Dear Marietta, Just wanted you to know that your attendance numbers have been lower than expected, and your class has been red flagged. What!?  Being red flagged The concept of being red flagged was introduced to the group fitness industry in the late 1990’s...
Marietta Mehanni
Blog
#WeGetYou
#wegetyou Recently, there has been a lot of attention focused on public mental health in the media. This is both exciting and enlightening as this is a topic that, until recently, has only been whispered about. We understand the importance of keeping our body and mind...
A Sad Goodbye
A Sad Goodbye Over 10 years ago, I met a woman who would change the course of my life and help me shape the business that I have today. She was someone I met in a Cert III fitness course that I was delivering, and her intelligence and initiative made me take notice....
When ideas become a reality
Drum roll please...! Richard Beddie, CEO of Exercise New Zealand lands another amazing development on the audience of the annual FITEX conference in Auckland, New Zealand. Richard discussed his trip to the World Health Organisation and the initiatives that are being...
Mind your language
Remember when you were younger, and you were told to 'mind your language'? It usually refers to avoiding bad words or having the right tone with elders. Fast forward to today, and I find myself reflecting on this old-fashioned phrase in a whole new context. The Power...
Is good technique causing injuries?
Specific adaptation to imposed demands At a Group Fitness Day a few years ago, I discussed the SAID (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands) principle. This is when the body becomes familiar and comfortable with performing a task in a specific manner, like a squat. We...
Instructor Mental Health
Let’s talk about an elephant in the room. The big one with its backside in your face. The one that you can’t miss, but trying to avoid looking at. Group Exercise Instructor Mental Health. It is an interesting situation because as an instructor, you are not physically...
Plant the seed
I love finding out how people decided to work in the fitness industry, especially regarding group fitness The initial thought that is planted creates a desire that comes to fruition. That first ‘why not’ as Lisa Westlake so eloquently spoke about at the Women in...
Be your own best mentor
A Unique Approach to Instructor Development Over several years, I collaborated with Maria Teresa Stone on a workshop that revolutionized the way instructors hone their skills. The workshop involved recording instructors performing exercises in both water and land...
Can you remember a name?
The Importance of Remembering Names Do you find yourself using the excuse, "I can never remember people's names," more often than you'd like? It's a common sentiment, especially when you encounter numerous individuals. But when those individuals have been loyal...
Can you remember a name?
The most challenging group fitness skill ever: can you remember a name? Did you often find yourself using the excuse, 'I can never remember people's names'? It's a common struggle, especially when dealing with a group of 10 to 50 individuals. However, relying on this...
Is freestyle coming back?
Recently I asked myself, "is freestyle coming back into style?" When I first started in the fitness industry I was an aerobics instructor. Yes, I learned how to teach an aerobics class, which required music, space and my mind, to create an exercise experience. There...