GFP: Tell us a little about how you got started in the fitness industry and how you became specialized in technology as it pertains to fitness.
Biray: My first exposure to group exercise was back in the 80’s when my mom took me to a jazzercise class. Since I was heavily into dance at the time, I suppose she thought I would enjoy it. I must admit, I did not quite ‘get’ the concept of group exercise and felt completely out of my element (not to mention, I was the only one there under the age of 30). Unfortunately, I never went back.

It wasn’t until my undergrad (having abandoned all hopes of a dance career and after gaining the infamous ‘Freshman 15’) that I started going to the campus rec center. When I saw fellow students teaching aerobics (essentially, getting paid to exercise), I immediately got certified and began choreographing my first step class. That was over a decade ago and the rest is history…

I first started relating technology to fitness when I studied video games in grad school. In looking at the cardiovascular responses of physically demanding video games (DDR, EyeToy: Kinetic – the Wii hadn’t come out then), I realized the potential of using interactive technologies to bring exercise to an untapped audience.

GFP: You have a lot to say about how technology and fitness intersect on your blog.  What is your main message and to whom are you speaking?
Biray: My main message is simple: Embrace interactive technologies (web, mobile devices, exergames) and use it to enhance your professional efforts. The audience: health, fitness and wellness professionals.

GFP: We are a wildly technological society. 
Biray: It certainly seems so!

GFP: What impact has technology made on the fitness industry, specifically group fitness?
Biray: If by technology you mean this current wave of web 2.0, social media tools (such as, blogging, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, podcasting, etc.) then I think blogging has had the most successful adoption rate by fitness professionals. Blogs are allowing instructors and trainers to connect with clients and gym members in ways that seem more relevant and timely. Blogs, collectively, are also anchoring our presence online and giving voice to our industry (as well as, to individuals). In terms of group fitness instructors, many have adopted blogs as a way to showcase their choreography, journal their professional experiences, network with other instructors, and extend conversations with participants beyond the gym.

GFP: What do you find to be the most underutilized tool currently available to group fitness instructors?
Biray: The answer isn’t in what digital tools group fitness instructors are or are not using. It’s in how they are (not) using them. Outside of its networking and marketing applications, it would be nice to see group fitness instructors leverage these tools to their fullest potential. For instance, non-profit organizations are combining the resources of the web to create educated messages, fuel voices behind issues, and gain universal support for their causes. (Imagine if instructors were to unite online and create a movement that demanded better opportunities and higher wages for their services?) The resources online are making it possible for people to create positive impacts. The question should be – what impact do group fitness instructors want to continue to make in this industry? (Then select the tool that best suits these initiatives.)

GFP: What are some practical ways group fitness instructors can enhance their skills and/or improve the experiences of their students via the tools you discuss on your blog?
Biray: One of the strengths in group exercise is the camaraderie we build in the aerobics room. Relationships are formed and a community is born. What keeps members engaged and coming back week after week is this sense of belonging. I think we can extend that experience into the online world. Whether it be in a Facebook group, a fitness podcast or an aerobics blog, these can help in targeting newer participants and retaining those members who irregularly attend our classes.

GFP: You mention in your biography that you “often wonder where the disconnect between ‘wanting to live well’ and actually ‘living well’ comes from.”  What have you discovered and how can we better serve others who experience this disconnect?
Biray: For decades, fitness professionals have been trying to figure out how to get people to be more active (especially when we know it has many benefits). We have many health behavior change theories giving us insight into the psychology of this disconnect. And we have rich examples of interventions that encourage active lifestyles. But the fact remains that 76% of the U.S. population still does not get adequate activity throughout the day (25% of whom remain sedentary). Yikes!

What I’ve learned is that no one can really ever know why these ‘disconnects’ occur in other people (after all, humans are very complicated beings, right?). But we can design programs that positively impact the handful of folks we are fortunate to work with (whether that means using technology or not). People respond to different programs.

However, I have noticed a few trends while learning about these technologies and meeting techies and gamers outside the health/fitness industry. There seems to be direct correlations between media screen time (computer use, video game play, etc.) and sedentarism. And with the growing population of digital immigrants (and digital natives), this may be the reason why I’ve been so interested in trying to understand the sedentary, tech-savvy audience. I hope to effectively design and support programs and experiences that will motivate them to being more active!

Check out Biray’s other posts here at groupfitpower:

• Music Outside the Jukebox
• From Great to Extra-Ordinary!
• Motivating the Fitness Newbie
• Guerilla Group Ex: Taking Your Classes to the Streets

Music Outside the JukeBox!
By Biray Alsac

It’s no secret – music can make or break any group fitness class. Without good tunes, members may tune out (or listen to their iPod while exercising to their own beat). So, instructors are always looking for new songs (or remix of old songs) that continue to engage and motivate participants.

With websites like iTunes, Napster and Pandora (a site that recommends new music based on songs you already like), there are endless opportunities to discover new material. But sometimes we don’t have time to search for new music or find different resources on the web. Read below to learn new ways to create your perfect soundtrack for class.

Share Your Playlists and Songs
Platforms like iTunes and Napster allow users to create and share their playlists from songs in their database. Rather than finding a list of songs online or receiving one from an instructor, encourage your colleagues to share their playlists on one of these platforms. This way, you can quickly download the pre-selected songs directly into your iPod or burn them onto a CD. Sharing playlists is certainly not a new concept (we all know musical sequencing is crucial in class design), but internet technology has turned this process into a time-saving opportunity.

If you’re interested in sharing more traditional fitness music (those with a 32-count mix, variable speeds, etc.) check out ClickMix or Yes! Fitness Music. Instructors can create their own group fitness CDs simply by choosing from a selection of songs and customizing track sequence and speed! (No more frustrations of buying a pre-made CD then finding there’s ONE song in the middle you wished wasn’t there.) Instructors can share their personalized mixes with others or choose a mix from their peers. And no more waiting for a CD to come in the mail – these sites allow instant download to computer or burn to a CD from their website.

Listen To Your Members Instead of the Radio
Members love it when you include their song suggestions it your musical rotation. After all, if members identify and enjoy the music you play, they’ll keep coming back! And these days, there are plenty of ways members share their musical tastes online. Websites like Last.fm, Blip.fm and iLike allow users to listen, review and recommend songs. (Why not create your own profile and have members ‘follow’ or ‘friend’ you so you have a network for sharing musical thoughts). Also, if you know your members are on Facebook or MySpace, you may find a list of their favorite songs on their profile pages, too.

Swap Out the Pop, Swap In the Indie
Let’s face it, songs can be expensive. Even though 99 cents per song doesn’t seem like a lot, it can add up to 99 dollars fairly quickly! So, if you have a little more time on your hands, visit a site where you can download underground artists or royalty free music. It may not be 32-count mix or the latest pop single, but you may discover melodic gems that add to the workout experience.

Amie Street is a site where you can discover a variety of music from indie and established artists. Songs start FREE and go up to 98 cents. And at Amie Street, it pays to listen. Songs that you recommend can ultimately earn you purchasing credits toward other songs.

Freeplay Music  is the ‘off-the-beaten-path’ approach to finding new music. Many film and television producers come here to find scores for their movie projects or TV spots. But what most people don’t realize is its selection of music can easily suit your Spinning or Yoga class. In fact, most songs have a 30-second or 1-minute version of the original song – perfect from creating interval sequences!

No doubt – music is powerful. Rocker-turned-neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin makes a great statement in his book This is Your Brain on Music. He says, “Music is fundamental to our species, perhaps even more so than language.” Remember this next time you go to teach your classes. If you mess up on your cueing or forget your choreography, it doesn’t matter. Cuz if you music rocks, so will your class!

Editor’s Note:  For additional resources, please check out our Helpful Links and Freebies! 

Read more from Biray at:

http://www.FITTmaxxInstitute.com
“Fitness and Interactive Technologies Together”

http://www.BeFitWithBiray.com
“Follow Biray’s blog on fitness and technology”

http://BeFitInTurkiye.blogspot.com
“Join Biray on her summer tour of Istanbul!”

http://KixKayamanu.blogspot.com
“The Adventures of Health & Fitness Correspondent in Second Life”

What makes a great instructor an extra-ordinary one? While there isn’t a golden answer to this question, there are certainly things every instructor should do. For extra ideas, you can learn from other successful colleagues and fitness professionals around the world. Last week I was an invited guest at FitnessTurk 2008, a conference for fitness professionals based in Istanbul, Turkey. In my down time, I attended a session facilitated by Lawrence Biscontini, an international presenter and extra-ordinary instructor, himself!

I thought it might be useful to share three interesting notes I took away from his lecture on becoming an effective fitness professional. For me, they not only were inspiring, but served as great reminders on how a little bit of effort can go a long way (even if that means going halfway across the world)!

1.      Change ‘hands-on’ training to ‘hands-off’ training. Physical interaction with your members is often encouraged and helpful in making adjustments in their form. However, physically moving participants into a desired position may not be the best way to correct their technique. For example, let’s assume a member is in a push-up position and her hips are hanging too far low to the ground. Avoid cueing to ‘lift hips up’ (which might be too vague) and pass up the temptation of pulling her hips up, yourself. Instead, put your hand above her low back and suggest she lift her hips until it touches your hand. This is helpful in improving kinesthetic awareness and teaching a member how to enter into a move properly.

2.      Communicate with positive statements. We often hear how using positive statements can be helpful in communicating and reinforcing messages. We are reminded that negative cues like “don’t do this…” should be replaced with “try this instead…” One statement we hear group fitness instructors often use at the end of class is “Did you get a great workout today?” Although this may not sound negative, a simple turn of phrase can make this sound more approachable. For instance, “Did you get the workout you needed today?”

3.      Thank your members with a ‘Group Hug’. We love our members and appreciate their attendance. Of course, we should always thank them for coming. But a more inclusive way to send off our classes might be by embracing them with a verbal ‘group hug’ (as Lawrence referred to it). By using the names of several members in the room, you can express gratitude by saying “From Suzie on this side, all the way to Carol in the back, to Joe over here in the front – I thank you all for coming.” Wow – now isn’t that better than just a plain “Thanks for coming to class”?

Many thanks to Lawrence for his stimulating ideas!

Regardless of how long you’ve been teaching group exercise classes (or whatever country you’ve been teaching in, for that matter), these simple tips can always make a difference with your members and keep you staying extra-ordinary!

–

Read more from Biray at:

http://www.FITTmaxxInstitute.com
“Fitness and Interactive Technologies Together”

http://www.BeFitWithBiray.com
“Follow Biray’s blog on fitness and technology”

http://BeFitInTurkiye.blogspot.com
“Join Biray on her summer tour of Istanbul!”

http://KixKayamanu.blogspot.com
“The Adventures of Health & Fitness Correspondent in Second Life”

Biray Alsac
http://fittmaxxinstitute.com
http://befitwithbiray.com

I recently reconnected with a fitness colleague who, after the birth of her son, left teaching to focus on being a full-time mom.  She was an excellent instructor and most of the members were sad to see her ‘retire’. Last week she emailed me to see if I’d be interested in subbing a class for her. “I didn’t know you were teaching again” I said, surprised. She explained how she had missed teaching aerobics, but found that picking up classes at a club was no longer financially lucrative (i.e. childcare costs, drive time, gas prices, class flexibility, etc). So she began piloting fitness classes out of her garage, and wanted me to be the week’s guest instructor.

On my way home from ‘subbing’ her class, I started thinking about the advantages and limitations of teaching group exercise classes from the home. What would it take to launch your very own group exercise department? Unlike in-home personal training, where the focus is more on one-one training and individual program design, the primary appeal of group fitness is its social dynamics, community structure and format variety. Could this be replicated in the home? And be a reasonable alternative to ‘picking up more classes’?

ADVANTAGES

1)      Targeting a Different Audience: Offering classes from your home (on the driveway or backyard) can attract a demographic unlike those who regularly attend your classes. Individuals who may be intimidated or hesitant to working out at a gym might find these ‘neighborhood’ classes a worthwhile alternative. TIP: Think of ways you can create a welcoming environment by offering something different from the health-club experience.

2)      Reinforcing Community, Not Class Content:  Exercise adherence isn’t usually a problem for our gym go-ers (if it were, they wouldn’t be called ‘regulars’). Instructors are often pressured to pepper our classes with trendy music and innovative choreography to keep our members ‘happy’. However, the goals of an at-home class are more about encouraging new habits, and less about creating complicated content. Keeping at-home participants ‘happy’ means simple class designs and more opportunities to reinforce their commitment. TIP: Focus on building a supportive community among your members via email or through a class blog.

3)      Cost effective alternative: Besides saving drive time and gas money, your participants might find this to be a better alternative to the exorbitant membership fees at a local club. What you charge, is really up to you. But keep it comparable to what you get paid per class. TIP: If you make $20-30 per class, charge around $5 per person and focus on getting 5-7 members to your house.

LIMITATIONS:

1)      Equipment: Most of us may not have the money to buy a bunch of Reebok steps, Resist-a-Balls, stretching mats and various weights. This can be a limitation, but it can also be an advantage. Sometimes you can create the best workouts with zero (or minimal) equipment. Other times, they are effective training tools to creating variety in a workout. TIP: One way around this limitation is by having your participants bring their own equipment.

2)      Legal Considerations: At a fitness facility, instructors have some legal protection through their employers in the event of an emergency*. If you are teaching from home, it is important to have written consent signed by your participants in case something happens during your class. TIP: Purchase liability insurance for your professional services. Check out providers through IDEA or ACE/Fitness Pak.

3)      Limited Amenities: Unless you have a big house with extra space, you may be limited by your surroundings. Often times, the comforts of the gym (wooden spring floor, restrooms, wall mirrors, state of the art stereo system) are not conveniently available at a home. TIP: Use the driveway or a local park for extra space.

Could this be a stepping stone to developing a small group personal training business or to programming outside the traditional group exercise room? Sure! There are plenty of crossovers into these areas. But this post was primarily about inspiring group exercise instructors to take advantage of their strengths and extend their services into other spaces. Think of it as guerilla group exercise, quality programming on the streets!

Who knows, eventually your efforts may turn your newbies into your regulars.

*Check your employment contract or consult a lawyer for your legal rights.