GUEST INSTRUCTOR EXPECTATIONS
The resorts and hotels that NRG2GO works with ask that each Guest Instructor provide a consistent service to their clients and as a result specific expectations have been created. To be sure that each NRG2GO team member carries out their responsibilities in the most appropriate manner, the following expectations must be adhered to. It is necessary to remind all instructors of these resort expectations even before an application is submitted. When carried out, NRG2GO, as a team, creates not just satisfied clients but raving fans. The NRG2GO clients are the hotel's guests, and the hotel itself.
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TEACHING COMMITMENT - Expectations are approximately two hours of classes per day. There are no classes on arrival or departure days. A sample of each resort’s schedule is listed at the bottom of each specific resort’s page (refer to ‘Our Resorts’ section of this web site). Teaching schedules are always subject to change and instructors need to be prepared for this. On-site adjustments to schedules come up based on seasonal changes, clients needs, special groups and many factors which are beyond our control. While NRG2GO keeps abreast of these fluctuations as much as possible, they can filter down to us slower than we’d like sometimes due to the fact that telecommunications are not always as efficient in the Caribbean. With this said, changes are small and every instructor needs to be flexible.
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HEALTHY ROLE MODELS - Instructors must be fit and ‘in shape’ with a positive outlook and passion for health, fitness and wellness.
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STRONG PUBLIC RELATION SKILLS – Teaching classes makes up majority of the role of Guest Instructor but the other part is public relations. It is necessary for Guest Instructors to have strong interpersonal skills and to be professional and friendly towards the clients and staff at all times during their assignment.
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PRO-ACTIVE APPROACH – All Guest Instructors must be very pro-active in their approach and attitude towards their role. At some smaller spa resorts, the management typically entrusts the instructors to go about promoting their classes independently. There is always some form of written advertisement at each resort for the Guest Instructor programs. Instructors must introduce themself to key Management and staff, then go about setting up their own classes. At larger resorts, the Guest Instructors work along side an Entertainment/Activity Team who can be quite supportive in both promotion and set-up of classes. At most times, the staff at resorts are very busy so instructors must be prepared to take it upon themselves to encourage participation and get things organized themself for each class. Instructors must be comfortable and enthusiastic with this approach. Instructors should not assume that staff will set up the classes for them.
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PROMOTION OF PROGRAM – Instructors are expected to walk around the pool, gym and beach before each class, giving clients the invitation to join. At some resorts, where there is an Entertainment/Activity Team, the Instructor should ask the Team if they'd like help with their pre-class 'walk about'. As part of their confirmation details, Instructors are supplied with a flyer template to customize. This is taken to the resort by the Instructor to be posted and is to be handed out to clients at appropriate times.
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DEMEANOR – Being a Guest Instructor is all about being approachable. Instructors should greet all clients with a smile and a 'hello' at all times. There is no room for shyness within the Guest Instructor role. It is as equally important for Instructors to lead dynamic classes as it is for them to be outgoing, friendly and comfortable promoting their own classes while mingling with the guests. Instructors should show interest towards the clients and staff without being nosy or loud. The approach should always be "refined" and interested. Instructors should look at ways to build a polite, friendly rapport with clients by asking them questions about their stay in a professional manner that shows interest.
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ABILITY TO ‘GO WITH THE FLOW' - In travel, much is subject to change and lots is beyond our control. Different countries can have a slower pace and more laid-back ways. Instructors must embrace these ways and be adaptable.
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SHORTENED CLASSES - Classes range from 30-45 min's approximately in length depending on the resort and the program. Heat, outdoor venues, lower/more varied fitness levels, different needs of participants must all be respected. Vacationers generally want to have fun but do not want to work too hard. At fitness-based contracts, the fact that all activities run on a 30 min (approximate) roster is also an important consideration.
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DYNAMIC CLASSES - The emphasis of resort teaching is on strong, DYNAMIC movements/poses. The goal is to provide guests with HIGHLY ENERGETC, FUN, SAFE and EFFECTIVE classes.
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EMPHASIS ON FUN – There should be less emphasis on choreography (ie. in cardio classes) and intensity and more on interaction and fun. For example, generally a vinyasa flow style is most appropriate at the resorts NRG2GO works with. Resort classes are not generally physically demanding. Instructors need to be prepared for participants of all levels with modifications shown in all classes.
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ENGAGING, HIGH ENERGY, ENTERTAINING STYLES – Our name is NRG2GO. An energetic style and approach is essential to get the clients moving and having fun.
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FRIENDLY/ENCOURAGING – Instructors should provide lots of motivational cues making all participants feel successful regardless of their physical abilities. NRG2GO classes are never about the Instructor. They're always about the clients.
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LANGUAGE - Guest Instructors are required to teach classes in English. Knowledge of other languages can be very helpful especially when teaching in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba as these Latin countries attract a lot of European and Latin-speaking clients. Language should not be looked upon as a barrier. Preparing expressions and cues in advance in Spanish for example can be helpful when travelling to some resorts/destinations. Instructors should be prepared to make necessary class provisions depending on the various languages spoken by the clients. Working with participants from all over the world can be extremely rewarding.
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NON-VERBAL CUEING – This should be heightened especially in Latin-speaking countries (where there tends to be a very ‘international’ clientele). Instructors should use animation in their voice and face, vary their intonation, use body language – having fun is universal!
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VISIBILITY/BEING ACTIVE IN OTHER ACTIVITIES – Resorts which offer various activities appreciate Instructors taking part in some of these. There’s no need to feel any obligation to take part in numerous events, games or lessons but by joining in a few, the Guest Instructor is more visible which gives additional exposure to them and the NRG2G0 program while showing what a ‘good sport’ they are. Taking part in a few activities demonstrates that the NRG2GO team is fun and helps to build comradery between the clients and staff.
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DRESS-CODE – The resorts which NRG2GO works with believe in uniformity when it comes to their staff attire. The Guest Instructor's role is a unique blend between staff and client. The bottom line is the resorts want the instructor to be recognizable by their clients and their staff. It also points out that NRG2G0 instructors are sub-contracted professionals providing a specific service. Professionalism is something NRG2GO pride's itself on. Instructors must be neat and presentable at all times from their clothing and hair to the way they carry themselves. Instructors are seen as fitness and wellness role models. T-Shirts, tanks or cover-ups clearly screened with "fitness instructor" or "yoga instructor" on the back must be worn when walking around pool and main areas during day. These items do not necessarily need to be worn while teaching but must be worn while eating breakfast and lunch as well while walking from beach, or pool to main areas or room. These screened items can either be NRG2GO clothing or items which the Instructor has screened themself. Semi-formal resort wear is appropriate for evening attire.
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COMPANION EXPECTATIONS - The Instructor's companion, if one is brought, must be seen assisting the Instructor. They must help with set up of class, promote the classes and return the equipment back to the gym along with the Instructor.
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RELATIONS WITH RESORT - The Instructor should take the opportunity to talk with the front desk staff as well as the concierges so that they can "stay in the loop", abreast as to who is coming and going, any groups that may be arriving etc. This is a very small yet very important point for the instructor. It makes it easier to speak with the clients when you already know, for example, how long they are staying with the resort and where they are from.