Pride Shines Through

When you decide to become a fitness instructor, you make a lifestyle change that in effect changes others lives.

It's not just about your health and fitness anymore. Your class is counting on you to help them reach the next steps in their fitness journey. You can only help them do this by leading by example. A good instructor knows that their class is constantly watching them. Are you eating well? Tired? Fatigued? Gaining weight? Your class sees the answers to these questions just by looking at you.  That's why it is important that you take care of yourself so you can take care of them. 

Also don't just keep your class as a separate part of your life...engage them! Host functions outside of the gym. Get to know them for the unique people that they are. 

Let your pride shine through and keep on dancing!

Adapting for Students and instructors

Over my past year of teaching, I have learned that Zumba is constantly evolving and there is always rooms for adaptation.

For instance, one of my students told me about how she really liked my style but wanted me to incorporate more toning elements into my class. I could have been a complete jerk and said "no, I'm the teacher so we'll do it the way I want to," but instead I took her request as something that would improve the feel and the overall health of the class. Now I am planning to do 3 toning songs each class to mix in with the cardio. It will also give the students a small break especially on hotter days when we are prone to move more slowly.

Student also must be aware that each instructor has a a different style and different outcomes for the class. Some instructors really like the dance flare while others like the fitness variations. The thins to remember is that instructors are always looking out for the best interest of the students.

Zumba is a team effort!

Keep on dancing!

Confessions of a Zumba Instructor: Knowing Your Class

Confessions of a Zumba Instructor: Knowing Your Class: Every great teacher or instructor must know the strengths of their class. If not, how can you reach them or make them feel like part of the ...

Knowing Your Class

Every great teacher or instructor must know the strengths of their class. If not, how can you reach them or make them feel like part of the team?

You do this by observing. How do they react when that really slow flamenco-Reggaeton song comes up? Do they slow down or do they jump right in? Which movements do they really get into? Are they barely moving and flushed or bursting with energy?And last but never least: are they smiling?

The fact of the matter is that the instructor who simply goes through the motions, will not retain their students. Make an effort to know their names, smile and acknowledge them. If you see them really grooving, tell them how proud you are. Encourage!

When you get to know your class, the positive energy will come shining through each and every time and assist you in improvement. Constantly improving your techniques and teaching style will continue to keep Zumba fun for you and your pupils.

Keep on dancing!

Subbing for Other instructors

One of the hardest things about teaching sometimes, is when you have to step in for a fellow instructor.

It may seem from a Birdseye view a piece of cake. You figure that every Zumba class  is comprised of many of the basic moves you were taught in Basic training so it should go swimmingly. However, when you get to the class and have your merengue and salsa beats going you quickly realize that this particular class is more of the Reggaeton crowd. The room gets a bit chilly while you're firing out your best moves and you're feeling out of place.

It happens to all of us once in a while!

But it's nothing to fret about, every instructor has their own style and just because yours isn't identical to your colleagues doesn't make it any less fun or less valuable. Just remember you are stepping into the class to help out and not to take too much from the students expressions: they are learning a style from another awesome instructor and that doesn't always come easy  right away. Do your very best to keep smiling, and inviting them into the dance party. By keeping a lively mood and happy demeanor you will not only help them adjust but also help yourself feel more confident.

Furthermore, that same student who may seem to be frowning may show up to your class later on that week. You never know!

Keep on dancing!

Dress to Impress and for Success!

Let's face it: when you're going to gym or exercising, the last thing you're thinking about is looking good.

However, it should be the first thing you think about as an instructor. You worked hard for you body right? You enjoy what you do and you want to impart to your pupils that sweat is no sweat.

So dress to impress and dress for success.  We wear clothes for our professional jobs, whether they be uniforms or some other attire that is deemed as presentable, so why not do it for you fitness job? Choosing clothes with a flattering fit, bright colors, and comfortable construction can not only help you encourage your class to shine bright, but it has been noted that wearing decent threads can improve your sweat game by boosting your confidence.

Honestly, who wants to exercise with someone who is wearing a t-shirt that is two sizes too big for them and has a spaghetti stain on it?

Pull out your best threads, turn heads, get hearts pumping, and people happy!

Keep on Dancing!

The Beat Goes On, Even If Youre exhausted

People automatically assume that once you become a fitness instructor, you have a sort of boundless energy. They think that you never get tired.

The truth is that just because you get your kicks out of exercise, doesn't necessarily mean that you are superman or superwoman. It simply means that you have practiced and have been consistent enough in your exercise that you are simply used to how it goes. You also know that when you get too used to something, you are not putting forth your full effort or stamina and therefore it can drain you class as well. The next best thing would be to amp it up, mix up your routine and hunt for some fresh music and moves.

I prefer mostly Latin Zumba, so sometimes it's hard for me to choreograph to the latest and greatest pop music but I still try to keep it current. And when I am feeling tired, I try to remember what my personal goals are and how much I really want my class to feel the song or choreos that I am teaching. When I visualize what I want the class, including myself, overall to accomplish then I am more focused and able to maintain my energy. Even on days where I may be feeling slightly under the weather, I carry that attitude with me and I also tell myself, it is only an hour and that goes by really quick.

In short, in any type of fitness instructing, it is important to remember that you are there for your class and they look to you for inspiration so show them what the Z life is all about...happiness, good times, and health.

Keep on dancing!

Zumba Is Love

So I have been doing Zumba for six years and have been teaching for exactly one year.Every minute that I have done it has been exhilarating. The music is awesome and  who doesn't love to think that they are partying on a work night minus the hangover the next day? Who doesn't love to dance like no one's watching or not care if they do? That's the true beauty of it.I don't mean to sound like propaganda but this particular work out is revolutionary.  I say that because of the impact it has had on my life.  Six years ago, I was unsatisfied with my 220 lbs on my 5ft 3 in body. I was tired of the snarky remarks of neighbors, family members and friends, and I was tired of being the biggest one out of my friends.  Most importantly, I had developed thyroid condition which made it very hard for my metabolism to keep up with all the food I was shoveling down my throat. So I decided to do something about it: I purchased a Groupon to a fitness club and decided on taking a Zumba class because I don't like weights or boring runs on the treadmill. I left the class 15 minutes after the start, panting and asking myself why I decided to try to dance. I was out of breath and sweating. Not for me, I said.But something drew me back to the class. I think it was the smiling faces, the slick dance moves (that I honestly wanted to do but was rhythmically challenged in doing), and the hella cool music, some of it popular songs that heard on the radio.  I decided to give a try again, and again, and again, and then I fell completely in love. It was a struggle at first getting my very sedentary body to move and groove, but the more I attended the classes the more I grew to love the moves and memorize them.  I became so good that the staff took notice and asked when I was going to become a teacher.It would be four more years before I met my mentor, a guy, at a different gym who would encourage me to do just that and in March 2014, I traveled to Rockville ,Maryland and did an 8 hour training to become a Zumba instructor.I haven't looked back since. With something this awesome you can't. Yes there are days when I am sweaty and tired, where my body says rest, but when I hear the music and start to move my legs, my energy returns to me.  That's what happens when you're doing something you absolutely love.That is love.x