Saturday, October 6, 2012

On the microphone: being the instructor


Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love teaching Zumba classes. But, a lot of people don’t understand how hard the instructor is working both in and out of class. 

Here’s the best comparison I can offer you: teaching a group fitness class is like going for a run while belting out your favorite songs (if it’s an Aqua Zumba class, add to that the heat and humidity of an indoor swimming pool room).  Talking (and yelling) through a whole class adds a whole new level of cardio intensity.  Add to that the difficulty of always having to think about what step comes next; it’s a workout for your brain, too.    

But teaching a group fitness class is not just a workout, it’s a performance.  When you’re on the microphone, it’s your responsibility to keep everyone’s morale and energy levels high.  So, even when I get tired, I can’t show it.

Another thing that a lot of people don’t realize instructors do is choreography.  We all spend way too much time listening to new music and dancing around our bedrooms, just to come up with a fun dance that will make our participants want to get up and move. 

For me, the hard work and exhaustion is 100% worth it.  I love participating in Zumba and I love teaching it even more.               

But, if you’re into Zumba (or any group fitness classes, for that matter), I encourage you to take some time to thank your instructor.  She (or he) is working VERY hard for you. 

Check back next week for some new choreography videos!  Here are the songs I’m working on:




Keep dancing,
Bridgit 

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