Homage to the Group Fitness Instructor
March 2025
Hello BHC community,
This month's letter is still all about fitness, however, instead of sharing educational information about a type of exercise or piece of equipment, I’d like to give you an inside look at what it takes to be, and pay homage to the Group Fitness Instructor.
Dating back to around 1970 starting with “Aerobics” and “Jazzercise” classes (the leotard and leg-warmers era), group fitness hit the scene, and with the help of pioneers like Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons evolved into the amazing network of class options that we have today.
Like Jane and Richard, over the years there have been many, many “celebrity” instructors and they’re still out there today making videos on professional sets that are being streamed on a computer at home, on a console of an indoor bike, or on a phone leaning up against a water bottle on the gym floor. This is progress and helping people all over the world get fit.
For most Group Fitness Instructors, it’s a little different. They all started as a member of a gym or studio, taking classes and trying to get fit like all the other members. Then one day the Instructor, or some Fitness Director (wink), said “Hey, have you ever thought about becoming an instructor?” Or “The instructor is sick. Do you think you could lead the class for us?” and so their journey begins. Listening to music takes on a whole new meaning, trying to hear the down-beat and transitions in every song. Every class they take becomes an observation of what the instructor is doing and saying, and biomechanics, technique, cuing and flow are now at the forefront of their thinking…constantly.
While in other professions where you can simply call-out, the dedicated and steadfast GX Instructor is of the most reliable. Sometimes, in addition to a full-time job or taking care of young children (or both!), they work for one, or several gyms, health clubs or studios, typically where they have been a member. They spend time before every class preparing the exercise program, sequence or flow, the music playlist, choreography (special shout-out to the BodyPump Instructors) and all the other little details needed to lead a great class. They come in early to welcome members in and stay after class for the chance to chat and build community. They sometimes come in injured or sick, or after a hard day, and have the professionalism, presence and attitude where you would never know it. They do this because they care. They care about the club and they care about the members. And they know that cancelling a class, while sometimes necessary, is the absolute last resort.
Last resort indeed, but there is a special code within the Group Fitness Instructor community where they have each other’s backs, and subbing is part of the job. Many times over someone has changed their plans last minute to help out a fellow instructor. This sacrifice helps the club, its members and deserves recognition. To our members I ask, please support the subs.
Lets also not forget it takes a special type of person to not only speak in front of a group, but to lead the group through a 60 minute class with the responsibility of helping the members get fit and the goal of making the class the best hour of their day. What’s that saying about people fearing public speaking more than death? Not this group. They “dare greatly.”
From as early as 6:00am to as late as 8:00pm, BHC has Group Fitness Instructors that take absolute pride and responsibility in showing up to help our members be better, building community, and they are "celebrity" instructors to me.
Thank you, Group Fitness Instructors.
Sincerely,
Kyle Hyde
Owner & Fitness Director
Ballard Health Club