Front row
Confident, driven and goal-oriented, these participants mean business. They want to be seen, they want to be pushed and don’t mind if you call them out by name. Not to be mistaken for those that are standing at the front who are simply hard of seeing but do not want to be seen, do not want to be pushed and calling them out by name is the most horrifying of outcomes.
What they need to know: the front row is where you are least likely to be seen as our gaze goes over the top of your head and directly into the eyes of the people incorrectly assuming they are hiding in the back row. The only thing you are privy to in the front row is Instructor sweat, saliva and depending on program, miscellaneous bodily fluids.
Back row
Your typical back-rowers are your first timers, introverts and those that seek the benefits of group fitness, without having to interact with said group. Fair. To provide them the anonymity they are seeking, direct and personalised instructions should be avoided, rather cues that address the entire group (even if you are targeting said cue to one person in the back row) are appreciated. Non-verbals to your back row are also a nice touch to make them feel included, such as eye contact and a smile.
What they need to know: you are far from anonymous in the back row. Being on a stage, our eye gaze naturally goes to the back row and literally more than half of our time is spent looking. Directly. At. YOU.
Middle of the room
Affable and friendly, as a mid-studio dweller you are energized by the people around you. Typically an extrovert, you don’t mind some banter with your fellow participants. The “woo-hoo-er” in the class typically comes from the middle of the room.
What they need to know: you might not realise this – but you give Instructors LIFE! Contrary to popular belief, group fitness is not a one way street. We need your energy! We use the energy we receive from you to deliver engaging and motivating classes. Basically what we’re saying here is that it’s your fault if our classes are terrible…
Unsanctioned areas
You’re rogue. You’re unpredictable. You tend to tread your own path with no regard for the norm. You would make a great Instructor. What other kind of psychopath would want to become an Instructor??
What they need to know: you. Stress. Us. Out. If you’re trying to rattle us: mission accomplished. Oh and you should definitely train to become a Les Mills Instructor.
Marie Anagnostis is Marketing Communications Manager (Australia) for Les Mills Asia Pacific. She first trained on BODYATTACK 52 and has since trained in 5 other programs. She now actively teaches BODYPUMP, CXWORX and BODYBALANCE.
