The advent of 2021 marks my 25th year teaching and working in fitness.
Im not really sure how thats even possible since, in my head, Im only 25.
But alas, its true.
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I was a mere 18 years old and always the youngest in the room and on staff.
I was young and hungry and just wanted to move and learn.
Ive created my own formats.
Now at 43, Im always one of the oldest in the (virtual) room or on staff.
But Im still hungry and still only want to move.
The old adage about age and wisdom is actually true.
That wisdom comes from many years of many mistakes and so much learning the hard way.
Hi, it me.
To mark my 25th year in the field, here are 25 fitness truths that Ive learned.
A lot of these lessons will hold true whether you are the teacherorthe participant.
And some are just generally good principles that can apply outside of the fitness industry as well.
Here they are in no particular order.
Its bigger than transforming bodies.
Its bigger than the number of followers, features, or dollars you have.
These are peoples lives and health that we are working with.
Its SO much bigger than just fitness.
If youre in this industry, its part of your job.
If you inhabit a body, its also kind of your job.
When I step into a room, I am always safety first, form second, fun factor last.
As a client, you should always feel safe physically and emotionally in a class or session.
Have a qualified professional ready to refer to when your clients ask.
Stay aware and make an effort to be inclusive as much as it’s possible for you to.
The whole industry is geared toward able-bodied people with set ideals that arenotinclusive.
We all need to do better with this.
The fitness industry is set up to focus on aesthetics over everything.
Dont get caught in the trap.
Aesthetics do not necessarily equate to mental or physical health outcomes.
Chronic disease prevention and longer lifespan are also kind of cool in my opinion.
That might mean even taking a little time off to refresh yourself.
Its best to get to the root of this feeling sooner rather than later.
Its not your workout; its theirs.
Also remember that if theplaylist gives YOU energy, that will most likely transfer to your students.
This should go beyond your continuing education requirements.
I never want to lose that intellectual or physical curiosity.
You will learn SO much about teaching, cues, things you like and dont like.
This also goes for training in modalities outside of what you teach.
This is where I have learned the most.
You might also see patterns of movement in other people in class that can inform your own coaching.
There are gems hidden all over the place about how to do what you do better.
Same goes if you are an avid fitness participant instead of a trainer.
This cannot be said enough, no matter what industry youre in.
Theres always more to learn, ways to grow, things to work on.
Step back, reassess.
Your desire to be coached will show them theirs as well.
Much as 2020 taught us, its all about the pivot.
Pivoting is SO crucial.
Stay on your toes and as many steps ahead as possible.
You dont know whats going on in peoples bodies, minds, or life.
Refrain from publicly commenting on any of these things without permission.
Or maybe at all.
Always put effort into the preparation of your class or session.
Its okay to have notes.
Not everything you see is exactly how it seems on a feed.
This is as much about thefundamentals of trainingas it is about the fundamentals of teaching.
Same goes for knowing how to program, cue, and create a safe space for your clients.
Be really cautious with the contracts you sign and the innovations you create.
Prep your body for what its about to do.
Prep your class for what its about to do.
Always come back to that love.
Dont ever take that for granted, and dont ever stop celebrating that.
