11/08/2018

A behind the scenes look at being a group fitness instructor-

For choreographed classes such as SBZ, there is a huge learning component that comes along with it.

SO MUCH PRACTICE goes into learning a new quadrant (or song) prior to introducing it to the class.

This is me (JUST starting to learn the song)--

hence me straining my neck to see what the heck to do next.

First, I watch the lead SBZ instructor (thanks @chopsueylee 🧡) and follow along (this step repeats about 10-15 times)

Throughout my upcoming days, I listen to the song- in the car, in the office, while I cook- to really drive it home- get all the beats down and the changes in rhythm.

Next comes practicing it WITHOUT having a guide (sometimes I color code the moves to remind me what is coming next)

Step 3-4 for me is practicing it without looking at anything AND adding cueing/critiquing my form. (verbal and non verbal cueing is a large piece of teaching- and I can always be improving in this area) (if time allows) I practice in the room I’m going to teach it IN.

This sets up a real life scenario for me- getting me as close to HOW I’m going to be teaching it.

And lastly, I teach in front of my class.

The thing that I always tell my student prior to learning a new quadrant (3 songs) is---Please know that I practice this 30-40+ times BEFORE I teach it TO YOU- and I STILL may mess up- so please be kind to yourself while challenging your coordination and brain body connection.

If you are trying something new today/this week/this month- remember how much time it takes to be proficient in something- and also- remember that even as an instructor, I often times become the student.