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the structure provided . However , mentoring may also be informal , and there is usually no reason why you can ’ t be a mentor or be mentored outside of a formal program .
Often , as the ‘ face of fitness ’ in the studio , members will approach you for advice on how to become an instructor , or you yourself might be interested in learning a new program or style taught by a colleague . Mentoring can start here , with advice about the right training and qualifications – though as you will be aware , trainings are just the beginning when it comes to starting an instructing career or upskilling into new programs .
There is a big jump from being a group fitness participant , to attending a training and then to being strong and confident enough to facilitate a group fitness class solo . Think back to when you started : the nerves , the dry mouth , the multiple rehearsals , deliberating over what you would wear , and whether participants would judge you , feeling that fear and doing it anyway … it ’ s a big deal . Some people have the confidence and natural skill to be able to make that leap alone , but most of us need a little support .
The mentoring that I have most needed in my career is that which I have been sought out to provide by up-and-coming instructors . I have a personal preference for mentoring confidence in others ( and as a result , confidence in myself ) and find that I attract instructors who have a natural ability , yet need assistance with developing the absolute self-belief required to put themselves out there in front of a crowd . Because I ’ m dealing with people like myself , most of the time I intuitively understand the approach that they need .
The process
Generally , my mentoring process starts with spending a little time helping the instructor get in touch with their passion , find the right program and , after completing the initial relevant qualifications , a little further time teaching or refining some specific skills relevant to that program .
The majority of my mentoring with these individuals involves working with their confidence and awareness on a more personal level so that they can build trust in their own ability and knowledge , and in turn build the courage to step out there on stage .
The 30-second article
• A surefire way to develop yourself as an instructor is to mentor , or to be mentored
• As well as facilitating the transfer of instructing skills and techniques , mentoring can bring awareness to , and enable you to capitalise on , previously hidden strengths
• Mentoring allows the passing of knowledge between the generations , enriching the quality and credibility of the industry as a whole
• Some clubs have formal mentoring processes in place , whereas other are more ad hoc and informal
• Mentoring may involve helping the instructor get in touch with their passion and find the right program or qualifications , teaching or refining specific skills , and , crucially , building their confidence .
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Special Offers at FILEX
On the left is the Chiayo Stage Pro system featuring a Fitness Audio Mini Transmitter mounted on an E * Mic , and supplied with a tripod . And on the right is the Chiayo Challenger with Bluetooth ® module fitted along with an Aeromic , Fitness Audio beltpack , pouchbelt and tripod . Indoors or out you can ’ t go past these for sound and reliability . Aquarobic versions available for less . Other brands of PA systems to clear from $ 1199.00
AUSTRALIA
FitnessAudioShop is a division of Aerobic Microphones Australia Pty LTD ABN 30 067 052 073
Email : info @ fitnessaudioshop . com . au Shop online : www . fitnessaudioshop . com . au
NETWORK AUTUMN 2017 | 21