General Advice
(in a suitable form to quote to your clients)

What To Wear

Wear sports shoes that give plenty of support to the foot and provide good shock absorbency under the heel. Ideally you should wear properly designed aerobics shoes and increase the shock absorbency by adding Sorbothane® insoles (or equivalent).

Wear clothing that allows you good freedom of movement and which will allow heat and perspiration to dissipate. Shorts and a T-shirt are fine, or ideally a leotard for women or a unitard for men (a singlet and cycle shorts are also suitable for men, and a number of combinations of short or long tights and various tops are advertised for women in the health and fitness press).

Food & Drink

You should have a light meal an hour or two before a class, so that you have sufficient energy but your system is not digesting food during the class.

If you exercise hard, you will generate a good deal of perspiration and therefore lose water from your body. It is important to drink plenty of liquid before the class (preferably plain water, certainly not fizzy drinks or alcohol), and also to bring water with you and stop briefly for a drink whenever you feel the need, and then to drink more after the class.

Your Instructor

Choose an instructor who has a recognised qualification (e.g. RSA "Exercise to Music"). Note that there is currently no requirement for this and anyone can set themselves up as an instructor.

There are many things to look for in a good instructor. Look for one who:

is interested in you;

checks newcomers for fitness and injuries;

is concerned with safety and the correct performance of exercises;

gives encouragement and advice;

warms the class up at the start;

progresses smoothly from section to section;

finishes with a cool down and thorough stretching;

gives alternatives when the routine becomes more difficult;

provides suitable music at the right level;

is approachable and available to give personal advice.

Instructors should also keep abreast of current developments in the industry, probably by belonging to a professional organisation (such as Fitness Professionals) and by attending conventions and additional training modules. And it is in your interest as well as theirs that they should be fully insured for public and teacher liability.

Benefits To You

Over a number of weeks you should find that your stamina, strength, suppleness and appearance all improve, and that you develop an increased awareness of fitness. You will generally find that your spirits are lifted after a good class, so that your psychological as well as your physical well-being is being catered for. The class itself should be fun and if the instructor makes the movements both challenging and interesting you will be unaware for much of the time how hard you are working.