Issues adhering to a group exercise schedule?
I’m back with another slow struggle. Our gym runs classes that are 30 mins, 45 mins, or 60 mins long. However, I am encountering that hardly any of the instructors follow the posted schedule or the time outlines for their classes.
Without being too harsh, each instructor is in it for themselves but play this off as “well I can’t do a proper class within that time”.
I am frustrated as I have taken many classes and it seems these instructors just want to do what THEY want instead of following the guidelines of their jobs. Another reason this is frustrating as then instructors also complain they can’t start on time because a class ahead of them is still going. The last reason is because the classes are posted this way which I feel can be confusing to members.
I love the passion and commitment to offering high caliber classes. How do I communicate this to instructors who insist on continue to argue with me and still teach beyond their class time?
Thank you.
Hi Alicia,
I advise that you address your concerns to the management of the club. Typically, there is one person in charge of the group exercise program, and that is the person you should first talk to. This will also clarify what the responsibilities of the instructors are.
I have seen many membership surveys pertaining to group exercise, and it is extremely difficult to get it right for everybody. It seems that for every complaint there is equal praise.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Hey gals,
I am the management.
Maybe I wasnt clear enough in my question.
How have other coordinators/directors handled this?
I am in charge of these instructors and it seems they have been allowed to do what they want and how they want for some time. I dont mean to demean or offend previous managers but i find the lack of respect for and inability to follow a printed schedule bewildering.
I agree with both Karin and Jesse. If there isn’t one individual who is responsible for group exercise programming and scheduling, there should be. If you’re not able, with your efforts, to compel a more rigid adherence to the posted schedules, it may be time to consider other venues where your efforts will be respected.
Good luck.
Hi Alicia,
since you added some information about your situation, here is my revised recommendation:
You are the person who is in charge of the group exercise program, and I assume you have only recently taken over. While I understand your frustration, I would like to know how the members feel who are taking the classes. Have you gotten complaints from that corner as well? After all, the classes are being taught for their benefit.
I assume that there is a buffer scheduled between classes to allow for a proper transition.
Have you had a meeting with all instructors to address your and their concerns? Personally, I would find it rather difficult to teach a class of only 30 minutes, given that there are usually some introductory comments. So maybe this is a legitimate concern.
I also feel from your description that you have created a gulf between yourself and “these instructors” which will not help you going forward. In order to run a successful program, you have to have them on board, and a confrontational relationship will not get you anywhere. You probably have a supervisor yourself, and that person may be able to help you sort through the situation.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com