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Master teacher - steps in becoming a professional fitness instructor

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 1994 by Kathy Fortmann

Becoming a top-notch presenter doesn't happen overnight. It is the result of setting goals and taking specific steps to achieve them, putting your program together and marketing yourself. A formula for success--combine your talent with business savvy.

Your first step is to analyze your skills and interests. "A strong background in exercise physiology is vital so you have credibility," suggests Debbie Ban-Pillarella, AFAA consultant and presenter. "Without credibility you're no more note-worthy than the people attending your workshop." A Bachelor's degree in exercise physiology is optimal, adds Ban-Pillarella. If you don't have these credentials, an exercise science course at your local junior college is beneficial.

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Consider your background. Think about what you like to do and what you do well. Specialty workshops are increasingly popular. Sara Kooperman, president and founder of Mania conventions, even presents a workshop titled Becoming a Premier Presenter. "There is not one particular type of workshop that is most popular right now," says Beverly Kramer, coowner of Fitness Awareness CEC Training (FACT). "The personal style of the instructor is what makes the workshop unique."

When you decide what topic to present, complete an outline of the proposed workshop. This is required by AFAA, which approves workshops for continuing education units (CEUs). AFAA approves workshops based on criteria which evaluates background and experience. In addition to your workshop outline, include a bibliography of current research pertaining to your topic, which will lend some credibility.

As you prepare, rehearse in front of a group. Give a free test run to instructors in your club. Their feedback is valuable before presenting the finished product.

Once approved by a provider organization, start marketing your program. You will need to distribute a press kit. This can be costly due to printing, postage expenses, telephone calls and faxes. "Your press kit should include a bio of yourself and publicity photos," advises Connie Love, AFAA consultant and top international presenter. "Include your accomplishments and copies of any articles if you're high-lighted in a local newspaper."

The kits can be sent directly to workshop hosts. Your best bet is to start locally at a small workshop, so you can get your feet wet and gain confidence and experience.

After a host site expresses interest, you can negotiate specifics. There are no set fees, so be flexible. The host site may pay a flat fee or a "per person" amount. For out of town workshops, the host site usually pays for travel and hotel expenses. As a rule of thumb, you may charge from $25 to $250 per hour for a masterclass and $50 to $300 per hour for a workshop, depending on credentials and experience. For weekend workshops, expect $1,000 to $2,000.

Host sites usually handle workshop registration. However, they may ask you to help promote the event and mail out flyers. In addition to printing and mailing costs, you'll need to attain a list of potential attendees. This may not be an easy task. Start by networking.

To cut costs, get a co-sponsor such as a music vendor or an equipment or apparel manufacturer. In return for free publicity, sponsors will promote workshops and provide equipment. Competition for recruiting sponsors is tough. Start by attending a sporting goods trade show.

You book your first workshop and it's a full house. Have confidence--it's your turn to sparkle. Thank participants for coming and have them complete evaluations. Afterward, make a favorable impression by sending a thank you note to the host site.

Once you've experienced local workshops, consider presenting at a convention. Generally, conventions require you to submit a video of your presentation in addition to a press kit. A home video suffices. Kramer, who organizes conferences, is deluged with calls, press kits and videos from instructors. "Since our goal is to provide the best presenters at the best price, we don't always wait for the person to come to us," she says. "We seek out presenters by attending workshops and conventions." Kramer says she analyzes uniqueness, cueing, movement, safety and presence in front of a crowd.

Conventions generally pay a flat fee. Since it is considered an "honor" to present at a convention, you may make more money at a workshop. However, the contacts and exposure gained at a convention are priceless in launching your career.

Many instructors make the transition to presenter. "You have to be a good speaker, get your point across and entertain," advises Love. "Teaching is more than showing moves--you have to teach participants to be able to do what you do."

Connie Love

Connie Love offers these tips to newcomers in the field.

* Develop your list of attendee prospects. Lists are precious and in most cases can't just be bought.

* Always have an accessible contact name and number in place.

* Check out liability insurance requirements and waiver forms.

Master teacher - steps in becoming a professional fitness instructor

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 1994 by Kathy Fortmann

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