Figma - FigJam Stories: How I Became a Spin Instructor | Figma
The speaker, Mal, describes their journey from having no fitness background to becoming a spin instructor. They started indoor cycling in March 2023, inspired by the energy and motivation of different instructors. After months of virtual classes, they joined a local studio, attending classes frequently and eventually deciding to become an instructor themselves. By January, they began training, and by March, they auditioned and started teaching. Mal now teaches 3-5 classes a week, focusing on building relationships and sharing music.
In preparing for classes, Mal emphasizes the importance of planning a 45-minute session with a mix of songs, resistance, and choreography. They use a diagram to plan the energy arc of the class, ensuring a balanced experience with peaks and rest periods. Mal also themes classes monthly, planning two themed sessions per week. They meticulously program lighting and choreography to match the music, drawing on their background as a competitive dancer. This creative process allows them to control the energy and experience of the class, which they find fulfilling.
Key Points:
- Start indoor cycling to experience energy and motivation from instructors.
- Join a local studio to enhance skills and motivation.
- Plan classes with a mix of music, resistance, and choreography for a balanced experience.
- Theme classes monthly and prepare detailed programming for lighting and choreography.
- Use affirmations like 'I can do hard things' to motivate and overcome challenges.
Details:
1. 🎤 Meet Mallory: Designer & Spin Enthusiast
1.1. Design Career Highlights
1.2. Spinning Enthusiasm and Impact
2. 🚴♀️ Discovering Indoor Cycling: A New Passion
- The speaker became a spin instructor after starting with a limited fitness background, primarily enjoying gym sessions with friends.
- Despite the initial lack of structured training, the speaker developed a passion for spin classes and decided to pursue instruction.
- Preparation for becoming an instructor involved significant personal development and overcoming challenges related to teaching and fitness expertise.
3. 🌟 From Participant to Instructor: The Journey
- The speaker was captivated by indoor cycling from their first session, attributing this to the energy and motivation provided by various instructors.
- They practiced cycling independently at home and in the gym, driven by inspiration from virtual classes.
- Months later, they joined a local studio, overcoming initial nervousness, and committed to attending classes at least five times a week to enhance their skills.
- The speaker noticed a new instructor at the studio and was inspired to approach the owner with the determination to become the next instructor, showcasing their commitment.
- Driven by passion, they were motivated to transition from a participant to an instructor, aiming to harness and share the same energy that initially inspired them.
4. 🏋️ Training and First Classes: A New Role
4.1. Training Phase
4.2. Teaching Experience
5. 🎶 Crafting the Perfect Class: Music & Themes
- Classes are structured to last 45 minutes, requiring an equal duration of music and choreography.
- The energy flow is designed in waves, with peaks and relaxation moments, concluding on a high note.
- Monthly planning includes two themed classes per week, decided from the 25th to the 30th of the previous month.
- Programming involves detailed planning, including BPM, lighting, and choreography to fit the 40-45 minute class.
- The instructor uses a notes app to manage the class plan, adjusting lighting to enhance the experience.
- Programming and theming are viewed as a creative outlet, allowing control over energy and participant experience.
- Examples of themes include '80s hits or modern pop, chosen to resonate with class participants.
- Execution involves real-time adjustments to music and lighting, ensuring a seamless experience.
6. 💪 Empowerment & Favorite Classes: Affirmations in Action
- The affirmation 'I can do hard things' is a key motivational tool used to encourage individuals to face challenges in both work and physical activities, such as biking.
- During classes, instructors emphasize the importance of increasing resistance during bike climbs, which is a metaphor for building resilience and strength in life.
- Popular classes like Latin rides and disco rides are highlighted for their ability to foster community engagement and personal enjoyment, integrating cultural elements and personal history.
- Empowerment is further achieved through these classes by pushing personal limits and building a sense of community, which enhances personal resilience and enjoyment.