Getting my ACE certification to teach group fitness in college was probably one of the best things I could have done. I've learned A LOT in the past three years that I've been teaching, but I know that there is a lot more to learn. If you're a group fitness instructor, a trainer, or even if you're thinking of becoming certified in the near future, here are some things that really helped me get to where I am now and made the whole instructor thing really "click." 

1. Practice

Practice, practice, practice. Especially when you're first starting out. When I started teaching cycle classes, I would put on my head phones, head to the gym and get on a cycle bike to run through my entire class. When you nail those cues, it makes for such a strong impact in class! When I put together my playlists, I listen to each song through and literally mouth the cues that I will speak in class. I probably look ridiculous, but hey, it works! Doing this makes it much easier during class, too, and you can really focus on your participants and keep the energy high. I STILL practice a lot. I had to sub a kickboxing class not too long ago and ran through combos for hours before! 

2. Take other classes

Take other instructor's classes that are similar to what you teach AND take classes that are way outside of your comfort zone. Some of the cues that I use on a regular basis are taken from yoga classes. I am so not a yogi. It's important to BE the participant so you can see what you like and don't like as one taking the class. It's also important to keep an open mind, as a lot of your participants come from all different backgrounds and fitness levels.

I very often take classes with instructors that I look up to so much. Watching a strong instructor in action is very empowering. I can't tell you how many cues, drills, exercises and songs I've taken away from other instructors that I idolize. It's important to have mentors and peers to look up to! This is one of my favorite ways to grow as an instructor. 

3. Ask for feedback

Ask for feedback from other instructors AND your participants. When I first started teaching, I would ask after every class what my participants liked about the workout and what they didn't like. Ask what kind of music your class likes, what their goals are, how they feel after the workout - every little bit of information helps. Once you nail down what your participants like, you will start to see that regular crowd and it WILL make you feel all warm and fuzzy. I've met so many awesome people through teaching. Remember: as an instructor, we show up for our participants - asking for their opinions should be top of mind. 

On the flip side, constructive criticism is key. If you're able to teach in front of your supervisor or another instructor or trainer, you'll be amazed at how much you can improve. Professional feedback can never be too valuable. 

4. Teach for your participants, not for yourself

I've been to classes where it's clear that the instructor is trying to get in a great workout for his or herself. While this is definitely possible, it's not the best mindset as a group exercise instructor. I'm totally guilty of this sometimes when I can't get my own workout in, but I'll reiterate what I said in the last point - as an instructor, we show up for our participants. It's very rare that I ever do the entire workout with my class (besides teaching to the 32-count in a strength or choreographed class). In spin classes, I get off of the bike almost every song. During my strength and cardio classes, I walk around the room giving high fives when the class is doing high knees. When you focus on instructing for your participants, you'll give them a positive experience. Be the instructor who helps with form. Be the instructor who cheers each participant on one by one. Be the instructor who gives high fives. I'm serious, this one's a biggie! When you show that you care for each one of your participants, they will return. And that's the whole point of being a fitness professional, right? Helping others adopt and sustain a healthy lifestyle. 

5. Read, learn & experience as much as you can

Keep on learnin'! There are really great sources out there for new information. I'm certified through ACE, so I regularly head to the website for new articles and information. As the fitness industry grows, we fitness professionals need to grow and adapt with it. Seek out fitness expos, conventions and specialty certifications when you can. Learning and growing will make you an overall well-rounded instructor. 

Go get em'!! 

XO - Rach

What's one thing that made you a better instructor or trainer?

What's your favorite quality in a group fitness instructor?

What are your favorite group fitness classes to take? 

As football season started on a very high note in the Gator Nation (pray it stays this way,) and my sister snap chats me out at MidTown on the reg, I can't help but feel way too nostalgic about college these days. Especially because this is the first year EVER (not ever, but it feels like it,) that I'm not returning back to school after the summer. It's different.  So I thought I would put all of my favorite memories into one post so I can feel like I'm reliving college again for this very moment. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't be happier to be working full time in a city I love, but MAN I miss college.

Top 5 things I miss most about college:

1. Friends, obviously. But really, it's hard being so far away from such great friends you make in college, right? It sucks. However, it just means more visits and travel to look forward to! 

2. Football games!! I remember my first UF home game. Or do I? Too much tailgating. Too much fun. There's a Gator Club in Philadelphia so you bet I'm going this Saturday night to watch them WIN. Am I getting obnoxious yet?

3. THE GYM. I had two jobs for my campus recreation program and it was literally my third home. RecSports was where I learned how to teach a group fitness class and also where I learned probably the most about anything related to becoming a young professional. I was a program assistant for the group fitness program there and was spoiled very much so. Meaning that every gym and group fitness program I've been to since RecSports just doesn't even come close. Well done, RecSports. Well done. 

4. Being able to skip class. You can't just skip work. It doesn't work like that. 

5. Being only 4 hours away from my family. I'm still getting used to this because it feels like I was just away for the summer, but being able to see my family only a few times a year is going to be a big change. What am I, an adult?

These are only a few things that I miss, but there is much more. Gainesville, FL has an awesome culture that's equally hipster and southern. It sits right in the middle of where tropical Florida meets Northern Florida. I'll also miss the late night pizzas (not that I won't do this currently, but it's not the same,) Dennis the go-go street dancer, REALLY lazy hungover Sundays,  the Gainesville winters (mostly because I'm not too excited about this northern winter coming up,) Paynes Prairie hikes, THE TOP,  stadium workouts...UGH I COULD GO ON. 

If you're still in college, ENJOY IT. It goes way, way too fast. 

XO-Rach

Let's chat! What's your favorite part about college? Best memory?

I did it!! Okay, maybe the title is a little biased, but that's how I feel. GO GATORS!! Our graduation was in The Swamp (football field) for the first time in 44 years, so that was pretty awesome. The weather could not have been more perfect. I was a little worried because Florida in May can be very bipolar - it rained the entire week leading up to graduation! The Gainesville Graduation Gods were watching over.

All of my immediate family drove up for the occasion, including my sister who will be starting at UF this summer!

It was a wonderful graduation and the best way to close out my college career. It still hasn't hit me. I honestly feel like I am moving up to Philadelphia for the summer and coming back to school for fall....I just don't know any other way! It was very sad to say goodbye, but I'm so excited for what's to come.

On to the next one! But I'll always be a Gator.

- Rach

#ItsGreatUF!!!