Classes for the Masses

As instructors, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling more fit than others, but why do we do what we do? Sometimes instructors forget that their jobs exist so that others who need to get in shape can do so.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen many teachers who beleive they are superior  try to make their class so intense that participants feel inferior. Instead, shouldn’t we be helping people achieve their goals without ruining their bodies? Shouldn’t we be pacing our classes for the average person trying to get into shape?

I’m very sensitive to this, because at one point, I was over 300 pounds. I had difficulty waking up the stairs to work, let alone exercising regularly. So when I have larger students walk through the door the first time, I’m excited and thrilled for them. I do everything in my power to make that class work for them, so they will come back.

Some teachers would argue that we need to make classes tougher, so people realized how far out of shape they are and how much work they need to do. I disagree. We’re not only guides but cheerleaders…motivators who have an obligation to help people reach their benchmarks and feel better about themselves. That’s why I have always taught at a medium level. That way my more advanced students aren’t bored, and my newbies aren’t lost. So often I hear about people walking out of other classes in frustration. I wonder if those instructors even care that they’ve completely disheartened someone? These participants are looking for inspiration.

That next class you teach could be the first and only class an out of shape individual ever enters. Instructors need to consider carefully what message they’re sending–hope or discouragement.