Renew

Flipping through the folders in my red file cabinet this morning, looking for my Spinning certification, as insurance needs to be renewed, I found a one page document. I appeared to be a past handout from one of the many group fitness coordinators under whose supervision I have toiled. In making a real-time, on-the-fly assessment, it quickly became apparent that I might be able to use it as a self-assessment guideline and who knows, maybe even learn something. So here goes. My rating system (I will attempt total and deeply objective sincerity) is on the 1-5 scale of brutal honesty, 5 being absolute perfection and 1 being an area needing some work. This may hurt like a Super Eight.

• Be a role model for all things spinning. 5
• Find and teach my passion. 5 (are you detecting a trend?)
• Be kind to yourself. 3 (so much for positive trending)
• Explore new formats, ideas, theories and classes. 4.5 (halves can be important with details)
• Remember to keep things simple. 4.5 (OMG, another trend)
• Try new styles of music in my classes. 4
• Nurture the new person in class. 4 (not sure nurture is the perfect verb here)
• Keep your classes at the appropriate level. 5 (Hello Standard Disclaimer)
• Give permission for modifications in your classes. 5 (see above)
• Know what injuries you are dealing with in your classes. 4.5 (I will assume they mean the students)
• Love the job and let it show. 5
• Eat, sleep and play well. 4
• Be on time, prepared and completely present. 5
• Joyfully substitute for my colleagues. 5
• Welcome everyone with a smile. 5
• Keep my classes fresh. 4.5
• Ensure that my classes are safe. 5 (haven’t lost anyone yet)
• Keep my certifications current. 1 (the reason for the file cabinet)
• Attend conferences and workshops to improve my skills. 4
• Volunteer my time to a worthy cause. 4 (not sure how this one slipped in, but…)
• Mentor a new instructor. 3 (not in a while)
• Seek out a mentor. 3 (always looking)
• Befriend and respect my fellow instructors. 3 (respect yes, befriend, depends)
• Keep open to feedback. 4 (fire away)
• Call people by name. 4
• And, most importantly, I will never give up on my clients even if they have given up on themselves. 4 (if you give up I will most likely not see you anymore, sorry.)

26 questions. My average was 4. Hoping that on the bell curve it rings true.

Now to renew that certificate and policy.