4.30 AM Alarms During Winter
I think we all have been there. It is 4.30 am. Dark, rainy and cold. It would be a delight to stay in bed. But you have promised to take a cover in your studio to help a friend out and your first class is at 5.30am. You dress up, get your coffee fix and start your commute to studio.
This was me the other day. When the alarm went off a couple efff words came out of my mouth. I did not feel like it. I was really struggling to drive to the studio. It was hard to keep my eyes open and I felt flat. I had to start to hype myself up to ensure I can give my clients the best possible in class experience.
Pick A Focus Point
The first thing that came into my mind was to pick one important thing that separates a great class from a good class. I told myself to focus on giving everyone who comes in through the doors some quality 1: 1 time before and during the class. Whether it was asking how their weekend was, helping them with their form hands on or changing their springs for them. And just like that my mind was occupied thinking how I can achieve this.
I am an experienced reformer pilates instructor so I can shift my focus from thinking of all the verbal set up and movement cues to leveling up the client experience. Perhaps your focus point would have been slowing down your verbal cueing or finding more confidence in your voice and body language.
Why Are You A Reformer Pilates Teacher?
Secondly I brought my attention to my WHY. Why am I a reformer pilates instructor? Why is this my chosen job and profession? Helping and serving others brings me and many other teachers a sense of purpose and contentment. Many studies suggest that finding your purpose and spending your life helping others the way that feels right for you is the key to happiness.
For me teaching reformer pilates is one way. I get to help people to become happier and healthier. I get to share the fun times and laughs. Helping people to move their bodies is a service for them on a personal level but also helps to build more thriving communities and a better world. Less disabilities and more positive energy. If you need convincing I suggest you read “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” By Robin Sharma. One of my all time favorite books.
I try to remember that teaching reformer pilates classes is not about me. I am there to help others. The motivation comes and goes but my “WHY am I doing this” stays and helps me through those flat days when I do not feel like it. For more inspiration check this out!
First Impressions Matter
You have newbies on the list and they are about to meet you for the first time just before 5.30 am on a Monday. Think about it. How would you like to be treated when you go somewhere for the first time? You might feel like a fish out of the water. You feel nervous. It would be lovely if someone greets you with big smile and makes you feel comfortable and welcome, would it not?
The first impression you give will last longer than you think. And unfortunately the long lasting impression is not just about you. It is about the studio, your fellow trainers and the whole community. You might feel flat and tired but being ignorant and showing it will not only affect you but your colleagues too. Make everybody feel like somebody!
Time Well Spent
Have you ever considered that you might be the highlight of someones week? The time a client spends with you might be their only “me time” for the week. And they choose to spend it with you? Aint that worth of going for an extra mile? If I can make someones day a little brighter by putting in my best possible effort why on earth would I not do that!
Think about it. Time is precious and the moments you get live cannot be lived twice. You are in studio or going in. You are going to spend the next few hours in that studio no matter whether you are teaching an average or a great class. Why would you not put your best effort in? Why would you not live every moment? Sometimes it is easier said than done but half assing it does not help you to get out any quicker. Putting your best effort in is rather rewarding. You never know how much your small act of kindness and helping hand means to someone.
If you have been in this game a little longer your clients may have become your friends. I love to go and see my clients/friends on weekly basis. We share lifes ups and downs, laughs and perhaps if I am lucky we head to coffee shop after the last class together. Maybe I get to see my team mates too. What a treat! Often I do not feel like I am working once I get up and running. Instead I am having a good time with my friends. This is the beauty of building a strong regular client base. That is definitely time well spent!
