Back to the Newsletter Links Page
Reach Fitness Buffs By Carefully Choosing Your Aerobic/Wellness Instructors
By
Patricia A. Lowery
Founder,
Christian Aerobic Resource
The single most important factor affecting fitness program success is
instructor selection. People
naturally gravitate toward enthusiastic, sincere and qualified instructors.
Students rank the knowledge of physical fitness, teaching skills, and fun
at the top of the list of the most important characteristics of a fitness
instructor. An instructor will be
successful if he/she can deliver a workout that produces results and is fun.
Instructors
today must be trained, educated professionals.
If aerobic ministries are going to compete with other fitness clubs, they
must not only provide high quality instruction but go a step further by giving
the personal touch that demonstrates the heart and soul of ministry.
Before
interviewing or approaching a person about teaching, think about qualities and
characteristics that are desirable and that would enhance the vision for
ministry. Several factors—their
relationship to the Lord, personality, purpose, and passion—should influence
your hiring decisions.
The
outstanding personality trait that characterizes a good aerobics instructor is
enthusiasm. Certification should
provide knowledge of safety issues, anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, and
develop strong teaching skills. Because
there are no universally accepted standards, certification will not guarantee
that a person is a good instructor
The
success of the fitness ministry will hinge on the integrity and excellence of
the instructor. If a program begins
to drop off or become less effective, the first place to look is at the
instructor. His or her primary job
is to deliver a workout that produces results and is fun.
Careful selection of your instructor will help you secure both your
physical and spiritual goals for the class.