My First Group Fitness Class (As a Teacher!)

So, I’m pretty much on top of the world after teaching my first full group fitness class last night. Do you know this feeling? My adrenaline was pumping, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Honestly, you could’ve given me devastating news and it probably wouldn’t have made a difference. I’ve always been a natural leader, but I finally found my passion in leading group fitness classes.

I was given this opportunity because I am part of a mentee/mentor program offered through UNL that allowed me to gradually work up to teaching a full group fitness class. This program also helps prepare me to take the group fitness instructor exam through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), which I am scheduled to take November 5th (wish me luck!). I taught HIIT Strength (HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training) at the new and gorgeous Recreation and Wellness Center over on East Campus. If you haven't been over there yet, it is a must-see!

I wasn’t nervous per say about leading the workout – I was more nervous about having participants, as it was the last day of UNL’s fall break (no classes Monday and Tuesday). However, there were five ladies plus myself who came to the class and got in an amazing workout on the last day of fall break. The workout went smoothly, my music was perfect, and I had planned just enough to fit within the hour long class time slot.

After the class, my mentor Leah (shout out to her by the way - she's part of the reason I decided to become a group fitness instructor. Check out her blog here!) said that I could teach the class again next week! To say that I am excited is an understatement. I am ecstatic! I will probably spend half of my four day weekend planning for the class – no joke. My plan is to use the exercise step and weights, along with my favorite interval mixes to create an awesome HIIT Strength workout.

Since many of you were unable to attend my class, here’s the workout so you can try it for yourself at home. All you need is a set or two of dumbbells and you’re ready to go!

Warmup – Song of your choice

• March in place

• In and out march

• Hamstring curls

• Butt kicks

• Squat and reach side

• Squat and reach up

• Jumping jacks

• Squats

• Shoulder press (bodyweight)

• Jumping jacks

Legs – "Airplanes" by B.O.B (follow the refrain and natural flow of music for the movements)

• Pulse

• Squat kick

• Pulse

• Squat + lunge

• Pulse

• Squat kick

45 sec HIIT (45 seconds each movement, 2 times through for each superset)

• Thrusters

• Rowers (R then L)

• Upright Row to Press

• Switch Kicks

• Bent row combo

• Pop squats

60-45-30 (60 seconds of each move, then 45 seconds, then 30 seconds of each with no rest in between)

• Chest flies + tricep press

• Reverse flies

• +30 seconds jumping jacks at the end

Circuit – 5 minutes (how many rounds can you get through?)

• 5 push-up + dip turnover

• 10 Plank Jack/Frog Hop

• 10 Squat to DL

• 5 burpees

60-45-30 (same as above)

• Front/side raises

• Curl and twist weight drop

• +30 second jumping jacks at the end

45 sec HIIT (45 seconds each move, repeat sequence 4 times)

• Curtsy lunges

• Sumo deadlift

• Squat jacks or jumping jacks

60-45-30 (same as above)

• Glute Kickbacks

• Bridges

• +30 seconds jumping jacks at the end

Tabata Cardio Finale (8 rounds of 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest for a total of 4 minutes)

• Jump Squats (jumping jacks for modification)

• Burpees (squats for modification)

Core – 30 sec each

• Plank

• Slow mountain climbers

• Side Plank R

• Side Plank L

• Plank + Alternating Leg Lift

• Plank hold

Cool Down and Stretch

So there you have it! My workout from my first ever group fitness class. I can't wait for next week!

#activehusker #fitness #workout #HIIT #strength #adrenaline #passion #leading