Do you teach at a Big Box and a Boutique Studio?
By “Big Box” I'm referring to one of the majors with multiple locations; 24 Hour, LA Fitness, Club Sports, Equinox, etc..
If so I'd like to talk to you and (if it makes sense) interview you for the Podcast…
After sorting through over 300 responses (thanks to you all!) I followed up with some additional detail about the topics I was hoping to explore:
What I'm trying to learn from you is:
Is teaching at a Big Box different from a small studio?
If so, how are you or your classes different?
Are you a “different” person/Instructor at each location?
Do you enjoy teaching at one vs. the other
Do you feel limited and/or empowered at one vs. the other?
Are you more motivated to promote and build your class numbers at one over the other?
What quick advice would your offer a new instructor on-boarding at either?
​Your thoughts?
What I got back from a number of Instructors was amazing and exactly the type of thoughtful responses I was looking for. ICI/PRO is a platform for smart talented people and it looks like I've discovered a few more 🙂 I'm in the process of setting up these interviews and plan to produce them starting next week!
One question I'm seeing I could have asked differently (and will during the interviews) is; do you feel you need to project a different personality at each location? Instead of; are you a “different” person at each location. Of course you're the same person… it's just that over the years I've experienced Instructors who appear to be very different, depending on where I take their class.
We fell in love with Shirin Beckett last fall at the conference. Now the producers of the Epic Planet DVD series have featured Shirin in their latest newsletter!
Here's the link so you can see her Epic Profile where she describes:
“We set a goal and we train specifically for each ride,” says Shirin. “Right now my class has the heads-up about our next challenge:Beartooth Pass! We are climbing steep, back to back hills for 6-10 minutes each this month. Our goal is to be able to build on endurance and strength so we will all win this 60 minute grueling battle in late February!”
P. S. I have the Beartooth Pass DVD and it's just what I like – one long climb after another 🙂
If you (or another ICI/PRO member you know) is featured somewhere be sure to let me know so I can post about it.
Our very own Melissa Marotta & Barbara Hoots will be co-leading the 11th Annual Special Olympics 6-Hour “Ride for a Reason” on Saturday, March 19 in Burlington, Vermont. Joined by Spinning® Master Instructors Angie Scott and Anthony Musemici, Melissa and Barbara will be leading 100+ riders to raise money to support the children and young adults supported by the Special Olympics.
In addition to an inspiring day of motivating instructors, live music, and awesome energy, riders will have the opportunity to hear directly from Special Olympics athletes themselves about how their lives have been changed through their participation with the organization – thus giving a deeper source of fuel for every pedal stroke.
The event will be held at the Champlain Valley Exposition Center outside of Burlington. If you've ever thought about checking out the beauty of Vermont, now might be the perfect occasion. Melissa and Barbara will be thrilled to have some folks from the ICI community take part in this special event. Come say hello, and you might even find yourself invited to ride on stage.
Would you be intimidated if you had to fill in for Master Instructor Tom Scotto? I know I would. Meet Spinning Instructor and ICI/PRO member Kay Ruane. Kay fills in for Tom on a regular basis at the Wellbridge club where they both teach.
Those of us with a bunch of experience, who were given the chance to teach for Tom, may have some butterflies at the beginning… but our Instructor skills would probably kick in and we would deliver a great class.
But what if you didn't have years of experience to fall back on? Kay has been certified for less than a year and still has the confidence in herself she needs to deliver the class Tom's regulars expect.
Once you listen to Kay's story, you'll understand where that confidence comes from.
Hey John & Amy, I have an audition coming up with LIFETIME for cycling instructor. OK, I'm given 3 minutes to present my best ride. Crunch time. Any suggestions or advice on this?
How exciting for you! Amy and I enjoy teaching at Life Time with their dedicated cycling studios, great sound systems, video projectors and fabulous bikes.
NOTE: What follows will apply to any Instructor audition, at any club or studio. 1) Memorize the LTF mission statement
Our Mission is to provide an Educational, Entertaining, Friendly and Inviting, Functional and Innovative experience of uncompromising quality that meets the health and fitness needs of the entire family.
This isn't about drinking the Life Time Kool-Aid. It's showing your determination to work for Life Time. I'm not kidding when I say memorize it as you may be expected to deliver it as part of your Instructor audition.
2) Understand that first and foremost your role as an instructor is to deliver a fun and entertaining experience for the members. You may teach the most real/authentic cycling class on the planet, but if it's boring because you feel constrained by focusing too much on what not to do, it will show in your class presentation and your chances of getting hired are slim.
3) Be prepared to teach a class that's appropriate to the audience. LTF wants to see that you are flexible as an Instructor and can teach appropriately to varying member groups. You may teach a very “cycling specific” class, but if your audition is to a room full of housewives during a 9:30am class see #2. That said you should be familiar with the LTF Heart Rate chart – 5 Zones with the top of Zone 3 being AT (it isn't LT at LTF) and give a few HR based cues.
Beyond that I would…
4) Choose an energetic song, without lyrics, that you love to teach to. But don't over think it 🙁
5) BE ENERGETIC! LTF doesn't hire dead fish. If it takes an extra cup of coffee then drink it. Your excitement and your energy should radiate from you like a spotlight.
6) Stack the Deck! If at all possible get some of your friends in that class. If you can't, I would be sure to get there early and connect with a few participants who are setting up in the front row. Nothing says “Friendly and Inviting” like connecting (eye contact) with members during the class and it may help reduce your nervousness to have someone to focus on. I had Amy come to my audition and having her there in the class, to draw energy from, was invaluable.
7) Teach an intense, simple profile. Think K.I.S.S. Maybe a three step ladder profile where you have them up, out of the saddle, for the last 30 seconds when you…
8 ) Get off the bike and quickly work a few riders in the front row. Clap and congratulate your students at the end and then thank them sincerely for taking your 3 minute class!
Hope that helps and feel free to ask other questions.
I'd say good luck with your interview, but you don't need it… you're going to be awesome 🙂
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