Name: Emma Smallman
What's your role? I am a fitness instructor specialising in teaching classes to drum and bass music
Tell us about your background? I have enjoyed dance and exercise since an early age so decided to take my ETM Level 2 in 2004. Initially I started my own local aerobics and body conditioning classes as a side line to my fulltime job. I soon got bored and so decided I wanted to create my own dance, fitness concept that had a faster pace, required full enthusiasm and gave out a heap of energy. Having enjoyed drum & bass music since the mid 90's it made complete sense to create a fitness class to this genre. I have been teaching it since 2012 at weekly adult fitness classes, music festivals and special events finding ways to adapt and amend depending on the participants.
Best thing about being a coach? Having a sea of smiley, sweaty people in front of you all copying the routine. On top of that is the positive outcomes it has on those individuals. Be it from the social connection, health and wellbeing impact and the pure joy of dancing to wicked music.
Who's your role model or inspiration? When I was younger and lived up north I used to go to a fitness teacher in Kendal who had phenomenal energy each and every class. I thought she was superwoman and wondered what her secret was. Now I know it's doing high impact fitness on a regular basis!
Have you faced or overcome any barriers in relation to your coaching? Of course, I am always reflecting on my practice and questioning the decisions I make as an instructor. Sometimes you want someone just to come and watch and check everything you are doing is ok, other times you have to really dig deep to find the energy to teach. Giving people energy when you don't have it can be tricky, however once you stick your tunes on, that pretty much sorts it!
Advice to other coaches / instructors looking to get started? Create the class that you would want to attend. If you're having fun up there it's so infectious.
To follow Emma's progress follow her on twitter @drumnbounce or check out her website here