Survey Says?

Instructor evaluations were submitted for 3 weeks in July. Wasn't sure what to expect, since I had a rough start taking over one of the most popular fitness classes from one of the most popular instructors. Talk about intimidating!! Beth had built quite a loyal following- which is great- except she moved away. I came in to fill the spot. I am trained in Classical Mat Pilates while she was into the Pilates Fusion classes, so our approaches are a little different. I do some fusion & ball work, but with more of a stretching emphasis than she did. Anyway, complaints abounded when I first started: "Music is too loud", "The class is different than Beth's", "The new instructor doesn't use the same terminology", etc. There were days when I felt VERY discouraged. 2 ladies didn't even give me a chance, they just quit. They have the right, but it makes me feel like I have failed them somewhat...

Anyway, I was sweatin' these evaluations! However, PTL the results turned out to be positive. Every instructor is ranked a 1-5 in several areas: Starts & ends class on time, Music Volume, Class Format, Challenge Level, Instructor inspires you to be your best, etc. A "1" being the lowest. I received 22 sheets that gave me high rankings as an instructor. The other 4 were VERY negative. Mainly complaining about music volume being too soft or too loud. One lady said the class "isn't challenging enough for her". Hmmm, guess she's super fit then!? Another person wrote "Instructor is too cheezy". I wasn't sure what to make of that since I don't cut jokes or be stupid in class. The other 2 surveys, it seemed clear to me the ladies simply wanted to trash me. They ranked me all #1's. I have never started or ended class late, and always introduce myself, so they could definitely have ranked me higher on those things. Obviously either a slam session or they got confused and thought #1 was the best ranking? Hey- maybe they just DON'T like petite, redheaded instructors. LOL I can't please everyone, but I try.

Today, one of the die-hards who dropped out of my class during the changeover showed up! Yeah!! Maybe she'll give me a chance to prove myself? She appeared to have enjoyed the class. My boss sat in for half of the class to observe. Aside from a few small suggestions, she said she is quite happy with my instruction and that she continues to get good feedback from members. The floor is packed, so it's going well! I'm lovin' it!! :o)

(Sorry, but I still can't get blogger to post pictures! This is disappointing 'cause my blog could be so much better with pics. It used to work just fine- go figure?)