Expecting quality from your instructor

In general, the quality of instruction has drastically improved in recent years, because most clubs demand certification and because poorly attended classes get dropped from the schedule. If you don’t like one instructor, try another one if your schedule permits. Look for the following when evaluating an instructor:

• Certification: The American College of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, or another nationally recognized organization should certify your teacher as an exercise instructor. Instructor certifications are different from personal training certifications. Typically, the exams aren’t as difficult in the areas of fitness assessment and individual program design as they are for personal trainers, but the tests focus more on the skills that instructors need for group training situations.
• Concern for newcomers: A good instructor asks whether anyone is new to the class and whether anyone has any injuries or special problems. If you fit the bill, you may want to arrive a few minutes early and explain your situation to the instructor. The teacher may give you a special place to stand so she can keep an eye on you. At the very least, you should get a little extra attention.
• Clear instructions: A good instructor acquaints you with important terminology without overloading you with jargon. We know one instructor who says things like, “Raise up on your phalanges,” which in English means, “Stand up on your tiptoes.”
• Concern for safety: Don’t be afraid to walk out of any class that doesn’t feel right. Liz once bailed on a “step ‘n’ sculpt” class because the teacher had class members flying all over the step with weights in their hands. The uncontrolled activity caused a near collision between Liz and the student next to her. Don’t worry about hurting the teacher’s feelings. Your priority is keeping your body intact.
• Motivation: Instructors shouldn’t act like they’re on autopilot. Your instructor should be one of the reasons that you look forward to going to class and someone who keeps you interested in your training program. The teacher should model correct form and demonstrate a variety of options for people of different levels in the class. Your responsibility is to choose the correct level. If you’re not sure which level that is, ask the instructor.
• Individual technique tips: Instructors can’t possibly give a personal training session to all 20 members of the class, but they should offer some individual tips. They need to let you know if you hold your arms too wide during chest fly exercises or if you throw your body around when you do biceps curls. If you have questions about any exercises, take the initiative and come to class a few minutes early or speak to the instructor after class. Be courteous. If your instructor is busy that day, ask when a convenient time for you to ask a question is.
• A warm-up, cool-down, and relaxation stretch: Every weight training class should have a warm-up that consists of at least six minutes of light aerobic exercise to warm up muscles and joints. The class should end with three to five minutes of light movement at a lower intensity to cool down followed by a stretching and relaxation segment lasting between five and ten minutes. Take advantage of the instructor-led relaxation and stretches. Focus on deep breathing, releasing muscular tension, and achieving a good stretch. So often, people skip this part of training. More and more evidence from research supports the importance of learning how to relax to improve health and well-being. Enjoy these few moments to relax both your body and mind.
• An intensity check: During the class, the instructor should check to make sure that people aren’t pushing themselves too hard (or taking it too easy to benefit from the workout). The intensity check can be something as casual as “Hey, how’s everyone doing so far?”