I applied to literally every gym in the area, and as my fitness instructor friends know, it's sometimes super hard to even get a response from the gyms you apply to. After about a million applications and questions, I heard back from 3 gyms. After replying to those 3, only 1 ended up wanting to make an audition/interview time. Aggravating, but worth it to get that 1!
Anyway the Fitness Director at that one gym emailed me and asked me to come in with a 10-15 minute demo prepared with a warm-up and cool-down.
Boy was I nervous. I spent days making my routine and trying to squeeze an entire wealth of moves and combinations into 10 short minutes. Finally I got my routine down and I was ready to go.
I got there about 15 minutes early and waited in my car going over my playlist and moves nervously and then went in so that I was about 5 minutes early. The Fitness Director came over and said hi, we went downstairs to a studio, and I set up.
First, we had about a five minute interview; just a few questions like: what's your fitness background? what do you like to teach? would you be interested in teaching other format? Nothing too complicated.
Then, it came time for my demo, only she threw me for a loop, because I didn't actually get to do my demo! Instead, she asked if I wanted to play music or not and then asked for separate components. For example, she would say "okay let's do some cardio moves" or "lets move into some toning". So, long story short, I had a whole routine planned to the music, and instead I had to work on the spot and come up with some random moves and combinations. But, it all worked out, and she really seemed to like it!
I won't find out for a bit whether or not I got the job, but I couldn't wait to write about it. Especially because I want to give some tips for people who might be going on their first audition, too.
Tips:
- When looking for a job, find out who the Fitness Director is. They'll usually be the one doing the instructor hiring, so it's best to talk to them. What I did was start by asking if they accept applications, and they'll usually answer yes or no and ask for your information depending. - Also when looking, persevere. It's hard when you aren't hearing back, but you have to keep applying and keep contacting people, because that one gym that is interested in you will contact you eventually, but not if you give up.
- When communicating with the gym at first, be persistent. Don't bug them or anything, but the Fitness Director is usually really busy and sometimes forgets to email you back (at least I like to think it's because they're too busy). If they're interested and you sent them your information and times you could meet and it's been a week or two since you've heard from them, shoot another email with refreshed meeting times. That's just my opinion of course. I know a lot of people might think that's rude or unprofessional, but that's how I got my audition, and honestly I think it shows them you aren't willing to give up.
- Don't worry too much if you do not have a resume full of teaching experience. I had none; but, so did all teachers at one point or another, and the Fitness Director was in that position once, too. Just make sure you emphasize any times that you did teach, whether for your friends, for volunteer work, or for a club.
- Plan a demo routine, but also plan a few separate moves for cardio, toning, warm-up, stretching, and cool-down. You never know what they're going to end up asking for, and it's best to be prepared with a whole 15 minute class and also some moves you can just throw together to match whatever they're asking for. Don't get tripped up if your routine changes or if they're asking you interview questions during the routine. They aren't analyzing your every move. They know it's hard to fit a routine into a little amount of time, and they are mostly looking to see that you know how to instruct and motivate the class. - Modifications, modifications, modifications. Honestly, I think one of the biggest things they are looking for is that you can give modifications, both for increasing and decreasing the difficulty of the move. They want to see that you are flexible and able to work with your class, because that's your job!
- Describe how to do each move as if they were a beginner. Spell it our for them. I mean, don't talk down to them for anything, but they are trying to find out how you teach normal people, and you want them to know that you will describe the moves to your students in the safest, clearest way possible.
- Be prepared to answer your strengths and weaknesses as an instructor.
- Be prepared with questions! They want to know that you're interested in them, too. Some questions include: what's the audience like here (age wise, intensity level wise)? how long do classes last? where are the classes normally taught? is there a direction they'd like to take the fitness program in?
- Tell them what you want to teach and what interests you, but let them know you are willing to teach what they need to be taught and work with them on their goals as a gym. They want to know that you're a flexible teacher and that if they have a space to fill, you're the instructor to fill it.
- Be yourself. Trust me, if you love fitness and teaching, that will come through. You don't have to put on a personality or be nervous. Your true self is enough, and your passion will get you through this audition.
So, that's what I could think of for some good tips, but if anyone else has any please feel free to add them. We should always help out our fellow fitness buddies, because that's how we share our passion and accomplish our goals together!
Good luck if you're going on an audition or looking for a job, and thank you for reading!
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