One of the biggest challenges of teaching Les Mills programs or any group fitness class is learning the names of members as they join your class or you take over new classes already on schedules! Over the years, my girls and I have mastered a few ways! So I have a concise post for your teaching portfolio today.
1. Ask them right after the first time you notice them in your class & keep a journal in your gym bag to write it down. Make notes/clues to help you remember them!
2. If you are past that awkward time when you think it’s too late to ask their name, Facebook or social media request them! Say “hey, what’s your name ON FACEBOOK so I can keep you informed with any changes to classes!”
3. Stand at the check in counter with the front desk clerk of the gym so when they scan their cards you can cheat and get their names!
4. Check with your other members that you see engaging the new/old member! They will tell you their name, occupation, husband’s occupation etc. lol!
5. Welcome them to class! Ask if you can take their picture and welcome them on social media using their name, you can always go back to it if you forget!
The new year brings about lots of new faces. As instructors, we are responsible for welcoming them into the fold. Group fitness can be an intimidating environment. One simple thing to encourage those new members is learning their names. Let’s try in 2015 to make a better effort!
I hope these help you!
P.S. Members, you can help us out by coming up and introducing yourself 😉 !
Yours in Healthy, Active, & Prosperous Lifestyles,
Rx Fitness Lady wants to know…
- What techniques do you use to remember people’s names?
Rx Fitness Lady
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Thank you for these!! I am terrible with names and it’s all my fault for sure. I’m WAY passed the point of being polite about this now and I love the tip about social media!! I usually end up asking someone else in the class or checking the sign-in sheet and taking a guess…of course that could go horribly wrong 🙂 Thanks Joi!
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YES! This is so important and I am surprised at how many instructors don’t try do remember names! It helps me when I learn someones name for the first time to associate that name with someone else I know with that name – does that make sense? I find that really helps me! Only problem is when it’s a strange name and I don’t know anyone else by that name! But, that’s only happened a few times 😉 I feel like knowing people’s names and USING them is SO important in what we do 🙂
I recently met a gym instructor at the gym, and she introduced herself, her new class, and even text me the next week to remind me about class! Great tips!
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great tips. when I go to a group fitness class, the instructor always use my name in a sentence. (something like “i hope you enjoy this class). Then they’re using my name several times throughout the class. I guess that’s their way of remembering my name.
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