Winds of Change
Cindy Kluchar, M.S.
February 20, 2001   
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Group fitness has come a long way in a relatively short period of time.  Only two decades ago fitness instructors recorded their own music tapes, had no fitness certifications, and taught high impact classes at crazy speeds with bone jarring movements.  Long gone are the days when you were eligible to teach fitness classes if you looked good in your workout attire and could lead a class.  Today’s fitness instructor must be knowledgeable in human anatomy and physiology, pass one or more reputable certifications, be able to lead multiple types of fitness classes, and continually update his or her fitness knowledge via workshops and specialized training. 

Instructors have many teaching options today.  The traditional “aerobics” classes (i.e., high/lo impact, step aerobics) are still popular, but the fitness scene has been invaded with many specialty classes.  Mind-body classes, dance classes, martial arts style classes, cycling classes, and yoga classes are but a few of the ‘new age group fitness’ offerings.  Is it possible for the group fitness leader to teach all of these formats without compromising the essence or philosophy of the format/specialty?  For example, can a group fitness leader proclaim to be a yoga instructor after attending several yoga workshops designed for group fitness?  Or, should the yoga instructor taught by ancient yoga principles and having practiced for years teach yoga in group fitness?  You be the judge. 

Should the professional dancer who has studied and practiced the principles of Joseph Pilates for years be more qualified to teach a Pilates mat class than a group fitness instructor who has taken Pilates classes and passed a ‘mat’ certification program.  My answer is yes and no.  It depends on who the target audience is and how much practice the instructor has done. 

We group fitness leaders are very adaptable creatures.  We are quick learners.  We apply our knowledge of kinesiology to our fitness regimens.  And, we know our audience, our members, and clients.  Look at what we did to kickboxing for group fitness.  In only one or two years after Billy Blanks released his videos, most group fitness leaders took the plunge and learned how to box and kick.  We didn’t just learn the bare bones, we learned style, principles, and complex movements.  We applied our knowledge of safety, and modified moves for our clients.  We even took it to the water!  Kickboxing in the group fitness arena is a huge success.  Participant interest levels remain high. 

To be successful in the fitness world while caught in these winds of change, you must be flexible in your teaching repertoire and be willing to pay (time and money) for new knowledge or skills.  The traditional aerobics classes are now in the minority on teaching schedules.  A quick survey of fitness schedules published on the Internet revealed a surprising number of yoga and mixed format classes already being offered.  The traditional high/lo impact classes are slowly fading away.  Holistic health, self-empowerment, spiritual healing, and mind-body classes are replacing them.  

As we baby boomers age and this society becomes more sedentary, the fitness paradigm will continue to shift to mind, body, and soul.  A blending of specialists and generalists will be needed in tomorrow’s group fitness classes.  Will you the professional fitness instructor be ready for this change?  Explore your options now and prepare for your future.  The Internet is a fantastic learning tool.  Use it to your advantage.  Basic principles of teaching group fitness classes, i.e., cueing, musical phrasing, choreography, program delivery, knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology , etc., will always be at the core of group fitness teaching.  Only you can expand your core!   

Cindy Kluchar is ACE, AEA, Reebok Martial Arts, Physical Mind Institute (Pilates) Mat,  and soon to be YogaFit certified.  She teaches a variety of class formats in the Cary/Apex, NC area.  Cindy has written a book for new instructors titled "How To Become A Professional Aerobics Instructor".  You can purchase this book from Cindy on her website or send her email at hikers@mindspring.com.

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