How much time is reasonable to plan a Zumba class? PLEASE GIVE INSIGHTS
I have one Zumba instructor who teaches two 1 hour classes per week. In addition to those hours we pay her for teaching, she puts down 6 – 8 hours per week for planning/prepping for those classes and for learning new songs and material. I am happy to pay my instrcutors for planning within reason – I do not teach Zumba or any choreographed classes myself, so I am not sure what is a reasonable time to expect for learning new songs/choreography etc. Any insights into what might be fair would be great! 8 hours seems like a lot to me…
It took me about 10 hours to plan my first playlist, which included selecting 15 songs and learning the choreography or making up my own. That was 5 years ago, and I had 19 years of fitness experience when I started. However, planning a class that has specific format guidelines takes time.
Now I just replace one or two songs at a time, and it takes me about 30 minutes to pick and prepare song.
As an owner, I would not pay for an instructor to prepare for class.
In all the years I taught group I charged for the class only, never occurred to me to charge for any extra time.
Talk with her and work something out, besides Zumba has a huge network, I’m sure they can assist her or possibly she can become certified in a group exercise accredited organization.
I am a Licensed Zumba basic, Zumba Basic 2, Zumba Toning and Aqua Zumba instructor, and yes if you are new it does take time to learn your choreography, pick the songs and put them in order. I think the first time you teach is the hardest; you have to make sure your cues are on point so your students can follow. Honestly, I have had instructors who had group Fitness certificate and also taught other cardio classes, and from my experience they were boring. But when you are in a class where the instructor is passionate about it and you can burn between 500- 800 cal (depending how hard you push yourself), and it doesn’t feel like a work out. People will not care if you have a group fitness certificate. But to the answer I don’t charge for prep time and I don’t expect it. I love what I do and I do it on my time. I think it is nice of you to do what you do and she should be very grateful, but on a side note I think she is taking total advantage of you. Best of luck! Linda
If she is new, then it is possible she can be spending that kind of time, I would pick my songs, order them into a playlist, memorize the music by listening 20 times+ then I sit for a full 6-8 hours putting the moves to the songs. I think maybe 4 hours a week is more reasonable, but if she is new cut her some slack. As she gets more experience the time get cut down substantially. If I can’t get a song done quickly after memorizing the music, then I toss it and move onto another. I teach 9-12 classes a week myself and have 2-3 playlists so I don’t get bored and the student never get bored.
I have never worked for (or heard of) a club paying for planning time (for group exercise OR personal training). And although that’d be GREAT, I think it’s unrealistic to expect to get paid for that. The time spent planning is not verifiable, either!
I agree with the above threads that newly certified Zumba instructors lacking additional group exercise certification are generally not as able to quickly prepare and plan for a safe, effective workout. I also agree that Zumba certification should be an *additional* certification to a nationally accredited group exercise certification – there’s much more to teaching group ex than knowing how to dance, or box, or lift weights…(basic anatomy/physiology, safety & modifications for participants for starters!). I hold both types of certifications (ACE Group Ex, ACE Personal Trainer, & Zumba), and often wonder about the quality/safety of classes led by instructors with only Zumba training. In fact, during my Zumba certification, the components of teaching group exercise (beyond the Zumba moves & breaking down music/rhythms, etc) was barely covered.
I would love to see Zumba require Group Exercise certification as part of their process for Zumba certification. In absence of that, it’s up to fitness facilities to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their classes by hiring nationally certified group exercise instructors.
Lastly, if your new instructor is/becomes a ‘ZIN’ member, he/she will receive professional choreography (& music) to use – this cuts down on planning time tremendously! The choreography is excellent and there are no worries about copyright infringement.
Good luck with your new instructor!