‘The best way to predict the future is to create it‘ a quote by Peter Drucker, whom is one of the best-known and most widely influential thinkers and writers on the subject of management theory and practice. His quote is something that struck a powerful chord with me years ago, that I have applied in many circumstances. I do believe that you create outcomes.

The Warm-Up: Setting the Stage for Success

The beginning of a group exercise class can be viewed in a similar way. This is known as the warm up and it is common knowledge that it is important physiologically. As it prepares the body for the workout and assists in avoiding injuries. Psychologically, the start of a workout can set expectations. These expectations can be of the workout ahead, but more importantly, the confidence that a participant has in the instructor. Will this be a good class? Will I enjoy this workout? Is this what I signed up for regarding level of intensity? Is the instructor competent? Will this instructor encourage and inspire me when I am feeling fatigued? These questions are answered within the first 5 to 10 minutes of the warm up.

The Importance of Planning: Creating a Great Warm-Up

With so much at stake, with the safe preparation of the body for the workout and meeting participants expectations, how much planning do you do for your warm up? Is it something that you consider after you planned the rest of the class? Do you feel it is necessary?  Or a boring part of the class that you need to get through to get to the best part of the workout?

Creating a Memorable Experience

Going back to Drucker’s quote, the best way to predict a great workout experience is to start creating it from the beginning of the class. Your warm up needs to be like the opening of a movie or concert. It needs to capture people’s attention and create enthusiasm. It is about whetting an appetite for the main course, with the entrée. If you went to a restaurant and your entrée was disappointing, you would be crossing your fingers that the rest of the meal would be better. But if instead, your entrée was excellent, you would be waiting in anticipation for what was to come afterwards.

The Art of the Start: Crafting an Effective Warm-Up

The Art of the Start is a course created by Maria Teresa Stone and me to help inspire and show how to make your warm up in any group exercise class simple yet effective, to achieve the physiological and psychological goals. Not often are group exercise instructors taught how to make their warm ups enticing and interesting and The Art of the Start fills this gap. This course shows you how to take simple moves that can be adapted for warms ups for three different class styles (cardiovascular, martial arts and dance). But also how to create the sparkle that each participant needs to ensure that they want to stay to the end and to savour every part. 

Want to become a Group Fitness Instructor

The My Group Move Instructor Pathway is the only implementation program of its kind. Learn exactly how to create and deliver group fitness classes like a pro and how to get people moving for a healthier lifestyle.

With MGM Instructor Pathway Certification, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive support system designed to help you succeed. Over the course of 10 weeks, we offer weekly coaching to keep you on target with your goals and ensure accountability. Additionally, our private MGM Instructor Pathway Facebook group facilitates direct connections with fellow students and instructors, providing a platform for questions, sharing challenges, and celebrating successes. Plus, you’ll have email access to the MGM team, ensuring you can always reach out if any issues arise that could impact your progress or completion of course modules.

Learn more about the MGM Instructor Pathway HERE