stage and get amongst the crowd. General
motivational statements to the group are
great, but using names and appropriate
touch techniques will really lift member
motivation to new heights. Using names
also informally introduces participants
to the rest of the group. Robert becomes
the guy who always makes it to the end
of the 3-minute plank, Sara always kills
it on the push-ups and Denise does all
her repetitions with perfect control. In
acknowledging each member publicly you
start creating a tangible identity for each
member as part of a larger group. Others
can connect with these people through
the story you tell and become part of the
special world within the studio.
Know thy neighbour!
Another technique that can be employed in
most classes includes asking members to
say hello to their neighbours before the class
starts. This can be a little awkward to begin
with, but the more you persist, the more it
becomes the norm and the barriers start to
dissolve.
Teamwork and interaction
Using partner and team work in your class
also works well to break down invisible
barriers, especially when the members of
the tea m need to work with each other to
complete the workout. Other techniques
such as inviting members to join you on
the stage or provide demonstration to the
group can again take the focus off you as
the sole source of all energy and teach your
class how to start looking to each other for
additional motivation and support.
Gym ambush
Lastly, one of my favorite tactics (because
I might forget a name but I never forget a
face) includes a little gym ambushing. If
you see someone on a treadmill or bike that
has done one of your classes previously,
use sensitivity to determine whether it’s
appropriate to approach them. If it is safe to
The 30-second article
• A sense of community is frequently
cited as a major reason for attending
group exercise classes
• Talk to class members before class,
and personally connect with every
newbie
• Reassure participants that perfect
execution isn’t all that matters, and
that what’s important is doing their
best and not giving up
• Acknowledge regulars, get
participants to say hello to each
other, and use teamwork exercises to
break down barriers
• Lead by example and always be
genuine, authentic and open,
because where you lead, your
participants will follow.
Club TV Sound for Apple & Android Devices!
The fun begins with a simple AppAudio
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phones. Engage members with
custom text banners and advertising,
class schedules, reward programs and
more. AppAudio technology provides
seamless integration with Cardio
Theater, Broadcast Vision,
MYE/Fitness Audio entertainment systems.
Chosen by Technogym
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listening software for
their Apps. Get with
AppAudio - the experts in TV
Sound over WiFi. Distributed
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F820160507
Aerobic Microphones Australia
Ph: 02 8399 1052
32 | NETWORK WINTER 2016
Email: [email protected]
Web shop: http://www.fitnessaudioshop.com.au
JP’s Blog: http://blog.fitnessaudio.com.au
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