Introduction
Thank you for checking out my website and this very long note! Over the years of teaching, I always search for a toolkit or guide to help me identify what I need to purchase, including tips and tricks of the profession. Unfortunately, I could not find anything similar to what I am looking for. So as I result, I made this guide to help current and new group fitness instructors. I highly encourage you to also talk to your Group Fitness Manager and other group fitness instructors as they might be able to give you feedback on additional supplies you might need to carry for your area.
Again... This is a general list I have compiled together! Much thought has gone into this note. I hope this will help you on your group fitness instructor journey. This list will constantly be updated with any changes. Email me if I am missing anything.
New Group Fitness Instructor Order Sheet
I suggest that all new group fitness instructors purchase a Good Gym Bag, Microphone Transmitter Carrier Belt (Tune Belt), Windscreen, Aux Cord, Disinfecting Wipes, and extra batteries just in case. You can purchase them through http://www.avnow.com, https://www.amazon.com, http://www.starvingmusician.com, https://www.guitarcenter.com/, and etc.
I highly encourage you to also talk to your Group Fitness Manager and other group fitness instructors as they might be able to give you feedback on additional supplies you might need to carry for your area. Again... This is a general list I have compiled together! Please share this post with other group fitness instructors.
Microphone Transmitter Carrier Belt (Tune Belt)
- Generic Tune Belt: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001S3283K
- TeeKay Tune Belt: http://a.co/iCOAlqU
- Fancy Tune Belt - http://www.avnow.com/Aeromic_Standard_Vertical_Pouch_SPARKLE_p/sp-2pbling-various.htm
Windscreens
Windscreen are important because they are designed to reduce unpleasant wind, breath & popping noise and keep the same level of sound quality at the same time. Check with your Group Fitness Manager and check what microphone they have at their particular facility. Purchase your own windscreen to protect the microphone device and also not get you SICK! Cheap - Go to your 99 Cent Store or Walmart and get Hair Rollers, cut it in half, and your got a windscreen. They tend to block some of the sound. Great alternative on a budget. Small Windscreen (Tetra-Teknica MNWSDP Mini-size Lapel Microphone Windscreen, Color Black, One Dozen Pack): http://amzn.com/B00B6KG1WE Large Windscreen (Tetra-Teknica XFFZ5P-BLK Lapel & Headset Microphone Windscreen, Color Black, 5-P): http://amzn.com/B006HNQQ66 GX Mic and Shure SM-31 Windscreens - 5 pack (Black) - http://www.avnow.com/aerobics-wireless-mic-systems/accessories/gx-mic-windscreens-5-pack-black.html Windscreens - Round - Replacements 10 Pak = Link: http://a.co/hJxVYiA
Batteries
Always prepare for the worst! Make sure you always keep a few batteries in your gym bags so you could operate your gym’s microphone. Check with your Group Fitness Manager and find out what batteries the microphone take at their particular facility. #1 - 99 Cent Store Battery: http://www.harborfreight.com Purchase from a local store.
Aux Cords
Aux Cord *Highly Encouraged* Aux cord are essential to connect to the gym main system and play your music from your device. Regular - 3.5mm Male to Male (Aux-in) Input Aux Cord: http://amzn.com/B00L128TFO Speciality Aux Cord 3.5mm to 1/4" (Typically used at older facilities, not required): http://amzn.com/B000068O34
Electronics
Music Player Device
Depending on your facility you might need to get an MP3 Player device. If you also do not have an iPod or an MP3 Player… It is suggested that you have a separate device from your cell phone to store all of your music. A good rule of thumb for all fitness instructors… Is to always keep your cellphone visible during class “In Case of ANY Emergencies” were to happen!! *cross your finger it doesn’t* But your phone call could save someone's life!
Apple Refurbished iPods:
https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/ipod
Apple Refurbished iPads:
https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/ipad
Samsung Galaxy Tablets:
https://www.samsung.com/us/tablets/
Microsoft Surface:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/surface
P.S. Portable Power Bank / Battery Charger - To charge your device in case you forget to charge your MP3 Player or iPod.
Bluetooth your device
USB Charger Cord Extra Wall Charger Bluetooth Receiver, Mpow Streambot Portable Wireless Adapter Hands-Free Car Kit for Home/Car Streaming Audio Systemby MpowLink: http://a.co/cq3XQZF
TaoTronics Bluetooth AUX Adapter, AptX Low Latency Bluetooth Receiver, 15 Hour Hands-Free Bluetooth Car kit, Wireless Audio Bluetooth 4.2 Car Adapter, Auto on Once Plugged to Power(CVC 6.0): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLQ47MY/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_AKHSZJ8FMW94TYRHZEE0
Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter - Makes your speakers Bluetooth for streaming music from your iPod: http://amzn.com/B00IQBSW28
Self Care
Small Goodies
- Make sure you get some good tea and honey (Honey Citron Tea or Honey Kumquat Tea) to help sooth your voice
- Carmel Toffee - Keep some in your bags… Especially for those days when your mic goes out and your need to USE YOUR VOICE.
- Snacks - Always pack some snack in your gym bag. It will help keep your energy going throughout several classes.
Larger Goodies
- Epsom Salt: supposedly relieves pain — specifically, muscle pain from over-exertion (delayed-onset muscle soreness), conditions like myofascial pain syndrome (“trigger points”) and fibromyalgia — and speeds healing from minor injuries such as muscle strains and tendonitis.
Roller: Regardless of whether you're a conditioned athlete or a sedentary office worker, you're likely to experience muscular tightness in your back, neck, or legs. If you can't afford the time and cost of professional massage therapy, my go-to is the roller. Check out 24 Life Article on the fundamentals of Foam Rolling: http://www.24life.com/fundamentals-of-foam-rolling/
Massage Gun: Reduce tension, increase blood flow, break up scar tissue, speed up rehab, and more.
Hygene
- Body Spray or Spritz - Lets be honest. We STINK after teaching a class. Get your favorite spritz and have it accessible after teaching class. You don’t want your students to get a whiff of you! :P
- Bath and Body Works have “Semi Annual Sales” 2x a year (40-85% off) usually happens in January and June
Rockin' Green Platinum Series Active Wear Laundry Detergent Powder, 45 oz. - All Natural, Biodegradable, and Eco-Friendly: https://www.amazon.com/Rockin-Green-Platinum-Powdered-Detergent/dp/B075MPKB9X?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_2599746011
Atsko Sport Wash Laundry Detergent: http://amzn.com/B001OPJ5OW
Atsko Sport Wash Hair and Body Soap: http://amzn.com/B009FGA8S4 Oxy Clean Arm and Hammer laundry booster Any other sport wash laundry detergent.
Group Fitness Certs/accreditation
Group Fitness Certifications
One way to expand your career options in the fitness industry is to become a certified Group Fitness Instructor. Group Ex certification teaches you how to be a fitness leader, from creating classes that keep people coming back for more, to quickly identifying and evaluating movement quality and using your knowledge of the body to incorporate the right exercises to correct imbalances.
American Council of Exercise (ACE) = https://www.acefitness.org/
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) = http://www.afaa.com/
National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) = https://www.netafit.org/
CPR Certification
CPR Certification The reality is that you never know when someone might experience a life-threatening emergency before, during, or after exercising with you. Even someone who appears fit might have a health condition that can lead to a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Whether you’re at your workout facility, at home, or out and about, you may be the only one available to step up and perform life-saving first aid during a crisis. I suggest people completing the Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Course.
Although it’s more in-depth than the basic CPR/AED/First Aid - The BLS Course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an AED. Students also participate in simulated clinical scenarios and learning stations. Students work with an AHA BLS Instructor to complete BLS skills practice and skills testing. Students also complete a written exam. Here are some CPR Training Bodies...
- American Heart Association = http://www.heart.org
- Red Cross = http://www.redcross.org
Event Supplies
Events Supplies Wristbands Goldistock 3/4" Tyvek Wristbands Rainbow 500 Ct. Variety Pack- 100 Each: Neon Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red RAINBOW 500 CT. WITH 16 COLORS (300 CT): http://a.co/hvXY8yQ
Goldistock 3/4" Tyvek Wristbands VIP Deluxe - Metallic Gold 500 Count - Event Identification Bands (Paper - Like Texture) 500 CT. VIP- 6 STYLES by GoldistockLink: http://a.co/3e2X0WZ
Raffle Tickets - (4 Rolls of 2000 Double Tickets) 8,000 Total 50/50 Raffle Tickets [Choose Color Combo Below] by Indiana Ticket CompanyLink: http://a.co/2Xb8kE0
Microphones
Investing in a Microphone Majority of the major gyms will have a microphone. However, not all facilities and/or gyms will have a microphone available. To prevent vocal injury invest in a microphone. Keep in mind that each system setup may be different - including mic receivers - so that buying a headset to "plug in" may not always work. Get to know the system you are using and learn more about it’s inputs and outputs. One of the most important things about your wireless fitness microphone is that it must be a good and reliable product. The microphone has to be steady, because, with all the bouncing and the jumping during a sports activity, it can fell off easily. So the product must be steady and also, it must be waterproof so it resists sweating. Another important thing you should take into consideration when buying a fitness microphone is the functionality of the product. It must be easy to use and easy to assemble in the first place. A lot of people do not know much about technology and if the installation process is too hard, they can break the microphone without even knowing.
If you do not have any ideas on what wireless microphone you should buy or you just don’t have the time to search for the right one, here are 4 great wireless microphones for you to choose from:
AV Now
https://www.avnow.com/
AV Now Fitness Sound is your one-stop solution for everything related to group-ex,aqua-aerobic, and portable sound. Over the last 25 years, AV Now has become the #1 provider of fitness sound gear in the US. Our gear is used every day in thousands of facilities across the USA and at Military installations around the world. Everything we offer is Fitness-Rated to withstand the unique demands put on it by fitness professionals in rugged group exercise environments.
Portable Mic & Mix System
http://www.jramosworks.com/
The most AMAZING Portable microphone and mixer systems designed for fitness instructors by a fitness instructor. Comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Samson AirLine 77 Headset True Diversity with Fitness Microphone
http://a.co/3cfquvw
The Samson AirLine 77 is one of the best reviewed fitness microphones and this product can be a life saver. One of the best things about this product is that it allows you to have full mobility, because the item doesn’t need any cables or belt packs for it to function properly.
BLX14/SM31 Headworn Wireless System
http://a.co/7PElMAt The BLX14/SM31
Headworn Wireless System is a small and really practical device for all the fitness instructors out there. It is a member of the Headworn family and its price is really ok for its features. This system provides the buyer free mobility with his moves, meaning that the instructor can move freely without any cables or wires that can produce some discomfort.
Evo True Wireless Fitness System
http://a.co/aVi5Kgg
The Evo True Wireless Fitness System has quite a beautiful design and it’s a waterproof wireless system. This item is really simple to handle and use and it’s a free moving product, meaning that you can move along freely without any cables or wires along your body.
Dance Fitness Liability Insurance
Even though it can be hard to imagine any one of your students suffering an accident so severe that he or she would choose to sue you for the damages, you must focus on the fact that this is indeed a possibility, even if the odds of it happening are small. Dance instructor liability insurance policy would be there to settle the legal claims of the student with the broken ankle so that you do not have to reach into your own pockets and drain your own accounts—possibly risking your whole business and career.
Fortunately, because the dance profession is not quite as risky in some other realms, such as medicine or dentistry, the cost for dance instructor liability insurance should be reasonable. By looking around, you should be able to find a high-quality dance instructor liability insurance policy for less than a couple hundred dollars per year.
When you consider this annual fee and the amount of peace of mind it can buy, it may then become clear that dance instructor liability insurance is a great deal for any professional dance teacher. Below are some of the Dance Fitness Liability Insurance I am aware of:
- Philadelphia insurance: https://www.phly.com/
- K&K: https://www.kandkinsurance.com/
- hicox = http://www.hiscox.com/
- Hub International: https://www.hubinternational.com/en-CA/programs-associations/dance-instructors-insurance/
- Sadler: https://www.sadlersports.com/dance-instructor/
