2000 and Shine

2000 and shine

Last year I hit instructor burnout I denied it was coming I convinced myself it would never happen to me but it did and it knocked me for 6! In a way I don't think till you hit it you ever get that feeling where you need a total priority shift and a change in direction. For me it wasn't just something that was needed to happen it was something that had happen.

Even though my health, confidence and fitness levels have taken a beating I have to say it has been probably one of the best things to ever happen to me and some of my friends in an indirect way. It made me look at what I thought I loved doing and what it was actually doing to me. Fitness is one of the best industries to be in it's social and provides us all with a platform to be help people feel better about themselves physically and emotionally.

So do you ever find yourself feeling drained and not just physically?
Do you find yourself running from class to class?
Do you find yourself looking for money to be made in the industry?
I can promise you there is money to be made it is just whether you are ready to look outside of your teaching classes box.

For years and years I totally focused on my income coming from my classes and the occasional PT sessions. So when I physically came to my limit, I'm not going to lie I panicked I sat there thinking how on earth was I going earn money! So here are my top top tips to get back in there but this time with a business savvy head on.

Daydream...Wait stay with me! What have you always wanted to do? DVD, write a book, set up your own website, help people or lose weight the options are endless. Okay do you have an idea?

Research your competitors, look at your idea and see how it can grow. I had an idea for a website but found it worked better as a book. Your idea could be your unique selling point as an instructor for clubs or even for getting you into presenting if that's your dream.

Ask for a real opinion, speak to your class attendees and people outside of fitness that know nothing they will give you a 100% honest answer.
Could it make you money? Remember to always believe in what you are worth and charge for it.

What are your outlays? Room hire, agreed commission structure within a club, marketing, advertising and welcome packages.

Make a plan so for example you want to run a weight management course what do you think it should contain and what do your member think it should contain.

Believe in your product and don't be afraid to take or ask for advice.

Keep an open mind and remember you do not always have to follow the crowd. Fitness the same as music and fashion, saturation and over exposure can kill an idea or how an idea can be delivered so think outside your box look at other businesses fitness and non fitness related

Prioritise your time remember you are at the TOP of your list. Remove toxic people and influences in your life, they are draining you more than you realise. Positive people are amazing to be around they can inspire, motivate and can even help you head in the right direction. So remember you deserve to be around positive people and you will probably find they get back from you as much as you are getting from them.

Sleep, breath and relax or at least find something you really enjoy this is your release and your time so take it!

Make sure you are paid what you are worth rather than run yourself ragged and giving half your potential, prioritise give 100% and charge more to reflect your true worth
I know we work in the fitness industry but you also need to have a balanced exercise program so look at the balance you need to create for your body to function at its optimum. Take the exercise slow and steady and build your fitness up to support what you do.

So as a summary there is always support around you just don't be afraid to ask or learn something new. Definitely look outside of your box as inspiration can lie in the strangest of places. And last but not least you are the most important thing, you are your business so surround yourself with positive people and feel the benefits.