It seems I made a few enemies on Wednesday. I subbed a "Housewives" 9:30 am class that had a bunch of talkers in it. I'm not too tolerant of people disrupting my class. So I told asked them to please save their conversations until after class. As it turns out, a regular of mine overheard a conversation the following day, between the scheduled Instructor and a few of the participants. Though you might enjoy seeing his email to Amy describing the exchange...
John Macgowan is on the unofficial Eden Prairie Housewives "hit list". You may want to let him know to keep a low profile and wear a disguise if going out and about in EP.
Thursday morning during his spin class he mentioned that he subbed for XXXX at 9:30 Wednesday. I had scheduled interviews with some candidates for a job and used the restaurant at LTF (Life Time Fitness where I teach) this morning.
Had a two hour break so was able to go to XXXX's 9:30 and those housewives were giving XXXX hell because "the sub instructor" (John) worked them too hard and (here is the best part) seemed annoyed because they wanted to carry on conversations during the class.
I personally have complained to XXXX multiple times about the nonstop talking in her class and went so far as to call XXXX (Dept Head) about it. I held my tongue for as long as I could this morning, then I let those housewives have it.
You (Amy), Adam and John run organized classes, XXXX's tends to be a yard sale, but she is a really strong instructor. This morning I proceeded to say something along the lines of if you want social hour go upstairs and have it there and don't criticize the instructor for properly managing a class.
I also referred to the loudest and most annoying lady in the class as a manatee who should be more focused on the workout and less on annoying the entire class. Needless to say, I probably need a disguise now as well.
Kind of made my day to hear John overwhelmed them. Hope you all are well. Happy Friday!! See you tomorrow.
Originally posted 2015-01-10 04:23:56.
John is a member on the AFS (Association of Fitness Studios) Advisory Council.
Holding certifications from; Schwinn, Heart Zones, Team ICG and Life Time Fitness, John's held regularly scheduled cycling classes between 1998 and 2015 when he moved to Florida.
When the weather permits, you'll find him riding and leading outdoor groups by himself or with his Tandem partner (wife) Amy.
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Good for you John! I feel this comes from that “Don’t tell ME what to do?” culture we have today.
The biggest problem I have this time of year is guests in class. Don’t get me wrong I love full classes and new riders, but if you come to class, then ride. Don’t try to catch up on every aspect of your friends life for the entire hour. It’s not “Coffee Talk” it’s an indoor cycling class.
Thanks Dennis – in the past I’ve been more deferential to members when subbing a class, but in this instance XXXX asked me specifically to be her sub > so I figured she wouldn’t mind 🙂
I heard John bust a gut when I forwarded him the email. I have always thought it rude and disrespectful to OTHERS IN CLASS (not even so much me as the instructor) when people insist on carrying on a total conversation in class…a couple words, or a call out- no problem- but a full on conversation- go to Starbucks!
I’d go crazy going back and teaching the ‘housewives’ time slot. Good thing I’m no longer doing it! 🙂
Sounds like you’re better off not teaching that class. I teach two 6 AM classes and we do NOT tolerate anyone talking or otherwise ruining the harmony of the room. As I like to say, if you want to talk, Starbucks is downstairs and they have free WiFi, so leave now.
David you’re right – there’s a specific population that has a greater tendency to talk. My 6:00 classes are really quiet… then again, we’ve been together a long time so they know me.
that is great! I make it really clear in my classes that talking is not tolerated–during the stretch either….heard someone mentioned that I was a (not so nice name)–which I find very humorous because I am otherwise known as very friendly and nurturing. I expect people to work in my class or I am very happy for talking, frustrated people to go elsewhere and let the people who want to work enjoy the class. A member once a teacher (in a non spin class) turned off the music and said “if what you have to say is so important, then everyone must need to hear it”. It got real quiet after that. 🙂
Vicki you sound like a real leader who also has the self confidence to set firm boundaries! Good for you. I’m sure the rest of your participants really appreciate how you conduct your classes.