Outside interest: fitness instructor

Barratt Northampton project manager Lisa Clements teaches two types of exercise to music classes as a group fitness instructor, one of which is a martial-arts-based class while the other is a spin-bike class.

How did you get into teaching group fitness 

I have regularly attended fitness classes outside of work for nine years. Three years ago one of my instructors encouraged me to take qualifications. It was a challenge and something to push me out of my comfort zone, so I took a week off work to do practical sessions for my level two exercise-to-music qualification and studied theory modules in my spare time. I attended two further training modules required to teach body combat and indoor cycling workout, called RPM.

What does it involve?

I coach classes of 20 to 40 people through a 45 min to one hour fitness class. It is my job to make people feel welcome, have a good time and help them to improve their fitness and wellbeing by delivering an effective class.

Why do you do it?

I love interacting with my participants and seeing them improve week on week. I also enjoy the fitness challenge of trying to be a role model for my classes.

What’s the toughest thing about it?

Sometimes it is difficult to find the motivation to be energetic in front of a class if you’ve had a busy day at work. But the enthusiasm of the participants always pulls you through.

What’s the most rewarding thing about it?

Seeing your participants improve is great. You often see the same people week after week and you witness their fitness and confidence grow. I like to encourage participants to undertake their own instructor journey, and a few have gone on to teach fitness classes themselves. 

Are there any similarities between your day job and being a fitness instructor?

You need to have good people and presentation skills for both. It is important to be clear about what you are trying to present, be it the details of a new residential scheme to a planning committee or teaching a new routine to a group of fitness participants. I also have a required level of continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain with my teaching as I do with planning.

Do you have any unusual interests or hobbies that you would like to tell us about? If so, please email planning@haymarket.com