How I did it: Instructor asked me to substitute for her on Monday night. I laughed out loud. She said that she thought I'd be great. I was scared and nervous and decided that was a sign I should try it.

Lessons & tips: Plan out your workout and KNOW/OWN your music. If you love your music, your energy is high.

Resources: Friends who are real Spin instructors...lol.

BOOSTING
CLASS
ATTENDANCE

WRITTEN BY:
BRIAN
CASEBOLT
24HF GXI How do I boost attendance in my class?

1) MUSIC

Why music is so critical, you need to have it, you need to know and
you need to own it. When you know the next up-beat, tempo change, or
next motivating lyric quote...that is when I believe a class falls an
incredible atmosphere of synergy. It is not about the instructor in
cycle, but they are the water-shed focal point that affords each
member the ability to focus on their workout and dial in to a higher
fitness level.
When you OWN the music, you are able to own the class. A commanding
presence...

2) KEEP IT PERSONAL

There are too many success stories in each class to go around. Focus
on people - love them for who they are. Thank them for becoming an
active partner in their own wellness. Whether it is conveying to the
member how many calories they are burning or the reality that the
physical expenditure of energy will provide them a more restful night
of sleep...make it about them!

3) CREATE FELLOWSHIP

These members could be hitting Happy Hour at the bar, be at home
watching television or stuck at work slugging out emails. They come
to class to enjoy the environment...be the glue that improves this.
As "Hallmark" and cheesy as this sounds, like-minded individuals with
the same hobbies (i.e. working out) tend to make good friends. It is
an easy win...be the conduit to facilitating this...people want to
have friends, they want to feel needed, and they want to feel
important.

4) AFFIRM THE BEGINNERS

The trick is to keep the members coming back. Make it a point to
make the new members in attendance feel that they are wanted. I
always preface to them that they are embarking on an hour of life
changing opportunity. I ask them to commit to the entire hour, no
matter how bad they feel, I want them to stay...even if they are
barely moving due to fatigue. Then, at the end, congratulate them.
In the classes I instruct, it is a "ritual" to provide a
congratulatory applause to the new member upon completion of the
class. Again, when they feel wanted, when they feel important, they
will come back. A member that returns to class is what we strive
for...this builds the membership; it authenticates our purpose to
create healthy habits for our members that are continual. It is not
about "filling the class" each week...it is so much bigger than that,
it is about changing peoples lives by helping them become active
stakeholders in their own personal wellness.

5) ASK FOR FEEDBACK

Yes, this is YOUR class and it should be a platform to express your
identity, but provide some semblance of ownership to the members. I
often get tired with my music. When a member suggests merely one
song (that I ultimately like), it spices up the entire next workout.
Again, when I am excited about teaching, I believe the membership is
able to be convinced the same. Further, the members love to know
they have helped make the class. It is all about ownership! Also,
in getting feedback, make sure you get something done. Nothing is
worse than asking for a suggestion that is within 24 Hour Fitness
Policy and not implementing it within your class.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 
Yes, this is YOUR class and it should be a platform to express your
identity, but provide some semblance of ownership to the members. I
often get tired with my music. When a member suggests merely one
song (that I ultimately like), it spices up the entire next workout.
Again, when I am excited about teaching, I believe the membership is
able to be convinced the same. Further, the members love to know
they have helped make the class. It is all about ownership! Also,
in getting feedback, make sure you get something done. Nothing is
worse than asking for a suggestion that is within 24 Hour Fitness
Policy and not implementing it within your class.

6) BE YOURSELF

7) BE REAL

8) BE HONEST

Nothing is worse than trying to be just like another instructor.
AGAIN, own YOUR class. Use the brand, teach the brand, but make sure
you put in your OWN flavor. Instructors have great styles, we can
learn so much from one another.
But...don't be an imposter. Members will smell you from the parking lot, and they would rather slug away at the treadmill than associate with someone that is not real.

You are here for a reason... the 24 Hour Fitness Team believes in you. Now...believe in the members. You are employed to make members
lives better, take that honor with much pride and enthusiasm!

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Feb 01, 2011, 06:54PM PST | 0 comments | 20 cheers