What I learned from School Teachers

Jonny Parr
Apr 8, 2018
4 min read

Whether you’re a personal trainer, fitness coach or body transformation guru, we can all learn from primary and secondary teachers. Having been a PE teacher for many years, the process of becoming one and in practice is an amazing and hugely worthwhile learning experience.

I admire teachers on a level of fronts. From what I experienced and witnessed, the job is difficult, challenging, and hugely productive. The skills teachers possess and have developed are nothing short of inspiring. Here are some that us fitness professionals can learn from.

PREPARATION

Teachers in schools prep for everything. Whether it be lesson plans, pupil assessments, self-assessments, or arranging a safe working environment for their pupils, no area of preparation is disregarded. The same has to be true within fitness. Firstly assessing clients is important before they embark on a programme. Usually this is in the form of a health consultation, fitness tests and a movement screen. Collecting data will aid the programmes you prescribe and importantly make your client aware of their current state of affairs and the process they are about to commit to. Reassessment is also important in order to gauge whether clients are actually getting results. Reassessing their bodyfat or fitness test results will identify whether your programme is working, the next steps and crucially help motivate clients. Accountability for all concerned is also vital if clients are to reach their goals and reassessing keeps both coach and client enthused to do so. ENVIRONMENT

I’ve been to the Doha English Speaking School (DESS) a number of times and what immediately strikes me are their humbling classrooms. They are always filled with an abundance of colour usually by means of recognizing pupil’s achievements and work in the form of displays. The pic above is of a spaceship pupils built. A spaceship?! How amazing, creative and inspiring is that! Lighting is always bright and teachers carefully collaborate the positioning of their furniture and resources. All in all, their classrooms are the perfect learning environment as they facilitate kid’s motivation, mood and the tools necessary to teach their learning objectives. Fitness professionals can learn from this given the environment we coach in. Whether it’s a gym or outdoor location, safety checks should be the priority before any one client arrives. Are there dumbbells lying in a hazardous area? Is the aircon working? Do clients have access to water? It may seem extreme, but a safety checklist is a great means of organizing and making sure you have all initial welfare bases covered. Another matter of consideration is the general aura of where your clients train. Is the gym intimidating? Do meatheads curl in the squat rack? Does your client get embarrassed in front of others? Getting to know your client or clients goes a long way and you have a responsibility to build an environment where they feel motivated, and above all else safe and secure. CPD (CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT)

Continuous self-improvement and learning is essential in all professions. I can remember studying for my PGDE and they pounded us with countless CPD classes on an array of topics such as making the most of our resources, different teaching and learning styles (Mosston) and the importance of integrating with other teaching departments. Learning more is hugely advantageous from both a personal and work perspective. The fitness industry changes everyday with new information, whether good or bad. Keeping up to date with everything, learning new material and importantly filtering through the junk is essential, for your development. This may be in the form of certifications such as the Westside Barbell or Precision Nutrition’s certifications. – both online. Additionally, more hands on certifications include those provided by International Fitness Alliance. TRX classes, Kettlebell classes, whatever interests you. Building an arsenal of qualifications will leave you in good stead. Reading as often as possible is also a great way to develop professionally. Free online articles are available from reliable sources such as T-Nation (Fitness), Precision Nutrition (Nutrition) or Tim Ferris (Lifestyle). Great books include Engineering the Alpha by John Romaniello and Adam Bornstein, F*&% Calories (actual name of the book!) by Krista Scott-Dixon and the Four Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris. Whatever you decide, studying should never stop whatever your age or circumstances. In doing so, both you and your clients will benefit massively.

TEACHING/COACHING STYLES

I previously touched upon Mosston with regard to learning styles. Every British PE teacher has probably heard of this guy. For those who haven’t, he developed a range of learning styles that aimed to cater for all pupils. Everyone learns by different means. In it’s simplest form, we tend to be some of the following: Visual – picture, images, spatial understanding Verbal – words, writing, speech Aural – sound, music Physical – use of body, touch Logical – reasoning, systems Social – group settings, working with people Solitary – work alone, self-study In the fitness domain, clients learn differently. Physical learning methods are perhaps recognised as the most effective in our industry but avenues such as key visual cues can be just as important. For example, recording and playing back particular exercises of a client performing them can help aid the coaching points you’re trying to get across. Importantly, much like teaching its best to have only 2 or 3 maximum coaching points per session. Overburdening them will lead to confusion and frustration. Making clear the points you see as most important will pay dividends to their performance. Your clients will also likely prefer to learn in a social (CrossFit) or solitary (one to one PT) setting. The Aural style of learning can also be important as there’s no denying blaring songs can push clients further during their metcons or whatever! The takeaway point is to be aware that individuals learn differently. Your ability as a coach/trainer to differentiate by whatever means will help your clients immensely. CLOSING Teaching is an awe-inspiring profession that everyone particularly fitness pros can learn from. The level of interaction and experience they have from working with individuals and groups of people is hugely commendable. As fitness people, there are countless means we can learn from teachers. Their preparation, environment, CPD and teaching/learning styles are only four of a very long list. Now let’s forgive them for their outrageous holidays!