Soooooo……..you guys know that I quit being an instructor for the time being. Well, just because I’m not teaching doesn’t mean I’m done with group fitness classes. It’s actually quite the opposite – I’ve been looking forward to actually attending some classes and getting my own butt kicked for a change!

But just in this past week I’ve noticed that it’s kind of a “curse” being an instructor and attending other instructor’s classes. It’s really, really hard to find someone who meets my expectations. I know I sound pompous, and trust me, I know that not every instructor is for everyone, but I really do expect a lot:

• Great music
• High energy
• Encouragement
• A good azz whoopin

I want to leave that class feeling like I was pushed to my limit and knowing I couldn’t possible have done anything more than I did. Of course, some of this is up to me, but a lot of it is up to the instructor, too! That’s what they are paid to do!

However, tonight I attended what was called SpinYoga (75 minutes). It was described as being “45-50 minutes of spinning followed by 20-25 minutes of yoga”. After my short run with Team Challenge yesterday I knew my leg could really use the stretching.

Well, the class was horrible. I contemplated leaving halfway through, but I’m not a quitter and stuck it out til the end. I’m a person who is driven by music. Well, the instructor’s music choices were ridic. There was absolutely NO variety whatsoever – NONE. Now, I’ve been known to be the “ghetto” friend of my circle since I love 50 Cent, Snoop, Kanye, etc, but I also know that when I’m teaching I can’t use only my favorite music. There needs to be a variety or I’d never appeal to a wide range of people!! The instructor flatout used only rock music, such as U2, Coldplay, and some silly girl bands (I have no idea who they were). Bored me to DEATH.

In addition to the music, there was also no encouragement or variety in the workout. The instructor basically just told us to relax our toes and fingers the entire time. Yes, I think instruction on good form is great (and necessary!), but I also want the instructor to get excited and do a good build up before he or she yells for us to “GO, GO, GO!”. Yeah…….ummmmmm……nothin.

And to make matters worse, the class just went on and on and on. It ended up being 105 minutes of spin and 5 minutes of stretching! WHAT? Where was the yoga that was promised on the schedule? And if that’s what the class is, then I’m totally fine with it, as long as that’s how it’s advertised and listed on the schedule. So disappointing.

Ugh, I was so annoyed and frustrated when I left the studio today. And that’s not really the feeling I’m going for when I attend a group fitness class. I expected to come home feeling calm and zen-like! Am I glad I went? Yes. Will I be back? Absolutely not (not to this class at least).

So I was thinking on my way home that maybe it’s sort of a curse that I became in instructor. Now my expectations are so high and I wonder if I’ll ever be satisfied. It’s something I have to think about. But in the meantime I’m going to keep scouring the city for my favorite classes and instructors. There has to be someone/something out there for me, right???

What about you? What are your requirements for an instructor? Are you as picky as me??

Please note that this post was not meant in any ill way. I am just ranting about my own personal experience from one day. Take it with a grain of salt.