Off The Mic

OTM010: Are You Telling Class What They're Doing, or What to Do?

What if one tiny shift in language could completely change the way your class feels? In this episode of Off the Mic, you'll hear a deceptively simple question inspired by educator Bonnie Weeks of Carrot Bowl Bonnie and Flow School: Are you telling class what they're doing… or are you telling them what to do? From there, you'll learn how subtle changes in your cueing can make your coaching feel more clear, direct, embodied, and effective. Using the common cue "lifting the arms" as an example, you'll hear how to refine your language so it guides movement more powerfully, creates stronger connection, and helps your words land with more purpose in the room. In this episode, you'll learn: * the difference between narrating and directing * why stronger direction helps your cues land * how small word choices shape embodiment and connection * how to make cues more specific without getting wordy * a simple framework you can start using in your very next class If you've ever felt like your cueing is fine but know it could be stronger, this episode will give you a whole new ear for your own teaching. You'll walk away with practical takeaways to help you lead with more clarity, confidence, and intention, and to create classes that feel more connected, more alive, and more impactful for the people in the room. If you love this kind of conversation and want to go deeper, join the GroupX Conservatory and explore our full course, The Art of Coaching and Cueing: https://conservatory.fitcarma.com/go/order/ [https://conservatory.fitcarma.com/go/order/] Bonnie's reel that inspired this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXXenOtkt1S/ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DXXenOtkt1S/]

OTM009: What Pop Culture Is Teaching Us About Group Fitness Right Now

What do Artemis II, Coachella, and the cinematic albums artists are creating right now have to do with group fitness? More than you might think. In this episode of Off the Mic, Shay reflects on what recent moments in pop culture reveal about what people are craving right now: immersive experiences, emotional depth, collective joy, and something that feels real. From genre-blending music and world-building artistry to the contrast between spectacle and stripped-down presence, this conversation explores how those same ideas apply to teaching group fitness classes that people don't just complete, but truly feel. Shay also shares thoughts on collective effervescence, meaningful challenge, authenticity, instructor persona, and why mastering your modality is only the beginning. The deeper invitation is to explore the edges, refine your voice, and create experiences that are unmistakably your own. If you're a group fitness instructor who wants to create classes that feel powerful, intentional, and unforgettable, this episode is for you. Join The Conservatory: https://conservatory.fitcarma.com/go/order/

OTM008: You Are The Table: How Your Persona Can Take You Further Than Perfect Programming

What would you do if you hadn't taught a live class in five years… and suddenly you're asked to jump on the schedule after a 22-minute assessment, and then teach five in one day? In this episode, I break down what actually carried me through that first day back: not a perfect playlist or flawless programming, but my persona. Your presence, intention, transitions, timing, and voice will take you further than the "perfect" class plan ever could. We'll unpack what it means to stop worrying about what you bring to the table, because you are the table. And when you set it with confidence, people know exactly where to sit. What you'll learn in this episode: * Why your point of view matters more than piling on certifications * How I use setup cues + transitions to anchor myself when nerves hit * The difference between identity and performance (and why one builds trust) * How to stop posting content for "likes" and start posting for actual impact * Why perfect programming can still fall flat, and what to focus on instead * What to do when you feel like the only new instructor in the room * How to know when to adjust for the room, and when to hold your ground Mentioned in this episode: ✨ Radiant Magnetism: A 30-Day Instructor Persona Challenge Stop second-guessing yourself. Start showing up as the instructor you were born to be. Join the 30-Day Radiant Magnetism Challenge and discover what makes you unforgettable. Join here: https://www.makethemfeelsomething.com/magnetic [https://www.makethemfeelsomething.com/magnetic] Enrollment closes: November 10th 2025

OTM007: Not Everyone Will Love You (And Why That's a Good Thing)

In this episode of Off the Mic, Shay dives into one of the hardest truths for group fitness instructors: not everyone will love you. And that's okay. In fact, it's the key to a long, fulfilling career. Shay shares why confidence comes from knowing your secret sauce (who you are, why you teach, and how you deliver your classes) and how the best instructors in the world don't try to please everyone. They master their craft, own their style, and magnetize the right people. You'll learn: • Why being disliked is actually proof you're magnetic. • What it takes to have unshakeable confidence in the face of haters. • The Four Pillars every great instructor nails to deliver unforgettable classes. If you're ready to start building unshakable confidence in your classes, this one's for you. Join the Off the Mic Newsletter here: https://fitcarma.com/offthemic [https://fitnesscareermastery.com/offthemic] Become a GXC Member here: https://conservatory.fitcarma.com/go/order/ [https://conservatory.fitcarma.com/go/order/]

OTM006: Finding Confidence In The Midst Of Copycats

Have you ever had that gut-punch moment when someone copies your playlist, your cues, or even your whole class format? It stings. In this episode of Off the Mic, I'm sharing a candid, story-packed conversation about: * My 2025 East Coast summer training tour and why in-person mentorship is making a comeback * The difference between copying vs. "stealing like an artist" * Why originality is a myth and your secret sauce is unstealable * How to protect your energy, trust your creativity, and keep making magic even if others imitate you We'll also talk about playlisting, and how to reclaim your creative confidence without spending hours on every single class. Press play now and take back your creative power. Links & References: Killer Playlists in Less Time Challenge – 10 days to build programming-aligned playlists in 30 mins or less → [Sign Up Here] [https://conservatory.fitcarma.com/killer-playlists/order/] 🌟 Join the Group X Conservatory – Courses, challenges, and ongoing mentorship for instructors → [Join Here] [https://conservatory.fitcarma.com/go/order/] 📲 Follow The GXC on Instagram → @thegroupx_conservatory [https://urlgeni.us/instagram/m6L1V]