👉 Finding Your Voice as a Fitness Instructor: Who Do You Emulate?

When I first began teaching, I naturally looked to the instructors who had taught me. Their formats, music choices, and cueing styles were my initial roadmap. I observed what resonated with me and just as importantly, what didn’t. That early exposure helped shape my understanding of what kind of teacher I wanted to be.

I also drew immense inspiration from two standout figures in the fitness industry: Cathe Friedrich and Jenny Ford. Their professionalism, energy, and creative programming lit the fire for my journey. Over time, I’ve been influenced by countless others, but the end goal was always to build a style uniquely my own based on what I love, and what I realistically can and can’t do.

When getting your group fitness certification, one of the first things we learn is that our audience is the general public; not elite athletes, not Instagram influencers. That includes people across every age group, fitness level, and physical ability. And with that reality comes a crucial responsibility: to make movement accessible, effective, and safe.

🚧 Understanding Limitations, Without Limiting Possibility

Take a 60-year-old participant, for example. While some may crush burpees with ease, others might struggle with joint pain, past injuries, or conditions like osteoporosis. Pregnancy adds another layer of consideration, requiring careful modification and monitoring. And then there are folks who are simply new to movement or don’t consider themselves “coordinated.” They need guidance, patience, and encouragement, not shame or exclusion.

What we’re really doing as instructors is meeting people where they are, both physically, mentally  and emotionally:

• Modifying impact levels for joint protection
• Offering alternate exercises for different mobility needs
• Creating space for those who learn at different speeds
• Building confidence, not just muscle

🛠️ Smart Programming = Safer, Stronger Classes

There’s no one-size-fits-all blueprint, and that’s why thoughtful programming matters. Moves that look flashy on YouTube can be risky without context and proper form. As instructors, it’s our job to filter the trends and adapt workouts to real-life humans.

In every class I taught, I build in:

• Low-impact options for those with sensitivities or injuries
• Advanced variations for higher fitness levels
• Verbal and visual cues to improve coordination
• Moments of encouragement to celebrate effort—not just performance

Group fitness isn’t about showing off, it’s about showing up. As instructors, we’re here to guide, support, and encourage, not intimidate. The atmosphere we create should invite people in, not push them away.