Are you Part of a Caring Staff
Instructors play a significant role in client retention and how members view the aerobics program. When new students walk into the room, are they greeted warmly? Do you briefly go over with them what to expect from the class and discuss safety precautions?
One of the worst insults is to be ignored — especially when it’s at a time when attention is needed the most, as with new students. An instructor who walks in at the last minute, pops in a tape and says “Let’s go!” isn’t going to win any loyalty from participants.
Early in my career as an aerobics director, a member once approached me and said, “I’ve made the decision to go to a different health club as soon as my membership runs out here.” I found out it had nothing to do with the schedule, the equipment or the facility. It was simply that “Nobody on the staff ever says ‘Hi’ to me.” It was a lesson I never forgot. Just saying “Hi” may seem insignificant to most of us, but to a new student or to someone feeling down, it can carry a lot of power. While we concentrate on meeting the fitness needs of our students, we sometimes forget to meet the human need to be recognized as individuals.
Understanding the importance of getting to know students by their first names and developing a caring, nurturing attitude will pay off in increased participation.
Ongoing, friendly interaction between the instructor and students will go a long way toward keeping aerobics participants enthusiastic. A sincere, well-timed compliment can be a powerful motivater. When negative feedback is required, begin with positive praise, then work toward the correction.
January 16th, 2012 - Posted in Fitness | | Comments Off
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