I did it! I successfully taught my first barre class and survived! When I was offered the opportunity to sub a class for a friend I jumped on it immediately. Then panic set in. “I have to get up in front of a group of people and lead them in exercise that will actually be beneficial??!!” After a few deep breaths and rational thinking, I was able to calm down. I already had a class prepared to that was fine. All I needed to do was practice! I can do this!!!
While practicing my main concern was making sure I was keeping track of counting and talking without losing track. This is more difficult than you can think, but not impossible. By the time the class came, I can say that I wasn’t as uncomfortable about than I was at first. I felt okay about it, the only thing left was just to actually do it!
So, D-day arrived. I had told my sister and a few friends about the class just to have some familiar faces for support. My sister and one friend arrived, in addition to six other people. This was a perfect size for a first class. Not too big or intimidating. As people came in and I chatted with them, I informed them that it was my first time teaching, and invited them to provide feedback at the end. Luckily for me, everyone was extremely friendly and supportive.
Overall, the class went very well, I was super nervous and as I started the class, it felt surreal. It was really kind of strange but I guess that’s what it’s like when you’re out of your comfort zone. I managed to keep track of counting (for the most part) and give encouragement along with instruction/information about muscles and form. There were moments where I felt I should be saying something but couldn’t think of what that should be. The one difficult thing was that everyone was just working out and so they weren’t saying anything back (which, why would they?) so I had no idea what anyone was thinking at any given time. But, I could tell they were watching me and looking to me for guidance, so I must be doing something right, right?
After the class was over, a few of the women provided general feedback just by saying it was a good workout and they liked my music. I’ll take it! As long as they get a good workout, that’s all that matters, isn’t it? My friend did confirm what I was thinking, she said she could tell I was thinking (counting) and that I was a little quiet. If that’s the worst of it, I’ll take it. I think that comes with practice and getting more comfortable.
The hard part is over, I taught my first class and survived to talk about it! Does this mean it’s smooth sailing from here on out? Hell no! I am still nervous even about the potential of doing it again, but at least I know that I can do it!