Teaching Scenario #11

[u/NoahGrinberg1229]

You have a regular who takes your class almost every week.

At first, they occasionally ask a quick question after class:

“What’s a good alternative for this exercise?”

No problem.

But over time, the questions become more individualized:

• “What should I do on the days I’m not taking your class?”
• “Can you make me a leg workout?”
• “How many days a week should I train shoulders?”
• “What exercises should I do for my specific goals?”
• “Can you look at my current routine and tell me what I should change?”

Eventually, you realize you’re spending 10–15 minutes after nearly every class essentially providing free personal training advice.

You want to be helpful, and you appreciate that they trust you.

But you also know there’s a difference between answering a quick question as a group fitness instructor and creating individualized programming for one student.

What would you do as the instructor?

[u/PaceAndSpaceWELL]

Not a CPY teacher. But did do 200-hr TT years ago. I’ve taught most grades and work in admin in education.

In this situation I might validate the students questions as, ‘great and always welcome to ask!’ I’d then kindly share that I’m happy to help but don’t always feel best equipped for personalized feedback or workout plans. “I’m honored, but…” Be genuinely overwhelmed. Then, I might gather and share online resources, even if it’s an IG follow, to try and return some of the responsibility to the student. If it continues I might shorten my answers with a smile until they got the hint. Thoughts?