Are you looking for ways to add variety to your fitness classes? Do you want your participants to get a full-body workout while having a fun time moving their bodies? 

When I started my journey as a Revelation Wellness Instructor, I was coming from leading group fitness classes where the routines were all choreographed for me. So, I was a bit nervous and also very excited about the freedom to tailor my classes to what I liked and what my customers needed! My first choreographed workouts were very basic and very simple. Then, I learned how to add a variety of workout styles to each class, so I didn’t have to have a whole class worth of choreographed routines. 

Here are a few tips to add variety to your fitness classes and challenge your participants!

CHOREOGRAPHED DANCE- I do have to admit that I love a well-choreographed dance cardio routine, so I always have one or two of them in a class. If you’ve never choreographed a song, try practicing another instructor’s choreography.

Check out the Revelation Wellness Youtube channel for songs and choreography. Pick a video, follow the steps, and repeat! Try “This Is Me” and have some fun!

KICKBOXING- Kickboxing is also a great option to build in some intensity and add strength and cardio to your class. I challenge you to use this simple routine and use it in your next class! Kickboxing to “Sanctuary” by Flame.

DRUMSTICKS- Does anyone else just absolutely love a good drumstick routine (or two or three)? I always have one or two of these in my classes, too 😊

Never worked out with drumsticks? Grab drumsticks or wooden spoons and do this drumsticks workout to “Like I Do” by David Guetta.

TABATA- Okay, this is one suggestion that I never thought I would enjoy, but they have become a favorite part of my classes for me and my customers. They’re great for cardio and strength moves!

CHOREOGRAPHED STRENGTH- Choreography is not just for dancing. If you want to change up your strength routine and lift weights to a beat, try to choreograph a strength sequence.

Check out Heather’s 5 Minute Upper Body Strength Workout!

FITNESS DICE- I have a couple of younger girls that come to class with their mamas, so I wanted to do something that they would enjoy and could even lead themselves. Have you seen these dice on Amazon? They are so much fun, and the girls love rolling them, as long as they still get to do the moves – I love how they grasp the “get to” concept of moving our bodies!

THEMED CIRCUITS- I love the idea of themed circuits. With Thanksgiving around the corner, you can try  a “Thankful Circuit.” You set up a circuit with mini-whiteboards with the moves written on them, but you leave space on them for people to write something they are thankful for as they go from move to move throughout the circuit.

DECK OF CARDS- If you’re short on time to plan a full class or you want to add an element of surprise to your normal routine, try using a deck of cards! How?  Assign each suit a certain move and have participants draw a card from the deck. The whole group will do the number of reps for the move that matches the suit.

Check out how Tami LaFleur uses a deck of cards in her fitness classes in her blog post, “2 Tips for a Fun Workout!”

BE STILL AND BE LOVED- Another great addition, and probably most important in my opinion is a cooldown/stretch and a time to just be still. There have even been classes where God truly led me to have an entire class of just stretching/mobility and being still. So many people struggle to make time to be still, so when I feel the Father leading in that way, I know someone coming to class just needs it. If you’ve never led your own Be Still & Be Loved, don’t fear!

Check out the Revelation Wellness podcast and listen to our latest Be Still & Be Loved: Power of Words (Mark 11:23) 

Whatever you do in your classes, whether you mix it up or teach classes specific to a certain style, listen to His leading! That is what makes being a Revelation Wellness Instructor such a blessing! We get to follow His leading and deliver the pizza! #loveGod #gethealthy #bewhole #loveothers

Cheri Gresso is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and certified Fitness Teacher Gospel Preacher (#platoon21) currently leading Revelation Fitness classes at her church twice a week. She also leads a group of beautiful godly women in a Bible Study every Friday, and she serves as the Women’s Ministry Leader at her church. She aspires and feels called to add writer, speaker, blogger and podcaster to her resume. You can find her on Facebook as Cheri Gresso – Fitness Teacher Gospel Preacher.

Thank you for reading this week’s RevTip on the Revelation Wellness Blog!

ReConnect: A Revelation Wellness Marriage Retreat

Do you struggle to find true connection with your spouse? Here at Revelation Wellness, we’re big believers in families, specifically, marriage! Join us on March 6-8, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois on our first-ever ReConnect: A Revelation Wellness Marriage Retreat!

During this retreat, you’ll learn how to reconnect and renew not only your marriage, but also your mind, body, and spirit. We believe that in order to cultivate unity and connection in your marriage, it’s important to train your bodies as well. Learn more on our website and REGISTER TODAY!