Just Certified, no experience!

[SpinGirlNYC]

Does anyone have any advice for someone who has no experience and trying to get a job subbing as an instructor? Many gyms ask for a "fitness resume" but I have no formal athletic background. HELP!

[TrekTheKaty]

Do like a normal resume--if you don't have experience, list your hobbies and interests. How long have you been participating in athetics? Bike riding? Attending their classes? What do you bring that is different? Goals?

Do you cycle? Have you attended other spinning classes? That is the biggest complaint I have about my spinning instructors. They either have never been on a real bike, so they don't know what "gears" are or what they are trying to simulate. OR, they've never been in any other instructors' classes, so they don't know what they are doing the same or different.

Everybody starts somewhere, and the resume is just like filling out an application. I hate applications, so I'd rather leave a resume.

[Irulan]

Which certification?

[SpinGirlNYC]

Do like a normal resume--if you don't have experience, list your hobbies and interests. How long have you been participating in athetics? Bike riding? Attending their classes? What do you bring that is different? Goals?

Do you cycle? Have you attended other spinning classes? That is the biggest complaint I have about my spinning instructors. They either have never been on a real bike, so they don't know what "gears" are or what they are trying to simulate. OR, they've never been in any other instructors' classes, so they don't know what they are doing the same or different.

Everybody starts somewhere, and the resume is just like filling out an application. I hate applications, so I'd rather leave a resume.

Which certification?

Thanks, that was helpful. I have been indoor cycling for about 3 years since I decided to change my lifestyle and start getting in shape. I lost 80 pounds dieting and exercising (mostly cycling) and it's been something I'm very passionate about ever since. I just got certified with Mad Dogg in February. I did ride outdoors, but I don't have a ton of experience with that. I just want to spread my love for cycling, and maybe even help others reach their weight loss goals!

[channlluv]

Is there a way for you to volunteer as an instructor somewhere? I realized it would be hard to organize the equipment, but wouldn't it be cool to head up some rides for at-risk kids or women who need to work on their self-esteem because of abusive relationships that they've escaped?

Barring that, if you've had any instructional experience at all, that would count on a résumé. Have you had any time in front of a classroom?

Roxy

[Irulan]

I would imagine that getting on some sort of "Substitute" list might be the way to go?

[Zeek]

Get on the sub-list of every club in your area. That's the only way to break in to getting a steady gig (especially with no teaching experience).

Do you have a mentor? If you do, team teaching with that person is another option. Since you've been taking spinning classes for 3 years, can you get on the sub list at the club where you are taking the classes?

[SpinGirlNYC]

you have to audition and get picked up to sub classes, and they usually want someone with experience. but I'm on top of it, and looking to audition everywhere. Thanks so much for the advice! you guys are great!

[tulip]

you have to audition and get picked up to sub classes, and they usually want someone with experience. but I'm on top of it, and looking to audition everywhere. Thanks so much for the advice! you guys are great!

Keep at it, SpinGirl! You'll get picked to sub, and then you'll be well on your way to being a regular spin teacher!

[Resi]

Thanks, that was helpful. I have been indoor cycling for about 3 years since I decided to change my lifestyle and start getting in shape. I lost 80 pounds dieting and exercising (mostly cycling) and it's been something I'm very passionate about ever since. I just got certified with Mad Dogg in February. I did ride outdoors, but I don't have a ton of experience with that. I just want to spread my love for cycling, and maybe even help others reach their weight loss goals!

Hi there,

congrat for you certification, now the work begins. There are many spinninstructors they use the class for there own workout, but this is not right. You have to motivate people, you have to help them and hopefully correct them ( I know this is a difficult task) . Also learn the difference between indoor and outdoor cycling, there are differences. I recommend, check out the website: www.roadbikerider.com, there you can find an e book "keep it real" from Jennifer Sage, Master Instructor MadDogg.
All the best
Resi

[Miranda]

I have/had this same situation and FINALLY I got a regular spot on my gym to teach... but now I have sustained an injury. I can't physically teach until I'm healed. It's really stressing me after waiting so long for a spot. I hope they don't cancel the class spot, or give it way to someone else while they are working it out without me *sigh*. (or ride outside, I'm basically going CRAZY without pedaling!!!)

My best advice to you is just keep trying...

I did the same thing with checking around to different gyms when my home gym didn't have a place for me. Part of this is due to the economy. People have made cut backs on memberships, and class cut back/consolidation follows. Sad. So, if you are low on the ranks, you just gotta get the scraps until you get your break. And/or wait it out.

Your home gym is the best place to get your first sub gig. They know you. And it sounds like you have a real passion and belief in the Spinning Program. I feel the same way and have my own story why, just like you. You would hope that passion shows through and helps to make you a good teacher that people enjoy...and thus want to come to your class as their "favorite instructor". We certainly have some biasis at our gym.

What I am trying to do while injured, you could do the same while waiting, get your stuff totally together (maybe learn some more about outside riding too--TE is great for that, btw)...

Research and work on a variety of profiles and playlist. Educate yourself as much as possilbe about it. Maybe go and see if you can take a free or pay by visit class at other gyms. Check out the how things work. Listen to their members comments of what they like, and what they do not. I have taken all of our instructors at all hours of the day from 5:30am to 5:30pm all days. I know who the audience is I'd be teaching to. This is kinda big in being asked to teach that spot again.

I am a road rider and mtb, besides certified through MDA. Pedaling is sorta my life lol. (plus, I was a 20yr group ex person before I refound my love of pedaling). The roadie crowd that comes inside when it's cold does not like what the daytime non-outside-bike peeps like. I know... I've listened to them both b*tch about it. Erm... mental note to self for future teaching.

Maybe also let whoever is in charge of hiring that you have been really working hard on your class materials. You are really excited about it (when the time comes)--maybe you even share it with them? Anything to show you are psyched and ready. Is there any freebie/training work you can do (legally--there's a liability factor I assume most places if not an actual employee covered by the gym insurance etc.). Can you ride up front w/the teacher--facing class. That's a trip first time you do it.

Plus, if at all humanly possible, I plan not to say "no" to any sub request. Whatever I gotta do to make myself seem like part of the team... I'm there.

Good Luck!