At our studio we do not have a set bonus structure. I don’t believe in one because I want my employees to work hard to be proud of themselves and feel fulfilled, not simply to earn additional money. We sometimes provide bonuses, but they are not solely based on gross receipts. They are also based on trainers taking initiative, being innovative and going beyond the job description.
by Biray Alsac, MS
Have you ever wondered why younger trainers are labeled as
having little loyalty to, or ownership of, the fitness business the way you did when you were their age? Or perhaps you are one of those younger trainers and you cannot figure out why your older colleagues frown when you tell them to “cheer up” and not take their jobs too seriously. Why does a group exercise instructor who has been teaching since the 1980s clash with the new director who feels strongly about moving away from the “old-school” styles of teaching?
by Helen Vanderburg
Optimizing quality is all about paying close attention to the DETAILS in every sense of the word. The details are what ultimately give your customers the impression of quality service and delivery.
by Tatiana Kolovou, MBA
Jane manages a staff of 40 fitness instructors, who come together for monthly staff meetings. This month there’s a lot going on. The facility is kicking off a fundraiser, some new equipment is coming that Jane wants to tell everyone about, and she has several other updates. Yet the instructors don’t seem to share Jane’s excitement for the meeting.
by Amanda Vogel, MA
You probably know on some level how your participants would describe you and your classes. Maybe they see you as highly dynamic, caring, safety-conscious, well-educated, fun or humorous. Perhaps you’re the hip cycling instructor who plays really cool music, the tough-love teacher with the hard body, the gentle yogi or the step instructor who feels like a friend.
by Peggy Gregor, AFAA, ACE
If you teach group exercise long enough, you’re bound to encounter the group exercise diva. The diva’s behavior tends to create a negative experience for the majority of attendees. Unfortunately, the instigator often goes unchecked, which can lead to higher attrition rates and less class participation. As an instructor, you are responsible for controlling your class.
by Debra Atkinson, MS
With the right education and motivation, anyone can copy the same products and services you offer. But they can’t copy you. Every individual in your business contributes a piece to the puzzle. However, your leadership sets the standard for employees. Your personal values and beliefs develop your brand; you then attract like-minded employees and customers.
by Darren Jacobson
It is said that if you want to be successful, you must surround yourself with great people. One of the most challenging aspects of running your own business is finding great people and then keeping them.
by Darren Jacobson
9 Business Basics:
Pricing Your Services
13 Technology:
From Mobile to Mobility
17 Training for Growth:
The Struggle for Significance
21 Best Practices:
Build Your Team
By nature, personal trainers are passionate, driven, organized and excellent at communicating, or so we would like to believe. In reality, within any team there are radical differences in terms of trainer competencies.
