The Marks of A Professional
By: Pam Archer

This article is provided for personal use and may not be 
reprinted, reproduced or distributed without written permission from the author.  
Feel free to link to it however!

In the May, 2002 issue of IDEA Source magazine, we are reminded of the "Ethical Practice Guidelines for Group Fitness Instructors" In an overview, they include:

1. Always be guided by the best interests of the group, while acknowledging individuals.
2. Provide a safe exercise environment.
3. Obtain the education and training necessary to lead group exercise.
4. Use truth, fairness and integrity to guide all professional decisions and relationships.
5. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
6. Uphold a professional image through conduct and appearance.

These are all important guidelines to follow. I would like to add to those, driven by my experience as a group fitness instructor and as a program director:

1. Be teachable! No one person knows everything!
There is always something new to learn and an old habit to break. Having an arrogant, know-it-all attitude is a personal downfall and a program nightmare!

2. Be a team player.
Most programs have rules and regulations for the instructors. Follow them! If your group of instructors has agreed upon certain policies, it is your duty to be a team player and abide by these policies.

3. Be on time.
A professional comes to class early, prepared ,and remains after class to be available to the participants to answer questions. Nothing is more unprofessional than to arrive to class late, cue up tapes, adjust stereo and fix a hair-do prior to beginning class.

4. Be dependable.
If you are on the schedule to teach...be there! If you can't make it, allow time for a sub to be called, otherwise...show up! I've taught many a class when I would have rather been out enjoying the sunshine. I've taught many a class feeling less than well and I've taught many a class by calling the moves. Not the best scenario, but they didn't have to cancel the class and the members were happy. I would fire an instructor on the spot for not showing up for class! No second chances! I heard of an instructor who called ahead to see how many people were there and then decided if she would come! Were I the director, she would not have returned to the facility!

5. Continue your fitness education.
Stay abreast of current trends, research and methods of training by attending workshops, reading industry publications, and taking classes. A professional stays with the changing times. 

So....are you a professional?

Pam is the owner of Archer Fitness Consultants, Inc. in Kingsport, Tennessee. She is Co-Host of the “Jenny’s Fit In 15” TV show on The Health Network. She has produced six exercise videos and starred in seven. Pam travels extensively training and certifying group fitness instructors for The Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and The American Council On Exercise (ACE). Her fitness related articles have been published in American Fitness and IDEA Source magazines as well as numerous newsletters, including her own, Archer Fit Press. You may visit Pam on-line at http://www.archerfitness.com or e-mail her at pam@archerfitness.com

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