Do you participate in the session with your Group Training clients?
It’s hard for me NOT to participate since my background is in Group Fitness. crossing over into Personal Training allows me to infuse group class energy with my participation. That said, my eyes are on the participant’s form, alignment, and energy the WHOLE TIME so I am not always going full out.
On tricky exercises (some TRX or plank based moves) I will demo, then individually correct form or just coach and motivate. I even participate sometimes with my private clients especially in some cardio exercise so I can pace them.
-Sandra
REAL Fitness
Hello Amanda Cremonini,
I don’t participate, rather, I instruct. I go through the workout and the clients mirror me until it is time to correct form and/or teach a new skill. It depends on the class, the clients, the weather, the motivation, etc. By “participate”, I assume you mean do the exercises; so, I do both: exercise and instruct, depending on what the clients need, since it is their workout.
It is expected that the instructor give the best session possible in the clients’ best interest.
Take care,
Natalie
NAPS 2 B Fit
I do a little of both and it depends on the class and the participants. For the most part, with my small group classes and circuit style classes, I perform the warm up with them and demonstrate the movements. Then I’ll move through the class, watching and coaching on form and keeping time. I’ll jump in if I feel the motivation of the class or various participants is dropping. If we’re doing partner work, I’ve been known to join in and partner up. Same with any competition style work we may do. Its great motivation for clients to gain up and “get” the trainer!
Depending on the class I like to participate in some of them, especially when there are long runs involved. I like to run along my participants for 2 reasons: to motivate and also to make sure they know where they going and no one get hurt. With some of my outdoor classes we cover a lot of a ground and I go with them (most of the times they follow my lead).
I know we are there to instruct, but sometimes I like to get down and dirty :-)!
It depends on the class
I offer two different bootcamps: one I participate in and the other I do not.
It is not “expected” at all
The most important aspect to teaching a class is teaching a class well: providing safety cues, proper progression, anticipation of what comes next, and the ability to pace depending on your participants needs and fitness level.