You have more than one job…
As a fitness coach, you aren’t just a source of knowledge in exercise/nutrition, etc; you’re also a mentor, teacher, motivator, support network, agony aunt, voice of reason, and sometimes even a shoulder to cry on. Being all of those things is what makes you a good coach.
Don’t trust Instagram…
Despite what social media might say, fitness coaches don’t just live on a diet of leaves. Of course, I stay active, but I also enjoy cake and wine. You can’t believe everything you see on Instagram; you’re often comparing what you see every day to the best of 100 pictures taken in optimal lighting.
It’s a team game…
I have learnt more from my colleagues and training with people than I learnt doing my PT course, so it’s important to never think that you know too much already to learn new things. Each of my colleagues at UBX have different backgrounds, so we always bounce ideas off each other when it comes to fitness programmes – and we still correct each other’s form and technique!
You’re playing the long game…
Of course, some clients and members won’t stay indefinitely, and that’s fine. However, it is your job to provide them with the correct fitness knowledge and tools they need, which they can continue to use for the rest of their lives.
Find something you enjoy…
This is more of a general point about fitness: find something to do for your body that you enjoy. You’ll be much more likely to stick at it that way, not to mention the wonders it’ll do for your physical health, mental health and general wellbeing (you’ll more than like make some friends along the way too).
Sheridan Turner is a fitness coach at UBX Sheffield – a recently opened gym at 844 Ecclesall Road that delivers a unique mix of boxing and strength training across a 12-round circuit in less than 45 minutes.
