The fitness industry seems to be evolving rapidly and there appears to be some confusion as to who does what, especially around gym instruction. In this blog series, we’ll explore what the primary roles of the gym instructor might be…
First things first, the number one role of a gym instructor is to ensure safety, as they have a duty of care to each and every exerciser in the facility.
Now, this includes ensuring everyone is training in a manner, which is not going to cause them harm, and maintaining a clean and tidy gym floor. It also includes the member feeling safe in the gym environment.
The second key duty is to interact with members and carry out inductions. This again ensures the member can exercise safely, however, it offers far more to the exerciser experience than most consider…
The likelihood is, despite what they might say, the member will be lacking in confidence and is looking for support, assurance and guidance. Unless the member gets the necessary help there is a strong possibility, they will not remain a member for long.
Now, I’d like you to think of a friend or family member that has never exercised before, let alone stepped foot in a gym, let’s call him / her Sam. Now, I’d like you to imagine Sam is stepping into a gym to meet an instructor for the very first time.
What do you think Sam’s thoughts and feelings might be?
Do you think Sam is likely to be motivated, excited and raring to go? Or, do you think they may be nervous, concerned, maybe even scared?
Can you remember the first time you went to a large train station or an airport? How daunting was that experience? I’m willing to bet you were more anxious than excited, and that’s okay it’s normal, we as human’s fear the unknown!
Now imagine Sam as they enter the gym for the first time, surrounded by fit people, who know what they are doing, some wearing not too many clothes, others grunting or crying out in pain and everyone sweating!
How do you think Sam feels right now?
Prior to coming in to the facility, we’ve likely asked Sam to wear suitable workout clothes, for their induction. We may or may not have explained exactly what we were expecting Sam to wear, as to us in the industry it’s obvious.
Chances are you have different clothes for different styles or types of workouts. You may have different footwear depending on whether we’re using a bike, lifting heavy, completing a functional movement session or running. All of this is normal to you, but not Sam.
Sam isn’t sure if they have to wear a tracksuit, or shorts, whether lycra is required or even know what type of footwear to bring. Sam’s never been to a gym before and like your first ever visit to an airport, neither of you have a clear idea of what to expect.
So, before Sam has even stepped foot in the door, he/she is feeling apprehensive, anxious and out of place. Now imagine you’re Sam, would you feel that your confidence around coming to the gym and exercise is raising or lowering?
It’s lowering right? In the next instalment we’ll explore how Sam might be feeling before even arriving at the gym…