Yes You Can

5 Signs You're Ready for the Podium

• Hannah Pratt

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Have you ever stared at the podium and wondered, 'Could that be me?'

In this episode, I share a bit on my road to the podium (rejection, canceled training groups, injuries) before claiming my spot on the podium, and now as a trainer and coach for other instructors!

If you've felt a desire to lead group fitness classes and wonder what it takes, here's a quick episode with five signs that you might be ready right now to step into the role of instructor or coach.

We cover the five signs, along with asking questions like: 

  • Are you a natural leader? 
  • Are you adaptable? 
  • Do you have a commitment to constant learning and growth? 
  • Above all, do you have an unquenchable desire to positively impact people's lives through fitness?

If you answer "hell yeah" to any of these questions AND are seeing those signs I mention... Podium Prep, my intro course and training manual for aspiring instructors, could be your next step (psst: it's only $87 for my Black Friday sale!)

We cover everything to help you slay an upcoming audition with confidence, knowing exactly what to say to a studio owner you want to teach for, compensation structures, a social media lesson on how to prep your profile, RPMs and BPMs, and a glossary of choreography, and more.

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Want to level up in 2025? My Black Friday sale is on now for ALL courses and programs with 25% off! Use code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout.


Speaker 1:

Welcome to the yes you Can podcast, a soft place to land for fit pros and aspiring entrepreneurs looking for a motivational cheerleader who's been through it all and believes your best. Life is about being brave and tapping into your magic. Hi, I'm Hannah Pratt, an online coach and vulnerability queen. I'm here ready to share my experiences through grief, life and finding my place on the podium to help you level up. So grab a latte and a notebook and get ready to be inspired through the yes you Can podcast. Hey friends, welcome to another episode of the yes you Can podcast. Today we are talking about if you're ready for the podium. I have come across and met so many amazing instructors or wannabe instructors or people who have talked about whether they think they would be suited for teaching, and both through my course instructor magic and my course podium prep, which is specifically designed for people who are wanting to prepare for an audition. So if you either have an upcoming audition and you have never taught before, or you want to actively seek out the opportunity to audition somewhere, podium prep is currently on sale because I'm doing a Black Friday sale for the next few days. If you're listening to this live, this is going to be my sales valid until the 27th, which is side or Monday at midnight. So podium prep is literally only $87, I think, including tax for entire mini course on how to prepare for an audition. So if you're listening to this episode with the desire to teach, this is the program for you. If you want to go all in, you're more than welcome to join instructor magic. There's been multiple people who have secured teaching opportunities as a result of going through the program, because it dives into how to be an amazing instructor, level up, fill classes and change lives. And when you buy instructor magic this weekend, you get $100 off and podium prep is then only $47 if you want to add it on top. So I have to promote those courses because I have to let you know that that's available to you if you feel inspired after listening to this episode. So five signs you are ready to teach Now.

Speaker 1:

I first want to start off by saying and this is this could have been its own key because you have to be willing to put yourself out there. There's so many people I know who have an amazing gift inside of them, who also have this block to being vulnerable or putting themselves out there or trying something without the like foregone conclusion that they'll succeed. So if they do not know that success is the only option available as a result of trying this thing, they're not going to do it. This is for my perfectionists out there. This is for my people who have a fear of failure or have failed in the past and have had some deep rooted issues that they haven't gone through or worked through yet. For my perfectionists especially, this can be really hard to try something and fail at it. It's not easy, and if you've listened to anything about how my instructor journey came to be, you'll know that I had two failed auditions. So one I've was straight out rejected for and I'll link that real in the show notes.

Speaker 1:

This was more than this was, I want to say, 14 years ago, because I first started doing cycling at Good Life Fitness and I actually worked there as a sales consultant. So I did membership sales. I loved the RPM classes and one of my favorite instructors is actually now a motivator at wheelhouse and has taken instructor magic, which is super cool. But I auditioned and got rejected and that was heartbreaking. That was in, I want to say maybe it was 2012, but I started riding, for sure, in 2008. So that was one experience and I kept riding.

Speaker 1:

Boutique fitness Boutique's intercycling came to Winnipeg, where I live, and I want to say 2015 or 2016 and I started riding with at those studios. I tried to audition and finally did audition because, like, the audition kept getting whatever, it's a whole, it's a whole thing. But basically I finally got an audition secured in 2017, I want to say and they said yes, but then the training group didn't happen. So the day the morning of the training group, actually, I got an email saying it was canceled, which was so hard, and meanwhile I had said no to a different studio because the one I want, really wanted to teach at was Was where I had my heart set on teaching, and so I waited and waited and then the training group was cancelled that morning and I was heartbroken and so I went back to the studio where I did have an opportunity to teach audition there, got in and the the lead trainer was the owner of wheelhouse now and and so we all taught there and then moved to wheelhouse when he opened wheelhouse.

Speaker 1:

So it was a long roundabout journey. I had a lung collapse literally in the middle of the like after I auditioned at the second place and got through, but then the training group was cancelled. So I came, I was, was, had gotten through without this long collapse. Then I had surgery and had to basically teach myself how to, how to exercise with a smaller one on the right side and it was a. It was a long rehab, it was. It was not easy. So that this whole winding journey I guess I'm sharing with you, because now I have a company where I literally train instructors. I've led multiple training groups for wheelhouse I Like provide resources, and so your journey may not be linear. It's probably not gonna be linear, but that's not. That's not a horrible thing.

Speaker 1:

You just have to be willing to try and Put yourself out there and be willing to fail and try again, because a Studio might not have room for you on the roster, but that doesn't mean that they don't want you in the future. They might already have somebody in mind when they're doing auditions. They might be looking for a different vibe. There's like multiple reasons and I'll do future podcast episode on how to come back from a failed audition but there's like, just keep trying if I can do it, and I've heard multiple people through podium prep and instructor magic do the same. So can you. So that is the first. You have to be willing to put yourself out there and that's sort of that's not even one of the five signs You're willing, ready to teach. It's just to frame this conversation. So the first sign for sure is that you are Anticipating the B drop.

Speaker 1:

Now this probably sounds obvious to some of you, but also Musicality is important. It definitely is important. It's something you can overcome if you don't necessarily have, you know, a set of DJ skills. For instance is what I came to teaching with. But if you've ever played an instrument and you Know you can hear the 4, 3, 2, 1 before it happens, this is definitely gonna help you for rhythm cycling, especially because we were riding to the beat. You're gonna need to be able to demonstrate what that beat looks like on the bike and then, of course, cue people into different Choreo sequences or parts of the song where you have movements that you've assigned. So being able to understand when that beat drop is happening is definitely helpful. There are still songs that are super tricky. So don't get me wrong. It's not like I never, it's not like I 100% of the time get the beat drop. I'd say 98% of the time I do 90. But there's still going to be songs that challenge you and that's okay. But if you have, if you're listening to songs that somebody's teaching and you're just like, okay, I know exactly what that's about to happen and I almost want to say 4-3-2-1 or I want to clap when it's happening, you probably are ready to take those skills and get into a training program and be on the podium.

Speaker 1:

Number two you bring the energy. Now I always say this in my classes and my rides that everything is optional except for your energy, your celebration and your good vibes. And that's my. That's what I say because I want to establish the fact that in group fitness you can do your own thing, but energetically. We are a team. So if you are coming to classes, coming to rides, and you help the instructor or coach really develop an amazing sense of energy by cheering first, by whipping your towel around, high-fiving neighbor, celebrating anything, even physically, just demonstrating a higher level of energy, that is a really good primer and foundation for stepping on the podium, because you have to do that. On a whole other level, there's going to be classes and rides where the energy is low and lacking and you still have to create that energy that you want to see. You can't just draw on your riders. So if you are used to doing this, if you are doing this inherently and the instructor is like looking at your name when you're signed for class, I'm so glad that they're here because I just know that the energy is going to be amazing. This is a great sign that you could be ready for the podium because, again, you're going to have to do that, even on the days you don't feel like it. So if you light up a room with your energy, you could be ready for the podium.

Speaker 1:

Number three you ride front row. So this is like I don't love the hierarchy of that. Some people assigned to front row and side row and whatever. I don't care where somebody rides in the room. Honestly, you could be a front row rider and decide you want to be in the back row, but when you are teaching you are always on the podium. At least that's where your bike is right, so you may walk around the room and that's totally fine. I encourage people to do that. I train people how to do that inside instructor magic. But when I say you ride front row being a sign that you could be ready to teach.

Speaker 1:

It means to me that you're comfortable being visible. So you're comfortable being visible in class. You're comfortable being perceived by others. You aren't worried about what other people are thinking. Necessarily, when you're in the front row or our side especially Side is actually probably even more visible. You're comfortable stepping on the podium because you're comfortable already being in the front row, being visible. It's like when you're in the front row you're also inherently helping the instructor demonstrate form. You're likely taking the harder options for choreography not always, but in my experience front row riders are side riders, are comfortable really being in the class and being a presence and so they're being visible. They're helping demonstrate form. They are very connected to what the instructor's doing. They're comfortable seeing their reflection in the mirror. There's just a level of comfort and confidence that comes with always and consistently being in the front row and the thing about when you start to teach is you're gonna lose that mirror visual of yourself. So if you are a front row rider, I would encourage you to ride on the side as well, where you don't necessarily have a visual, depending on how your bikes are facing ours face inward instead of to the mirror. So being comfortable with not seeing reflection is gonna be something you need to learn how to do. It's something I teach inside a podium prep and I have a few exercises for you to complete there so that you can start to see what it's gonna feel like, especially before an audition. So that's not the first time that you're seeing that perspective, because that can be kind of that can be a little bit disarming when you step on the podium for the first time auditioning and you've never seen that perspective before. So or you're always used to seeing your mirror reflection instead of people's faces. So there's some steps I have inside in podium prep to help you do that.

Speaker 1:

Number four you have a charismatic personality. Now, I don't mean that you are like the company you know, the jokester in your friend group who's always the loudest one, but you probably have a certain level of like entertainment and outgoing personality and charisma that others are attracted to and drawn to. In some way. You can absolutely be an introvert and still teach. I'm actually an extrovert introvert. I really do need my alone time quite a bit to sort of bring back up my energy into a place where I can be around people for a long amounts of time and, being that I have ADHD. I also really do get can get overwhelmed in, like certain social situations. However, I do also enjoy the energy of a big full room and I, as a result, I'm often, you know, the entertainer, cracking jokes, telling stories. I love to make others laugh. It's one of my personality traits. When I'm on the podium at a party, I'm controlling the playlist. So if you have any of these traits where you're like the person in your friend group who others love to introduce to others or love to bring as a plus one because they know they can count on you on being, on meeting a bunch of different people and driving with their personalities and you're confident in the right spaces, this could be a great indication that you are ready to teach group fitness, because you have to get along with a bunch of different personalities. You have to be able to connect with people quickly and understand you know what makes them tick, and so the charismatic personality is also about connecting with other people.

Speaker 1:

Number five you just want it. So this is honestly the most important one. There's something inside you that just wants to teach. It's the simplest one, but definitely the most important, because there are some people who make fantastic instructors, who I know personally, and they just don't have the desire for it. They just don't feel the need or feel the pull or are drawn to the opportunity. And that's something you need to hold on to because, quite honestly, teaching isn't easy. It's definitely not easy and probably not as easy as people think it is. You have to be able to take feedback, take criticism even. You have to be willing to be consistent on the schedule and not get subs just because you don't feel like it some days. You know, of course we can get subs whenever you need to, but you have to be investing a lot of time, energy, dedication and commitment to mastering your craft to the point where you can really make an impact on people's lives.

Speaker 1:

And the mantra of instructor magic is level up, fill classes and change lives. And that's because that's what great instructors do, fantastic motivators do, masterful coaches do. It's not just about leading a great class through a template that challenges them physically, but it's also about delivering some soul-shaking motivation. And if you don't have the desire to learn how to do that or to level up and consistently level up, it's probably not for you. But if you have this burning desire to help other people, to mentor other people, to make it impact on other people, if you love seeing others win and you feel like you're being a part of a team and all of that comes together with you maybe making secret playlists and getting ready for the eventual and hopeful opportunities to teach this could be a fantastic indication that you are ready to teach now.

Speaker 1:

I also think that we wait often until we feel ready, and the truth is, you're never gonna feel ready. When I first started teaching, I even after years of wanting it I was petrified. I was so nervous, I was so anxious before my rides, because there's this thing that happens where, after you go through training, there's a short honeymoon period where your fellow community members are cheering you on and then they might go back to the regular instructors and so you have to. There's like this part of your six month process, and one of the reasons why I started Instructor Magic was to help people through that first year and then help them level up beyond it is. It can be hard, and so know that you're not gonna feel ready, and even if you're destined to be an amazing instructor, there's gonna be some painful periods or growing pains, let's say, where it's gonna take extra effort and it's gonna take some dedication and being uncomfortable. It's why I have all of my resources podcast episodes like this, my pre-class speech guide to help you get rid of awkward moments before you start a class, and, of course, the full suite of courses inside Instructor Magic Academy, which includes the choreography vault, literally teaching you how to deliver choreography with inspirational videos so that you can see me doing it and getting, helping you come up with new ideas.

Speaker 1:

Instructor Magic, which helps you master your domain. That's the first module, where we talk about energy, confidence, presence how to develop that even before you leave your house to go teach. The second module, where we talk about mastering motivation and getting into or sorry, mastering musicality. Or we talk about playlist development, track choices, themes how to fill classes with strategic themes. Modules three, where we're getting to master motivation how to deliver soul-shaking inspiration that feels authentic to you and doesn't manipulate emotions but allows people to connect deeper within the group.

Speaker 1:

Fitness experience, mastering marketing. So how do you actually promote yourself without feeling sleazy or slimy or worrying about what people think about you when you're promoting your classes, and how to do that in a way that actually gets people on bikes instead of just feels like you're just talking to the nobody with your story, asks and even things like how to deliver virtual classes, everything from authentic coaching room, leadership, advanced coaching it goes on and on, because there's a million master classes within it too. So just know that if you listen to this episode and you're like, yeah, hell, yeah, I wanna do that, I wanna come on this journey, you can join us podium prep right now, during the Black Friday sale for just $89, and Instructor Magic is $100 off. So when you join Instructor Magic right now, you also get access to the entire course and community and lifetime access to both. If you have any feedback about this episode, I would love to hear it.

Speaker 1:

Please find me on Instagram at hanneroesspin and make sure to check out the post that is affiliated with this podcast episode. I also have an email list where I send out all my playlists. If you're some for some reason, not on that, definitely check that link out in the show notes. Let me know what I can help you with the most right now. That's it, friends. Have a great day and remember yes you can. Thanks for listening all the way to the end of the yes you can podcast. If you loved this one, I would so appreciate a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts that lets others know that, hey, this is a good podcast and it's worthwhile to listen to. If you really loved it. Make sure to share with somebody you love who could benefit from a little magic and motivation in their lives. Thanks so much, friends, and have a great day.