Dare to Be Different!
By Rebecca T. Hingst

“In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” —
Max Depree

Maybe you have found yourself in a similar situation: while preparing the usual music mix, Sally walks in the group
fitness room and claims her usual corner, grabs the usual step, hand weights and jump rope, then asks—you
guessed it—“is it the usual?”

With a subtle sign of frustration you nod; just what you needed to hear, to confirm your 5:25 Monday night
boredom.

In the training realm, Bob, your number one client, decides he no longer wants to work with you because he is not
seeing any results. He feels like his program is old and exercise is becoming monotonous.

As fitness professionals, we work diligently to build reputation and earn success. We want to be accepted and well
known. We want to have full classes. We want residual clients. We want words of affirmation when the music fades
and the sweat is dripping.

After finally achieving approval for developing the perfect routine, however, we become trapped within our own
box of success, subsequently becoming fearful of stepping outside the lines, of weakness, disappointment and—
most dreadful—change.

How many of you have heard “Why did you change that combination?” or “I don’t like it; it's different,” or “I can’t
follow; it never stays the same.”

Experiences such as these lead us to perceive change as a terrible decision. Avoiding change can bring short-
term success. In the group fitness room, instructors are more familiar with choreography and movements; they
have perfected them to a tee and even know when to throw in an extra “Woo!” Confidence is contagious, as
nearly everyone in the room is comfortable with the class they have been doing for weeks. As a personal trainer,
clients have the order down precisely; they know exactly how many repetitions to do and are secure with the
weight and level of resistance.

Long term, however, boredom begins to replace enthusiasm. Dissatisfaction becomes epidemic as students
leave, results decrease and our professional confidence dwindles. Eventually, the eye rolls and expressionless
woos of your veterans and valuable clients transfer the newsflash: HELLO! Everyone is ready for something new,
including you!

Synonymous with change are modify, adjust, vary, reform, revolutionize. Notice there is no commonality between
change and failure. Think about technology. As it revolutionizes, is it unsuccessful? Technological change allows
us to teach with iPod’s, wireless microphones and hour-long music mixes set at 128 beats per minute and allows
us to monitor our heart rates while we do it; advancements allow us to test our clients body composition, monitor
blood pressure and create virtual images of how they will look after reaching their goals.

Contrary to what many believe, change can actually be a positive step in improving skillfulness, maturity and
surprisingly, success of any professional. Change builds anticipation, creates excitement, offers variation and
challenge, generates skill development and offers a way to share ideas and impact the fitness lives of your
participants.

Does this mean next week your entire routine should be different? Of course not. The best change is gradual.
Challenge yourself to change at least one element each week. Modify the way you cue. Adjust the sequence and
timing of repetitions. Vary the music. Over time, your routine will continually reform, and your excitement and skill
will likewise revolutionize.

Inevitably, fitness changes, so why don’t we? This is what many of us do for a living, and even more importantly,
as a passion. If you struggle with change, take a moment to consider changing the way you think; remember that
training and teaching is not necessarily for you, but for your participants. Positive changes will help them facilitate
their fitness goals while improving your credibility, reputation and success.

On your mark, get set, go dare to be different; as a fitness leader, change starts with you!


Rebecca T. Hingst holds a Bachelors degree in Dietetics and is a graduate student at Florida State University,
studying clinical and sports nutrition. She is a group fitness director at Gold’s Gym University in Tallahassee,
Florida, a health and nutrition writer, group presenter and spokesmodel for Scitec Nutrition.

This article may be read at http://scwfitness.com/index.php?story=1078&fmt=1