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First impressions - Instruction

American Fitness, March-April, 2002 by Lawrence Biscontini

A new participant in a group exercise class faces many challenges. Imagine being part of an event in which you have never participated--such as a foreign language class--to replicate the alienating experience a first-time group exerciser endures. The nomenclature, clothes, movements and surroundings can overwhelm a new participant. Consequently, the newcomer usually takes a spot in the back of the classroom. However, research shows this is the worst place for both visual and kinesthetic learners when the class holds more than 25 participants. Shy members are less apt to have a successful experience when they position themselves where they are unable to see and hear the instructor properly.

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Recognizing a new participant at the outset is crucial to establishing rapport with a client. Furthermore, one must ascertain if the participant is new to the class format, club or fitness altogether. One method of doing this is asking for a show of hands from new members at the beginning of class. By not taking 30 seconds to gather this information, one could lose the newcomer's participation in group fitness for life. The instructor should then recommend the first two rows, especially the sides, as a more appropriate spot for him or her.

During class, instructors should give positive verbal reinforcement to the new participants. Exclamations such as, "You guys are awesome today! Way to go Mike!" include both a general comment to the group and a specific comment to a newcomer. However, excessive use of the person's name may cause a negative effect. Therefore, instructors should proceed with caution. If the instructor is able to create at least one situation in which the new participant feels successful--whether it is a skill as small as a four-count grapevine or as large as multiple-steps linked together--the experience has been effective.

Instructors should also dress appropriately. Yes, form-fitting clothing may be necessary to demonstrate proper technique, but scanty clothing may send a negative message. Participants may be intimidated by an instructor who appears to be dressing more for a sexy magazine cover than to exercise.

Furthermore, instructors should be aware that language terms may be new to a participant. Therefore, it is an instructor's responsibility to explain new concepts--which can range from phrases like "V-step" to "spinal extension." "Fitness professionals have to use comfortable, yet educational, language clients can understand," suggests Mark Rees, Bally's Area Supervisor of Group Exercise for the greater Chicago area. "Recently, I observed a first-timer walk into a stability ball class. The instructor told the participant, 'Let's check to see if this ball is the right size for you. Go ahead and lay supine and see if you can get your cervical vertebrae and sacrum on the ball simultaneously, with your femur parallel to the floor.'" Of course the participant's face froze in blank terror because she did not understand the foreign terminology.

The final stages of class can offer additional opportunities for creating a positive fitness experience. During the cool-down portion of class, instructors can walk around, pause next to a participant and tell him or her what a great job he or she did. If that approach seems too forward, lingering eye contact and a smile convey the same message. More opportunity for active interaction occurs when people start to leave class and the next group begins to enter. Instructors can give specific, constructive feedback to the individual regarding his or her performance. This includes suggesting other types of group exercise that are either similar to those performed in class (if the participant seems to possess necessary skills) or very different (if other forms of exercise seem more suitable).

A major goal of health facilities is to keep their existing clientele. Fortunately, most people come to clubs because they are already "hooked" on fitness and, on some occasions, more regular attendees than the employees! Requiring more effort and attention, however, are new participants. These people must be won over in the long run. If instructors have dedicated their careers to help improve the quality of life for others, they must also accept the daily challenge of effectively welcoming new participants and ensuring they stay.

References

Broadhurst, P. "Emotionality." Journal of Experimental Psychology (54): 345-352.

Jones, J. "Stress and Cognitive Functioning in Sport." Journal of Sports Sciences (7): 41-63.

Privette, G. 1981. "The phenomenology of peak performance in Sports." International Journal of Sport Psychology (2) 350-354.

Seabourne, Tom. Mind Body Fitness. Boston: YMAA Publication Center, 2001.

RELATED ARTICLE: Group Exercise Suggestions:

1. Dress appropriately.

2. Always introduce yourself To new participants.

3. Remember to use empathetic placement--try to place yourself in the emotional state of the new participant.

4. Use vocabulary the newcomer can understand and define all terms used.

First impressions - Instruction

American Fitness, March-April, 2002 by Lawrence Biscontini

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