Welcome to our 5th edition of the Teacher Community Corner!
Community
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Sophiane Méthot won bronze for Canada in Trampoline Gymnastics. Sophiane has been training with Montreal instructor Maude Desjardins 2-4x per week for the last 8 years. Now on a training break, Sophiane is attending Maude’s classes at the Essentrics Flagship Studio. Maude’s advice for working with professional athletes:
– Jump into your first opportunity! Teaching a PCW group class to a team is ideal, especially as a Level 1 or 2 instructor. This is typically the most common and easiest way to get your foot in the door. Work with a variety of sports and age groups and you will find your niche.
– Forge a strong relationship with the coaches. They know each athletes’ needs, and how you can help.
– Be available to chat 15-20 minutes before class. Get to know them and confirm that your class objectives complement their goals.
– Have fun with your music and stay in touch with what they relate to. An athletes’ mental state plays a large role in their performance and using music they like complements their efforts to stay mentally fit.
Tips & Tricks
Are you looking to improve your website, email, and social media content? Use these photography/filming tips from some of our experts behind the scenes to get the most out of your marketing ideas.
What Essentrics exercises photograph and film best?
You want to make sure your image is interesting, dynamic, and flattering. Ensure your full body is visible, with both arms in view. For standing, consider Side Lunges, Pliés with Arms, and Diagonal Windmills. Pliés are best shot straight on. For the rest, try both straight on and diagonal, then choose the best version. For floor exercises, Side Leg Lifts and any floor stretch shot at a diagonal. Any barre/chair stretches, also at a diagonal.
What should I do with my hands and my head?
Fingers and thumbs together! Avoid “hamburger hands” and bent wrists; a long, straight line with wrist and hand is best. For your head, look at yourself in the mirror or film every angle of your face and choose the best options. In general, head forward, or slightly down and looking far away works well.
Best colours to wear?
Avoid patterns and logos. They can be outdated quickly and don’t translate well on camera. All black is hard for people to see positioning. Find colors that make you feel alive and complement your skin tone, eyes, and hair.
Is there an ideal background to use?
Your background should offer some interest, like a brick or stone wall. It shouldn’t be too busy. Opt for one color and maybe a plant. Great lighting and a clear image is more important than background; if you are inside, face your window. If outside, choose an indirect angle towards the sun.
How should I act?
Once you’re ready to film/photograph, be yourself! A friend’s help can go a long way with both set up and showcasing your genuine energy and smile. Have your message in mind; what am I trying to convey? If you’re focused on social media, keep an eye on trends like leaving just enough empty space at the top (the sky, a brick wall, etc.) where you can add text.
Thank you, Maude Desjardins – Event Coordinator, Ian Graham – Essentrics Videographer & Editor, Adam Thompson – Essentrics Videographer & Editor, and Caitlin Pomeroy – Production Coordinator, for sharing your insights with us!
The Art of Teaching
Working one-on-one with students refines your teaching skills and helps them learn to correct themselves. The opportunity to teach private classes often arises naturally, either as part of your required Teaching Hours or when only one or two students show up to a group class. Below are guidelines for all one-on-one situations (including formal private sessions, recommended for instructors who have passed Level 3):
– Get to Know Your Client: “Do you have any pain or injuries?” “What are your goals?” The more you understand their lifestyle, the better your corrections will be.
– Stick to Your PCWs to ensure a balanced workout. Focus on observing how they move and offering feedback throughout.
– Give Deliberate, Effective Feedback: Gently correct common mistakes with clear, direct cues and reminders. It’s okay if they don’t do everything perfectly; let the movement do its work.
In Montreal? Book a Flagship Studio class to meet fellow instructors and enjoy being a student! Use your exclusive promo code TEACHERTRAINING25 for 25% off a single class or multi-class cards.
