
Hosted by Sara Keller · EN
The Group X Files Podcast is THE place to go to demystify the secrets to leading the best group exercise classes hosted by Sara Keller, an instructor with two decades of experience in addition to being the Group X Director of a high-performing team of 100+ instructors.
Each 20-30 minute episode, delivered directly (with occasional sass) and launched every other week, delves into a crucial aspect of instructor development to help take you to the next level of connection with members so you can fill your classes week after week. Whether you are just getting started on your instructor journey or are a veteran in the studio, we will have content to help you self-assess, make small tweaks to amplify your strengths, and grow through the areas that are not yet your strengths. Look for bonus content for Group X managers/directors on building a high-performing team.

It's a cliche, but the best way to lead is by example. Talk the talk. Walk the walk. Inspect what you expect. Leading a team means executing the tasks you ask of your team in an exemplary manner. If you are teaching, you crush your classes. If you are walking the club, you are tidying up anything out of place. You are saying hi as you pass people. You are engaging with members and staff. Listen in to learn more about the trickle down effects of leading by example, and the detriments caused by not doing so.

When we are teaching on a regular basis, we are tempted to re-invent the wheel to keep people engaged and keep "upping the ante," so to say. But what if we considered that a huge killer of motivation is not laziness, but complexity? If people are overwhelmed, they are less likely to continue to do something. Listen in for ways we can keep things accessible while also making them fun and engaging.

Setbacks and rejections are something no one looks forward to. However, as Group Exercise Instructors, we are subject to scrutiny from others. And our "sport" is not one of fastest to the finish line wins. We want to pursue new and challenging opportunities, but they also come with the potential for disappointment if we are not selected. Listen in to learn about setting expectations, focusing on the things you can control, and reframing disappointing outcomes to continue to grow and develop as an instructor.

You want to be the person that members are immediately drawn to when they enter the studio, right? Aside from club-branded gear and a headset, how do you achieve this? Listen in and learn how to use your physical presence, verbal skills, and preparation to own the room each and every time you walk in to teach.

We have looked at the instructor why in prior episodes, and many directors still work as instructors too, so it is important to be connected to that why. But what about your director why? With all of the demands of leadership and working with a crew of part-time staff who come and go at different times and have different demeanors, why bother? If you want to get past the rush of January and lead through the rest of your year, working from your why is the first step.