For me, becoming a fitness instructor has involved a lot of being uncomfortable, here’s how I got over it.
I’ve been teaching cycling classes for many years, I actually started my senior year of college, teaching at a local Ann Arbor gym. The hiring process was extremely simple, once certified my audition consisted of teaching the first 15 minutes of another instructor’s class and that was it, I was hired.
Group fitness has changed dramatically since that experience, especially as I moved from small town studios to New York City, and then to San Francisco. Fortunately, I was able to start my cycling instructing career small scale and build up my skills and confidence before moving to a more competitive location. As a cycling instructor I feel really good about where I’m at. But today I’m going to tell you a little bit about my more recent experiences as I went after new teaching opportunities.
After teaching cycling for nearly 10 years, I decided it was finally time to diversify. As a fitness instructor, I’d never tell someone to just cycle, instead it should be a part of a varied routine. I wanted to practice what I preached and also lead other types of group fitness classes. I was already an instructor at Equinox and wanted to teach more classes there, in particular Metcon3, one of my favorite classes (45 minute HIIT). I find the class challenging, but with a pretty simple structure, a class I love taking and wanted to teach as well.
The certification process included 4 learning sessions at Equinox, teaching practice, and then an audition. During the first group session we reviewed the format, practiced the class and learned warm ups, cool downs and general class logistics.
Then week 2 came and that’s where the challenge came in. That week we were each required to go in front of the room and teach to the other trainees, all while a bunch of managers sat on the sidelines reviewing us. This was surprisingly terrifying to me. I’ve been leading cycling classes forever, but the thought of teaching a new format in a main studio to a bunch of experienced instructors scared me more than I expected. Before my turn, I actually contemplated running out of the room and giving up on my plans to teach Metcon3.
Fortunately, my better senses took over and I stayed in the room and taught. I told myself that if I made a mistake, it was no big deal and it was just one room of people, maybe I’d be terrible, but really how embarrassing could it be? My teach-back time went fine. Was I amazing? Probably not, but I made it through. Getting over that first hurdle was a big deal for me. Each week for the remaining program we had to get up numerous times and teach, and each time it got a little bit easier.
Next up, it was time for our auditions. Again, I was so nervous. When it was my turn I gave it all I had for three minutes (the auditions are really short and you have to go all out to make an impact). As I finished up, I knew I did the best I could and was proud of myself, pretty hopeful that I’d pass.
A couple of days went by and I got the news that I didn’t get it. I was upset, and also confused about how I didn’t pass because I really thought I nailed it. The silly thing is, my feedback was strong, but the managers making the decision said my form was lacking while I was taking everyone else’s audition, whoops! Rookie mistake, they are ALWAYS watching you and even if it’s not your turn in the front, you better be doing your best. Pretty frustrated at this point, I had two choices, give up and stick with cycling, or try again. I was annoyed and upset that I’d have to go through the stress of auditioning again, but I knew I’d do it.
I had to wait over a month to audition again, but when the time came, I once again gave it all I had and paid extra attention to my form. Coming away, I actually thought I did worse in this audition and wasn’t sure I made the cut. Fortunately, even though I was doubting myself, I passed! I officially had the go-ahead to teach Metcon3.
And then you know what happened? I didn’t teach it. There were a lot of opportunities to sub classes and I let them all pass me by. And it was because I was scared. I was worried I wasn’t good enough, I’d stumble over the warm up and people wouldn’t like my class. The cycling room felt safe to me, so I just stuck with that.
I let so much time pass, that by the time we left NYC at the end of May, I still had never taught the damn class (it had been about 4 months since I passed the audition). I spent all that time training, practicing and auditioning, yet I couldn’t get my act together to take the leap and just teach it. When we arrived in SF I met with the Equinox team out here and they welcomed me with open arms, offering me the opportunity to teach cycling and many of the conditioning class formats. Part of me still doubted myself and my abilities in the main studio, but when they asked me if I wanted to teach Stacked (a class similar to Metcon3), I couldn’t say no and knew it was time to get out and get that first scary class over with.
So you know what? I just got out there and taught it! After months of self doubt and being too afraid, I told myself to go out there, do my best and see what happens. Worst case scenario, you mess up in front of 30 people, and likely they won’t even notice. And if they do, instructors mess up all the time.
All smiles after a full Stacked class that wasn’t a total mess.
My first class felt way better than I expected. Was it the best Stacked class anyone has ever taken? I doubt it. But I also think it probably wasn’t the worst. That’s the thing we have to remind ourselves, it’s all about progress, not perfection. We can hold ourselves back from doing things because we don’t feel ready or we feel like we’re not going to be the best. If only the best person did something, only one person would be doing it! And that’s why we all need to cut ourselves a little slack, do things that make us uncomfortable, and trust that with effort and practice, we’ll continue to get stronger and better.
I’ve had a lot of students and friends express interest in teaching but they don’t think they’re good enough. In most cases, I’m sure they are wrong. Becoming an instructor is a process and we all need to start somewhere. Sure, it’s not going to be for everyone, but how would you know unless you try?
This relates to more than just becoming a fitness instructor. Is there something you think you’ll fail at, so you don’t even try? What’s holding you back? No one starts as an expert. If there’s something in life you want to do but you’re afraid you’ll fail, I hope that you take the leap and give it a go. Stepping out of our comfort zone is the only way to truly find out what we’re capable of.
To help step past the fear, break it down. What are you scared of? And what’s the worst case scenario if you fail? It’s really probably not that bad.
As we make our resolutions and goals for the year ahead, I hope this message resonates with some of you and you take on goals that maybe you were too scared to attempt in the past.
Have you had similar experiences with either becoming a fitness instructor or with other parts of your life? I’d love to hear it in the comments below.
