You have dreamed of this day; you can now say you are a qualified Studio Instructor! 

But now the real challenge of developing your career begins.

Do your homework

Attend classes in your local area. That includes private clubs (take advantage of free membership taster days), leisure centres and local halls.

Class participation gives you insight and a feel for the environment. You will get an idea of the level of customer care they give, the standard of teaching, the type of member and class levels.

Get a copy of the timetable. Highlight classes you feel you could possibly cover and prepare an outline of additional classes you could bring to the centre if you see a gap.

Produce a concise and up-to-date CV, with photograph attached, and a short biography. This may be minimal at the start of your career so include competencies rather than specific jobs. For example, if you have worked in a shop, highlight your customer-facing skills.

Make sure you clearly outline the days/times of you are not available to teach (studio co-ordinators can lose interest if you keep saying ‘no’ when they ask you to cover).

Most importantly, visit the venue in person. The co-ordinator is more likely to take notice and remember you when he/she needs cover.

Auditions

Co-ordinators will have a budget to manage. They will spend wisely; a good employer will pay more experienced (Level 3 Advanced Studio Instructors) more than their Level 2 Instructors. This means that everyone at the audition has a chance of getting a position. It depends on what they are looking for on the day.

Pre-audition

The audition process starts at point of invitation. The employer needs instructors who are self motivated, proactive and organised. Check the following prior to attending:

• Who will you be expected to teach?
• What would they like you to teach?
• How long will you teach for?
• Ask for a copy of the criteria if it is available
• Will there be an interview?
• What time should you arrive and will you have access to the music machine prior to teaching?

Audition day

• Arrive ready to teach
• Have your bank and contact details available
• Be supportive if you are asked to join in other auditions. Smile and show you can work within a team - no matter how good or bad they may be!
• If you are not selected (this time) be positive and ask for feedback

Self employed

You may be looking at starting a class in a local venue. Again, do your homework! Find out if there are classes there already – and what else is going on in the area: you do not want to limit your business by starting a class someone else is doing around the corner.

Work with other local instructors, you never know when you will need support, such as holiday and sick cover. If you are clever it is possible to provide a varied timetable of classes on different days. Look at the levels and the target groups in order to serve your local communities’ needs. It is a bonus to have a supportive network which works and socialises together.

Ideas and development

When you were on your instructor course you had the support of your peers – it’s a good idea to keep in touch with those you got on with. They will go through the same ups and downs as you, such as the first class, someone walking out of a session, the first time someone comes up at the end and asks ‘where else do you teach?’. These are exciting times to share with people who understand what you are going through. Alternatively join the YMCAfit Studio Zone on Facebook. You group to get to speak to new and more experienced instructors and tutors.

Attend conventions to get new ideas and for up-skilling. The Fitpro Spring Convention, Fitness Fiesta, Fit Fantastic and The International Fitness Showcase are all annual conventions and fitness weekends which are fun packed and a great place to meet instructors. Visit their websites for more details.

Go onto the REPs’ website for other conventions and master class tours for further training and CPD. If it features on the REPs website it has been through an endorsement process which means the content has been checked and approved.

Finally

Enjoy the whole experience. You are entering a profession which is fun and exciting. You are now in a position where you can help others with their fitness goals and aspirations. You will support individuals who are new to exercise, so be patient with them as one day they will be the ones who will be your front row!

Enjoy your teaching!

Denise Page qualified as a studio instructor in 1991 and her work since has taken her as far away as Singapore, where she taught the first YMCA Exercise to Music Course. Today, she is Head of Training & Development at YMCAfit and is a figure widely respected in the industry for her high levels of energy and motivation.