List 5 things you do to prepare for teaching a class.
1. Who will be my participants? If I have access to health information, that’s great. If not, always have a plan b, c, d….for the movements and progressions/regressions.
2. What can I do differently this time from the last time? Maybe it’s the music, the workout tempo, the actual exercises, the amount of emphasis on a particular body part/movement.
3. What can I teach/impart to my participants? Have I read any new, applicable research that I can communicate in a relevant way?
4. Am I entering this space with a relatively clear head i.e., good, positive energy (mental and physical i.e.., food!). Any personal stresses or problems should dissolve before you set foot in your facility, and certainly by the time the music starts!
5. A washroom break is critical during the 15-20 minutes prior to:) You want to be focussed on them, and not your bladder!
Teaching cycling, I get to pick my own music and create a ride profile, so I spend a lot of time creating a profile and defining the purpose of the ride so I can best explain it in class. I also find the best music for the profile so that the class is ride driven as well as music driven.
I listen to the music the entire way through on my way to my office so if something is wrong (like forgetting to use the clean version of song or the remix version has a funky beat in the middle that doesn’t work), I have time to change it up.
Have everything ready for me to leave for the gym the night before. I have my gym bag ready with extra batteries for the microphone, water bottle, towel, a charged MP3 player, my windscreen for the mic all prepped the night before so I can grab my bag and walk out the door. I also have my clothes ready so I don’t have to look for anything I need, right down to my ponytail tie!
Have a clear head! Give yourself plenty of time to get there and set up so you’re not running around when members are coming in.
Have mood music playing when peopple come in the room. If you’re not teaching right after another class, get in early and pop in some music so there is no dead air. And have music playing until the last person leaves the room.
Learn from others – I get some of my best class ideas from other instructors.
1. Continous education and exploration for additonal understanding, ideas & info.
2. Write out a class plan that includes progressions, options & modifications as well as prepare/select the music.
3. Physically rehearse – especially if it’s a choreography based class.
4. “Focus in” for about 15 minutes prior.
5. Eat something for energy!
The day before, I do the following:
1. Pick my exercise attire.
2. Make a playlist on my IPOD and/or chose the order of mys CDs.
3. make a lesson plan (as a school teacher and presenter, my life is a lesson plan)
4. Double check my work bag that I have all my equipment: I-POD, CDs, connectors, batteries, mic pouch, first aid kit, etc,
5. Practice my routines
1. Panic (I’m actually a bit shy)
2. Research (May have new information out ther since I last checked)
3. Construct (If they are going to do it, I’ve already donne it… twice)
4. Adapt (Always looking for modifications that allow everyone to work effectively)
5. Hydrate (I’m very spirited when teaching)