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 As cold and flu season approaches, this question resonates with every trainer, instructor, and participant. All too often a few days off to feel better leads to a downward spiral of getting out of the fitness habit. Those who have had prior battles with the issue are resolute that they will work out no matter what. Unfortunately, some things require that we take a short break. Injuries, obviously, require rest. Some illnesses also demand down time in order to go away.
Much research, including a recent study by the Academy of Sports Medicine,
indicates that there is no reason to stop working out when you have a cold. The
above/below the neck rule applies. If your symptoms are above the neck, i.e.
sniffles, sore throat, colds, etc. it is okay to work out. You may not have your usual stamina or strength, but fighting through the illness may actually shorten its duration. Carefully assess how you feel as you progress through your class, run, or workout and listen to your body. Drink plenty of fluids and allow additional recovery time if you are feeling weak or achy.
If your symptoms manifest lower in the body, i.e. nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, then take a few days off. NEVER work out with a fever. These illnesses place extra demands on virtually every system in the body. Continuing to work out through these symptoms will probably prolong the illness. Be careful, specifically with stomach illness, to stay hydrated. You may not feel like eating, but using sports drinks and clear liquids to maintain the proper fluid intake is critical. Avoid drinks that are sweetened either by sugar or artificial agent as they too may aggravate your already compromised system.
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There are a number of factors that can influence why participants choose one instructor over another. New instructors, veterans who have relocated, or veterans who are taking on a new format often find they are in need of an audience. If there are experienced instructors entrenched in a group fitness program, it can be difficult to attract members who already have determined a favorite. There are, however, some strategies that can be helpful in developing your own following, no matter what the circumstance.
Just as there is a hierarchy of human needs, thanks to Mr. Maslow, there is also a professionalism hierarchy of sorts that can help you determine where you are in your journey as a fitness professional. Understanding your own position can point you toward the correct next step. Selling fitness is all about numbers and instructors and trainers are the face of the product. Pros in this industry know all to well that we are all in sales and results is the bottom line!
The base level of our professionalism pyramid is competency. Do you possess the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill your duties as an instructor/trainer? This is more than a piece of paper awarded by a certifying body or university. The question is not about knowing muscles or fatigue patterns or even a plethora of exercises. Rather, one must know how to use the equipment available to achieve the results desired by a particular client or class. There is a significant difference between the two. The ability to present and communicate acquired knowledge in a way that is both informative and interesting must be honed. If you are a novice instructor, ask veterans for constructive criticism of your style and technique…
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Here we go! It’s that time of year again when we eat candy at Halloween, eat too much at Thanksgiving, and everyone among us has holiday parties galore providing numerous opportunities to over indulge and few to be active. If fitness professionals struggle during this time, how must our members feel? It is overwhelming to see valuable summer health gains engulfed in wine, cheese, and sweets, landing inches on our waists and hips. We cover it with bulky sweaters and pretend not to notice! There are things to be done NOW, however, that can eliminate or at least lessen the health sabotage this time of year can deliver.
WEEKENDS: Plan to use the Saturday and Sunday schedules to enhance the offerings at your club. Normal weekend schedules typically provide 2-3 hours on Saturday morning and 2-3 Sunday evening for class participants. These times work well most of the year, but can easily conflict with family gatherings and shopping trips during the holiday season. Consider special offerings on the weekend approximately 1.5 hrs before local stores open. Call it “Shoppers warm up” or “Pre-shop Stretch” or whatever creative name you develop to communicate your understanding of the pressures of the holidays. If possible, provide fruit, coffee, or bagels to make it as convenient as possible for the shopper to not neglect his/her workout. Also, consider having “secret sales” of your own limited to weekend participants...[Read More] |
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