How to Become a Better Spinning Instructor

All fitness instructors know that the job can be challenging at times. You're maintaining a high level of energy over extended periods of time, and doing this week after week. Every so often, it's good to assess your teaching methods and see if there are areas for improvement. Here are some tips on how to become a better Spinning instructor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Students
• Computer
• Motivation

1. Listen to any feedback you get from class members. If a student has a complaint, try not to get defensive. Take the criticism constructively and see what you can learn from it.
2. Ask members for feedback. Sometimes it can be hard to get a shy class to speak up but specific questions can help. Instead of asking general questions such as, "How do you like class?", try to get more specific. Ask questions like, "What did you think of the big hill climb today?" You'll get more valuable feedback when you ask detailed questions.
3. Take other Spinning classes. When you already teach many classes a week, it can be tough to motivate yourself to take classes as well but the results are invaluable. You'll get to sample other teaching styles and see what appeals to you as a student. Take the things you like from other instructors and incorporate them into your own classes.
4. Contact your fitness supervisor or a seasoned instructor and ask him to take your class. When he does, ask for feedback on what you are doing that works and what doesn't. Make sure to tell him that he can be honest with you as you are really looking to improve.
5. Subscribe to a Spinning newsletter or frequent Spinning forums. You'll find other instructors there that give tips on music, class plans and motivation techniques. It helps to hear what your peers find encouraging.
6. Make new music mixes regularly. Nothing energizes a class and you like fresh music. Try to incorporate some new tunes into your classes regularly.
7. Incorporate new drills into your Spinning classes. If you do the same routine over and over again, you aren't challenging riders as you should be. Help riders to avoid fitness plateaus by keeping lots of variety in your classes.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel like you've hit a rut in your instructing, take a break. Sub out a few classes and give yourself a little vacation from teaching. You'll find you come back energized and better than ever.
• Remember to encourage proper form and bike safety at all times.