Have you found that one thing that makes you lift your bum off the seat anytime to engage you in an expectation building, energy boosting & good mood cultivating state you’re ready to go for any day? Bingo!
If you’re anything like me, workout wasn’t always top of your most pleasurable things on your to do list… that is until you found that one activity that ticked all your must-have workout boxes.
As a coach, as well as a person, I know balance is important. You also know that, you have empirical evidence of that. If you want your love life to work, your gotta work on your spiritual side too (Notice I said spiritual, not religious, spiritual!) And if you want business to work, you gotta train your body too!
I’ve been going to zumba classes on & off during the last 4-5 years, trying about 10 – 12 different zumba instructors. It might not seem that much, especially for such a long period, then again how many zumba classes are being held within walking distance from where you live?
When you try out the same things done by various people, you learn to compare, discover what works and what works even better, decide what’s important and what you can do without, etc. In other words, you learn enough about that thing to actually form a criteria based on which you judge all things coming after that.
This is exactly what I did! I had preferences in terms of zumba instructors & routines before, but the last zumba experiences have put my criteria in place and shaped (and voiced) my expectations. While excellent sound system, appropriate venue and good facilities (disco lights rock!) are imperative, these are my extra 9 must-haves if you want me to be happy and return to a zumba class:
- Music – On a great zumba class, I’m working out on cool & current songs, the kind that make you forget about tiredness and whatever’s been going on that day. The music anchors you in that moment, you feel energised and your body is giving 100% to that class; you leave on top of the world!
- Rhythm & Dance – All songs have great rhythm and you can see the instructor feeling the rhythm; the beats & steps are clear and it’s predictable what you should do next.
- Sharp moves – The instructor has sharp, precise moves. This tells you they are in great shape & somehow makes it easier for you to follow.
- Well-balanced workout – How much jumping should you really do during that zumba class? How much are you working your arms? And how much are you working your core?
- Atmosphere – fun instructor, fun class, everyone pitching in with a few encouraging exclamations – great to make you feel part of the group.
- Feeling welcomed – It’s great to have a personable instructor who knows people’s names, arrives early, mingles with the crowd, gives advice, answers questions.
- Need a challenge? – There should always be a challenge, otherwise you’ll stop coming once the level of effort you put into your workout drops. Sharp, as well as sexy moves, jumps, twists, give the workout an edge. One you know all routines, aspiring to make the moves just as sharp / ample / sexy as your instructor is your new challenge!
- What’s next? – Letting people know what to do next is important when you’re new to the class. I prefer instructors who point rather than shout over the music.
- Little breaks – It’s great to have 30 seconds between songs, to get a sip of water and catch your breath before the next exciting song!
Always tell them when it’s good!
I think someone needs to know when they are absolutely awesome at something and also when they can improve whatever they are doing. Giving feedback (not criticism, FEEDBACK) is your way of contributing. If you don’t give feedback, there’s no way anyone would know what they can do better / meet your needs.
Here’s the feedback I’ve given my zumba instructor:
“Zumba is a cool dance party you look forward to and you really wanna choose the intructor who reflects that. Highly personable and jolly, super fit and professionally trained as a dancer, Gemma is THE zumba instructor you wanna go for if you live in or around Sutton in Greater London! With her great sense of rhythm, sharp moves and cool music choice, she’s been the instructor who got me back into zumba and who I now miss on Wednesdays, after I moved away. Gemma, you’ve raised the bar really high, for any zumba instructors I may try!”
I’m curious to know…
What’s your favourite workout? Do you have a criteria for a good instructor? Have you given them feedback for their effort? Drop me an email to let me know!
