FitPro Radio

Have you ever had something tough happen at work? Maybe you lost your class, or a schedule changed or SOMETHING that brought up a ton of emotions? In this episode we learn what we can do with those emotions and how to open the door for tough conversations with our bosses and management to have a transparent conversation, while staying in our integrity. Maybe we won't get our way, and maybe there won't even be an option for compromise - BUT we'll leave with mutual respect intact and new skills for productive conversation.   FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/andimaree

After quite the hiatus I'm back, even if it's just to share this episode! LOL jk I'm putting this out there as a raw cut in order to recommit to recording and creating content for the community I hold so dear to my heart and soul - group fitness instructors. thank you for your continued support, and if you love this episode, let me know! leave a review and share on instagram, instagram.com/andimaree If you have any suggestions for episode topics or guests you want to hear from, DM me! Love you all!

I was inspired by an article by HUFFPOST that was written by Caroline Bologna, which you can find HERE titled, The Rudest Things You Can Do In A Group Fitness Class. This article made me think, although a lot of these are SO true, what are some practices, or "don'ts" that we want to make visiting instructors aware of? I hope this episode inspires, educates and informs us of maybe some things we can stop doing, or do better to show love, support and respect to our peers and team members as we visit their classes so we can help elevate their classes, as opposed to distracting from the vibe. Do you want more episodes like this? Let me know! FOLLOW ME: instagram.com/andimaree

HAPPY NEW YEAR! This episode is coming in at the perfect time to bust fitness myths that most of us hear about or begin to try as we kick off our fitness resolutions with Certified Health & Nutrition coach, Lydia Engemann. we tackle myths surrounding excess exercise and the most demonized thing of all, "CARBS". This is an amazing episode for anyone who has questions when it comes to probably the most talked about nutrition and cardio trends. I fully encourage fitness instructors and maybe even students to listen and digest this info. We reference the health company, MoreEnergy FOLLOW LYDIA  & MoreEnergy Health instagram.com/mycoachlydia instagram.com/moreenergyhealth

Inspired but the amazing "Awesome with Alison" podcast, I felt a strong pull to share moments in my career that formed me as an instructor and human, when I felt like a loser, or failure. Dedicating this episode to my wonderful friends who have held me, pushed me, supported me and walked this journey with me. I wouldn't be here without you. ❤️

My mind and heart simultaneously blew up with the power of this episode. I want to introduce you to Stacey Harkey, comedian, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, DIE trainer and all around incredible human being. We dive into Stacey's fitness story and how he learned the skills to unlock his authentic self, to give permission to those he teaches as well as all those he influences on social media. This episode will leave you feeling uplifted and empowered to shine as your best and brightest, most authentic self. Find Stacey on instagram at instagram.com/staceyharkey 

In this episode, I break down three awesome goals that may seem big and daunting, into bite sized efforts for continued learning and growth as an instructor.  My goal is to help make big goals more actionable to help you reach them in whatever time and season of life you may be in presently. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe! FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM - @andimaree

I will be honest, I'm STILL fangirling over the fact I got to speak with the one and only, the legend and my fitness hero, Dan Cohen. Dan Cohen is a Les Mills Program Director on the Creative Team, Speaker and communication coach (which explains how incredible his cues when he teaches, as well as the incredible language he uses teaching us in this episode). He has a masters in IBC, NLP, TLT, and a he is  Hypnosis Coach, and his favorite titles - A father and husband! In this episode we dive into the layers of linguistics in strong cueing, finding our instructor strengths and strengthening weaknesses. We talk about different stages in our instructor journey and how to continue creating passion and skill through practice, trial and error and continued improvement. This was a dream interview. I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of talking directly to Dan. I hope that you all get to learn as much as I did, and take away the incredible lessons he shares. Follow Dan on instagram: @officialdancohen  TikTok : @officialdancohen You can also try a class with him virtually on Les Mills on Demand or  on the Oculus Combat VR game!

This episode is amazing. Ange is truly such a passionate member of the fitness community and inspires so many with every single class. I had the privilege of having this conversation with Ange and tapping into her experience on how she personally elevates an indoor cycling class to not just be a great workout, but a completely inspiring experience for all participants. Whether you teach cycling or any other format, the language and wording of the cues she shares are absolutely the kind you will want to listen to and be inspired by. With this episode, I have partnered with CycleBar in Saratoga Springs Utah for a giveaway! Be sure to follow them on instagram to enter! @cyclebaresaratogasprings

I'm thrilled to introduce to you a series of episodes dedicated to cueing, why it matters and how to improve.  In this episode, I introduce this series and proven, actionable ways to improve cueing. I share three layers that are essential to building a strong, safe environment for you class to achieve a fun and successful workout that will keep them coming back for more every time. Stay tuned for upcoming interviews loaded with gold focused on specific formats. If there is a format you want to know more about, send me a DM on instagram! @andimaree

This is an incredible episode I cannot wait to dive into. Today we have Jessica Gallant, entrepreneur, bodybuilder, group fitness instructor and friend. She shares her story of overcoming rejection in the fitness industry, only to rise above and create her OWN story in the fitness industry and space. She shares so many beautiful experiences and perspectives that will help us all unlock a whole lot of strength, let go of fear and self judgement and rise to become who we are destined to be. To follow Jessica on her fitness journey, find her on instagram: @Jessica.a.gallant You can also learn more about Jessica and her coaching online, gallantcoaching.org

I'm thrilled at the opportunity I have to introduce you to one of my idols. An instructor, mom, ultra talented, loving and kind human being but also my number one cheerleader- my sister, Angie Miller!❤️ She and I dig into a few topics from self care, owning your voice, advocating for yourself while also how to show up professionally, and aligning with facilities that are best for you. Follow Angie on instagram - @birdgerhl_ to follow her in all her interests from capoeira, contortion, yoga and more!

In this episode, I share important lessons learned in how to prepare for the best ways to prepare for the new year, with new members. It's all about our members and their success. Listen for the ultimate class building reminders.

After a LONG break, we are back with Tiffany Silva Herlin. Tiffany and I have a really amazing conversation diving into her experience as a clinical therapist AND group fitness instructor. We talk about everything from comparison, imposter syndrome and more. This conversation got real and real beautiful. We talk about the more challenging side of teaching fitness classes while using Tiffany's scope as a therapist to open the discussion ab out how to love ourselves through our instructor journey, while being okay with continually learning and healing our own relationships with ourselves. Follow Tiffany on instagram, @realtalkswithtiff  for inspiring content about self love, joy in movement and personal growth and development.

*CUE THE FAN GIRLING* I am beyond honored to welcome the one and only, Zumba Fitness legend Kass Martin on today's episode. Kass has always been an incredible example to me of incredible cueing, flawless choreography and the most authentic connection to anyone she meets not only one on one, but she also takes these traits into the class and onto the international fitness stages as she teaches. Kass has taught in over 60 countries as a celebrity guest presenter and Zumba Education Specialist. She has inspired so many to move their bodies and also helps men and women train their hearts and minds through her Life coaching business. Listen, soak up and enjoy as we get to learn from a master in the industry. FOLLOW KASS: instagram.com/kassmartin kassmartin.com kassandsteve.com

I am so excited about this episode with Shauna. We dive in to her journey as not just an incredible group fitness instructor - but also a super woman pillar of a human as she has worked through her journey facing Lobular Breast Cancer. We dive in to her story, along with the amazing things she has coming up! She has taken what could have been a heart breaking experience, to a way to help gather people to build something bigger than ourselves.  Be sure to leave a review and share if this message inspired you! Follow @shaunagolightly for info on our upcoming fundraising fitness event! PINK PARTY for the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance October 8th, 7:00 PM Pleasant Grove Recreation Center

I'm so excited to bring on Madi Jackson & Lexi Dastrup who bring a refreshing view on inclusivity and class member success. They bring a genuine desire to create their love for group fitness and protect the culture in classes by creating success for each member participating.  You can find them and their classes on instagram! Madi - @madijacksfitness Lexi- @getfitwithlexid

This episode has taken weeks of prep on my end to make sure that I could fully share skills I have developed personally to develop a strong, safe work environment at work. Again we come back to the face that "I create the culture in my work place". In this episode I share what I personally have overcome to feel ready and comfortable in a leadership position, ways I strive to continue to learn and grow and develop outside of work as well as important values we have as a staff that can be implemented in ALL leadership roles. I also reference several books and resources I love to learn and study from: https://daretolead.brenebrown.com Dare to Lead Podcast with Brene Brown on Spotify Dare To Lead, Brene Brown: https://amzn.to/2UcRx2w  Daring Greatly, Brene Brown: https://amzn.to/3xJms5f  Start with Why, Simon Sinek: https://amzn.to/3kmHIK9  Leaders Eat Last, Simon Sinek: https://amzn.to/2TeUpf1    Follow me on instagram for more! @andimaree    

For this episode, I'm super excited to welcome one of my most requested interviewees, Amy Williams! If you don't follow her on social media you MUST. (instagram - @absbyamy) She shares her personal fitness journey while also sharing her experience of fitness coaching choosing HER, bodybuilding and how that shaped her fitness experience all while being a mom of 6 kids and continuing to build a loving relationship with her husband. Don't forget to leave a review if any episode resonates with you!  

I'm super excited to be joined by this knowledgeable and hard working friend if mine, @abrahamhernandezfit ! Abraham shared his story about finding group fitness and jumping in fully to not only teach group fitness classes, but become a ZES, Zumba Education Specialist, and continue to grow from there in inspiring and teaching new fitness instructors.  We talk about his own personal fitness journey and how group fitness instructors can focus more on our own personal health be having proper recovery, EATING enough for our bodies and saying “NO” more often.  Im super excited for you all to hear this episode! LIVE today on Apple podcast, Spotify and Amazon Music! LINKS: Suggested Reads : Atomic Habits, James Clear Upgradefitnesstraining.com AFAA: afaa.com IG: abrahamhernandezfit  Webinars: upgradefitnesstraining.com/masterclasses

Fiona Judd is an amazingly talented instructor I mentioned in one of my first episodes! I'm so excited for her to join me NOW sharing her wisdom and skill she has developed in her time as an instructor and Barre Above Master Trainer.  These are small, actionable skills you can use to improve and develop personally to level up as the ultimate instructor.

This episode is dedicated to the wonderful instructors who have worked so long and hard for their classes, but are struggling with knowing if and when it's time to retire a class, format etc. 

Follow Kaytlin on instagram,  @KaytlinKatnissMMA and check out her business, badathletics.com  

Lets dive in to the most frequently felt insecurity that most every fitness professional has, does or WILL feel in this industry. With constant pressures to look, eat and be a certain way, it's easy to get caught up in it all - so let's find out right now.  Are you fit enough to be a fitness instructor?

Grab a blanket, notebook, then sit back and relax. In this episode, you will get a real life conversation covering a lot! We Dive in to what could have been 3+ episodes in one! We cover it all from what happens when only one person shows up to your class, how to network, how to create a "magical experience" to grow your classes and so much more! Be sure to listen and share! Follow Carly on instagram for amazing uplifting content! @carley.parties

In this episode we cover two simple, actionable things you can do to raise the bar on your teaching skills. These are things I personally STILL do because there is always, ALWAYS room for growth! Don't forget to subscribe and share this with another instructor working to bring their best to their classes!

In this episode I'm so excited to introduce you to the beautiful Pualei Lynn, owner of Edynkei, a boutique in Pleasant Grove Utah, as well as creator of Elevate, a mastermind for entrepreneurial women. Pualei is a prime example of building people around her and everything about her teaches there is power in community vs competition. In this episode we share why Pualei is the amazing human she is and she shares some daily practices how she has built her confidence enough to build others to reach their full power and capacity. Enjoy this episode!  Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you liked this episode!

Have you ever wondered HOW to grow your instagram, but you have no idea where to start, it maybe seems completely overwhelming and daunting to start something new? Maybe you feel like you don't have the time, energy etc to devote to social media.Maybe you feel like all you share is your class schedule over and over again, or you're afraid of judgement from friends and family? We go over the WHY behind social media is an amazing way to connect to students and build classes. I'm also excited to share my exact posting strategy with you in this episode, hopefully to help inspire ideas of what to share with your followers, how to provide value to your class members as well as to minimize the guess work behind your posting. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on this episode!  

Shin splints. Sprained Ankles. Plantar Fasciitis. All of these and more are probably familiar to your injury list. If not, congratulations. If so, what if I told you these are all completely preventable?  Today I'm joined by Dr. Stephen Rockhill DPM and we dive into causes of injuries that all begin with the feet, proper shoes to wear as well as care for those aching legs and feet, as well as preventative care. In this episode, Dr. Rockhill mentions the following insoles as a recommendation for those of you wondering where to start at home treatment.   Follow Dr Rockhill on his brand new instagram @thefootdocrock (instagram.com/thefootdocrock ) and you can DM him for further questions. LINKS: SUPERFEET GREEN Insoles  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033BPBD4/ref=as_glm?linkCode=ml1&tag=andreaveenker-20 Powerstep Unisex Pinnacle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001334X7O/ref=as_glm?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ml1&tag=andreaveenker-20  

This is the most underrated tool for growing class.  This small habit will create 10X the connection, multiply your retention and will build your classes faster than fast.  Why? In this episode we talk about the one thing that opens the door to level the playing field in your class, create a culture of safety, love and belonging and giving your class members new and OG to cultivate a relationship with you and others in class. Don't forget to leave a review and let me know how these episodes are helping YOU grow your classes! Follow me on Instagram @andimaree

This episode is the reason for this podcast. After deep soul searching, I've wanted to dive into language in my own fitness classes, cueing and marketing I have used and continue to use.  I've learned the harm in esthetically focused cues, or marketing classes like "burn off the holiday treats" and have wanted to dive into this conversation with a professional I love and adore.    Dr. Melissa H. Smith, PhD, MBA (Also an amazing human who is incredibly inspiring, loving, authentic and driven to help women love themselves) Licensed Psychologist, Leadership Coach & Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator  Dr. Melissa H. Smith is a Licensed Psychologist, Leadership Coach, Certified Dare to Lead™  Facilitator, and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. Dr. Smith is an entrepreneur, business  leader, and student of life.   Dr. Smith is Owner of Balance Health & Healing, where she leads a team of talented  professionals who provide specialized psychological services dedicated to meeting the unique  needs of women. As a leadership coach, Dr. Smith works with high-achieving leaders, executive  teams and organizations wishing to banish blocks, cultivate growth, and lead with courage.  Working at the intersection of business and psychology, Dr. Smith is a Certified Dare to Lead™  Facilitator, bringing the powerful evidence-based courage-building curriculum of Dr. Brené  Brown to leaders, teams and organizations. Dr. Smith provides online education courses and  memberships to facilitate ongoing growth and accountability.   Dr. Smith earned her doctoral degree from the APA-accredited Counseling Psychology Program  at Brigham Young University, which included an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at  University of Michigan. Dr. Smith holds a Masters Degree in Counseling from Truman State  University in Kirksville, MO, and an MBA Degree from The University of Utah. For information on courses and Balance Health & Healing, click HERE For more blogs and podcast episodes by Dr. Melissa Smith, click HERE I cannot wait to dive into this deep conversation with us and hopefully give a new perspective and inspire change in the fitness community through your impact and influence.

OOF. That hurts. You didn't get that job on the first try. What comes next? Does this mean this is not the job for you?  ABSOLUTELY NOT. Maybe the timing, the skill or something wasn't right for this place at this time.  Here is a podcast to help hype you back up, and process this rejection in a healthy, productive way and get you back on your feet.  

FitPro Radio Episode 2: How to Get Hired Now that you have your certification, you can now get any job out there right? Here's the hard truth - it's a no.

Welcome to episode 1 of FitPro Radio! I can't believe this is even real. In this episode we go over my personal story of how I became a fitness instructor over a decade ago and the process that anyone can take to follow the inner calling to become one themselves. I've gone from hating fitness and exercise to now being a published author of a gym loving book, "100 First Words for Little Gym Rats" as well as a fitness instructor, bodybuilder and director of fitness in my home town facility. If you're a seasoned instructor, pass this onto your participants who have been curious about the process and become a fitness instructor.