Most Important Characteristic of a Group Exercise Instructor is Humility

Most Important Characteristic of a Group Exercise Instructor is Humility, whether you are a new instructor or a veteran instructor.

I've been working in the fitness industry since 1999 and have helped train a lot of instructors. I love mentoring instructors. And I love growing and learning.

Being humble is being open, kind and gracious to everyone.

1. Other instructors. Learn from every instructor, even the newest instructor. Everyone has something to contribute. Never ever belittle or talk negatively about another instructor.

2. Other formats. Every format has something for someone. It's important people get fit and move. Just because a fitness program or class is not right for you, it does not mean it's not good for someone else. Encourage people to try new things and try them yourself. Never ever talk negatively about another fitness program. Are you feeling a common theme?

3. Other clubs/facilities. Every club attracts and is good for different people. LA Fitness works for one person and 24 Hour Fitness is better for someone else. A small personal training gym makes one person happy and a boot camp in the park is better for another. So, what should you do? Don't talk negatively about other clubs/facilities. They help people move. That's the point.

4. Continuing Education. Never stop learning. Attend as many classes, conferences, events as you can. Don't forget there are lots of online free resources too. Sign up for newsletter for popular fitness organizations like AFAA, ACE, IDEA...... (www.afaa.com, www.acefitness.org, www.ideafit.org...)

5. Yourself and Abilities. Always approach feedback with an open mind. Yes, you will get the crazy complainers. But, take a step back before you get in the habit of ignoring feedback. You get the idea. Take the feedback, think about it, ask other instructors, and see if there is something you can do to improve. That is true humility. Especially for those of us that are vets. We think we are the bomb-digity. But, guess what? We should always be improving.

I hope this helps. The theme, be open minded, positive, and continuously seeking to improve.

I would love to connect with you. You can find me at http://facebook.com/coachlana