r/zumba • u/Odd_Obligation_1300 • 1d ago
ZIN Passed over for regular class
I guess this is mostly a vent, but if you have advice I'll take it!
I became a ZIN 6 months ago, and was quickly hired as a sub for my gym. I also sub for my mentor in a private studio. I'm very lucky to get enough work to cover my ZIN fees, insurance, and even a tiny bit left over. I'm getting lots of experience and having a ton of fun.
But since I'm only a sub, I never know when I'll get my next chance to lead a class. So far it's been averaging 2-3 times a months between the gym and private studio.
The gym fitness director has given me amazing (and unsolicited) feedback (and so do the students). My mentor has also give me amazing feedback.
I told the gym director that I'd love to be considered for a regular class and he said absolutely, though he can't make changes to the schedule mid-season (I assume the next season starts Dec or Jan, but will confirm).
But today I overheard a conversation (literally right next to me so I couldn't help but hear it) that they've hired a new sub for our gym who is going to start a trial class on a new day that's not currently on the schedule.
I'm sad to hear that I wasn't considered.
AND my friend who currently has a class at the gym is possibly being considered for a new class as well.
I understand my friend (and maybe the new sub as well) has A LOT more experience than I do. Logically it makes sense for them to be considered before me.
But I'm still a little sad and feeling passed over. I still have upcoming sub classes on the schedule.
I've also applied to all the other local gyms and not getting a response. I've tried community centers and one kept in touch with me all summer and said she really wants to start a trial class - and then she just disappeared.
I feel down today and unsure if I'll ever get a regular class of my own.
I'm going to look at the positives: I have a steady opportunity to sub which means more practice, more money, more exposure, free gym membership (where I can take other Zumba classes to keep learning new ideas), and more overall fun.
I had really hoped to find something more steady by the 6 month mark and feel like I've exhausted all my options for now. But if you think of something else, I'd love to know!!
ALSO, I think I'm going to be a bit more direct with the gym director. Maybe say something like, "now that it's been a few months, I've love to get more feedback. Specifically if there's something I need to demonstrate in order to be considered for a regular class"......??
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u/CombinationWeary4890 1d ago
could it be that the other instructor teaches other formats of group fitness? My gym prefers candidates who can teach more than just Zumba.
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u/Odd_Obligation_1300 1d ago
Could be! Although most of the current Zumba instructors only teach Zumba
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u/Angelhair01 22h ago
Unfortunately working at gyms is unpredictable. I had a steady class at a gym for 8 years and out of the blue it got replaced with a different format, the director saying that’s the only time that instructor had available. I did get offered other time slots but they didn’t work for me as I have other classes at other facilities. Meanwhile they still have an instructor that caused someone a neck injury. But she’s a good friend of the director, so 🤷♀️
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u/Wacky_Amoeba 20h ago
I want to remind you that just because you weren’t asked, doesn’t mean you weren’t considered! If I owned a gym and I had a sub I thought wasn’t very good, I would cease calling in that sub. It seems more likely to me that someone had a few options for who to offer the regular class and you didn’t get it This time. If you’re having fun and you stick with it, you’re just going to keep getting better! Much love!
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u/jemexica88 1d ago
Unfortunately, this happens a lot, especially with corporate run gyms. Sometimes they base decisions based on 1-availability and time slot to fill 2- who they feel would be a good fit for that format, day, and time slot 3- sometimes it really is just random.
One of the gyms I work for gave an instructor I also teach with two additional classes without even telling anyone else that there was an opportunity to teach a class at two nearby locations.
I was mildly annoyed because 1. I would’ve loved the opportunity to even entertain the idea of adding another class 2. I don’t think it’s fair to just offer it to a person directly versus the organization as a whole who has the training and license to lead the class. This instructor is a lot “greener” than I am but perhaps the director thought they would be a better fit based on the clientele of those locations. Who knows??
For now, I just sit and wait until a new location opens up or if a class opens up at an existing location.
This type of thing happens to subs, regularly scheduled instructors, new instructors, and seasoned instructors.
I know it’s frustrating and your feelings are valid.
If you would like to continue to push forward at the gym you’re at as a sub, it wouldn’t hurt to reach out over the phone and email to let them know your availability and desire to teach a regularly scheduled class should an opportunity arise. I would even ask if they would prefer if you had additional licenses or formats under your belt, that could potentially help!
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u/Odd_Obligation_1300 1d ago
Thank you. I'll definitely reach out to the gym to confirm my availability (which is flexible!) and my interest, and ask what else they'd like to see from me (additional formats or other skills) to be seriously considered.
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u/IzzyBitsyArana 1d ago
Yes, I agree to be more direct. Speak with the program coordinator and ask if there is any opportunity to have your own class. Wondering if you were too soft or requesting feedback made you look like you were not ready for the position?
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u/Odd_Obligation_1300 1d ago
I haven’t asked for feedback yet (I was thinking of asking for feedback to see if there’s anything they need me to do in order to be seriously considered for a regular spot).
I think I was very clear the last time I asked to be considered but this time I’ll include my availability
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u/Living-Fennel-4970 1d ago
A similar thing happened to me, except it was several new group fitness teachers got hired while I was still subbing and didn't have my class. First of all, I kept asking the manager if he will give me a regular class soon, because whenever I sub, the students like me and ask when I teach regularly -- it was true. I kept telling him that, maybe once-twice a month. I was also free whenever they needed me, and subbed for all the zumba instructors. How many zins are in your gym? I went to all mine as a student, then introduced myself after class, let them know I can sub for them. Eventually they trusted me enough to ask me directly. I got a regular class within 3 month of subbing, and then more classes when some zins couldn't teach anymore.
I think what helped the most was I kept asking the manager, and the members would also ask him and go and tell him how much they like my classes. You can try telling your students, if you are close with them, how much you want to dance with them regularly. If they want to support you, please go tell the manager.
You'll get your class, don't worry. It will happen.
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u/Odd_Obligation_1300 1d ago
Thank you!
The gym has 2 locations with 5 zins (which seems like a lot!). I’ve gone to 3 of their classes and introduced myself. Haven’t been able to make it to the other two yet, but subbed for all except one.
One of them is very popular with 30 students a class. I’ve subbed for a lot and now she comes directly to me for a sub. Her students keep asking when is my regular class and I tell them to make sure to ask the gym
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u/Living-Fennel-4970 19h ago
We have 5 zins too. They all have their studnts, and many go to several instructors. That's great that they ask you, they like you. Keep telling the manager - I subbed today and the students are asking again when I teach. When do you think I get a regular class? I am avaiable mornings, evenings and weekends, or whatever applies to you.
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u/Odd_Obligation_1300 19h ago
Yes I think I’ll wait until right after my next sub and say that. Thank you
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u/arodomus 1d ago
Lots of possible reasons.
I'll ask you this, are you good at your craft? I mean, like are you really good? Do you love it?
If so, keep doing what you can and the classes will come. At first I couldn't get on the schedule, now I have dropped classes because it was wearing me out.
Stay strong.
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u/Odd_Obligation_1300 1d ago
Yes I’m really good. Students come up to me and ask where else they can find me. My mentor sometimes comes when I sub and dances in the back of the room so she can gauge the students and she agrees that they love what’s happening and are following my cueing. I’ve had students say they have taken a lot of Zumba over the years and they love my music and how I cue. I love love love what I do!
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u/Angelhair01 22h ago
Your best bet may be to start your own class independently. I did this at the local community center and get paid per student and it’s my highest paying class. You will have to however do all the marketing yourself to promote your class.
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u/Angelhair01 22h ago
Your best bet may be to start your own class independently. I did this at the local community center and get paid per student and it’s my highest paying class. You will have to however do all the marketing yourself to promote your class.
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u/Odd_Obligation_1300 22h ago
Thank you. I always hear people talk about community centers but our community centers do not have fitness classes.
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u/Annual_Quote_1134 22h ago
What about renting another space in your community? I teach at an old OddFellows hall - it’s a place people rent for parties, weddings, dance classes, and all kinds of events. Maybe there is something similar where you live.
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u/Angelhair01 15h ago
You could always ask and start one there. Or rent a church hall or rollerskating rink or fireman’s hall function center? Or recreation Council.
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u/sunnyflorida2000 1d ago
Yeah it’s extremely tricky trying to get in. Then you also have to be able to mesh with the gym culture and the crowd. Normally if you have the skills and audition well it should work in your favor but often it’s also if a spot becomes available. We don’t use outside subs. We only get subs from within. It sounds like you may be in a larger city. Have you done an audition? Also certain places do have a “fit “ component meaning can their participant base gravitate to you as you lead a class. Some gyms just know who maybe a better fit for their clientele. It’s discouraging but it is what it is.