to those kicks, especially round house kicks which hit the legs from all angles. To be a great fighter we need to possess agility, flexibility, strength and speed, all these attributes can be trained on a weekly basis without really taking too much time out of your busy lives.

HIIT training alone can be as short as 20 minutes. Look at different training programmes and choose one that works for you!!

After the final bell – Do not be the first to leave the studio – be the last!! Congratulate, and acknowledge everyone as they leave with a “well done” or “great work, see you next week”.  Use names where you can, saying hi or bye and using someone’s name can make their day! “wow, the instructor actually does recognise me and remembers my name” Tell them yours too!

Finally, always remember, as instructors – you are only as good as your last class! 😉

Further Reading

Non-stop action: why no rest is wicked for fx workouts

Making a connection

Why small group training?