How to Motivate Students as a Fitness Instructor

Motivate your students.

As a fitness instructor, motivation is a huge part of your job. Even on the days when you aren't feeling the most energetic, you have to put your best face forward and get that class moving. Some individuals are harder to motivate than others and some days it might feel like you just can't get the class's energy up. Here are some great tips to motivate your students.

Instructions

1. Add variety to your routine. Students will get bored if you do the exact same workout every single class. Try to throw a new move into every class. Students will have to stay on top of their game in order to incorporate the new movement.

2. Vary the music you use in class. Nothing can get a person moving like his favorite song. Try to incorporate a variety of different music styles into your class mixes. This way there is something that everyone can enjoy.

3. Assess your students' form while they perform the movements. Oftentimes, a student may be having trouble due to improper form. If she doesn't feel like she is doing well in class, her motivation will drop. Help correct issues with individual form tips.

4. Focus on the health benefits of exercise rather than just the aesthetics. Use phrases like, "Feel your body getting stronger," instead of phrases like, "Slim those thighs!" Body-size statements can simply add to a person's insecurity about his body image. Make the goals deeper than just superficial appearances.

5. Tell students that they already possess the power to perform well in class. They have it in them. They just need to release it. This will help participants reach for their own strength and help remove feelings of inadequacy.

6. Approach individual members after class if you have seen them improve. This one-on-one encouragement can go a long way. It shows that their hard work is evident to others.

7. Discourage a competitive atmosphere between participants. Everyone should feel safe and respected in a group exercise class. Make sure the environment is welcoming to people of all ages and fitness levels.

8. Keep the class fun. Your high energy will feed the entire class. If you're having fun, they will be too. Remember that above all else, and your students will keep coming back.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask students their names and try to remember them. When you address a person by his name, he feels respected and recognized. He'll be more likely to return to class if he feels this level of welcoming by you.

• Talk to students about their fitness accomplishments. If a student is training for a marathon, ask her how her training schedule is going. Get the class involved in the discussion.

• Never ridicule a student in front of the class. If someone is struggling, walk over to him, turn off your microphone and talk one-on-one.