The other day, RM and I were talking about my schedule and ways to possibly take some of my load off. Lately, it seems like I’m running on empty more often than not. Between my new job and new commute, teaching and subbing, events with friends/coworkers after work, spending time with RM, spending time with my sister and friends, etc., there’s very little time for me to relax, which can really take a toll on the mind AND body.
Source– actually a good post to check out!
(This is basically how I feel like I should live… and what I’m trying to get away from!)
When we got onto the topic of teaching, he asked why I didn’t give up some of my classes, especially now that I make more money. My response? Because it’s not about the money. It’s because I love it. His response? What about it do you love so much?
Source
I went on to tell him that there are so many things that I love about teaching, but I think the thing I love the most is the way it makes me feel knowing that these members take time out of their day to come to my class as a way help them do something healthy and good for themselves. When you think about it like that, it seems like a huge responsibility, right?
As fitness instructors, people come to us for motivation and encouragement. They come to us for advice to help them meet their fitness and health goals. They come to us to help push them outside of their comfort zones and help them achieve things they otherwise wouldn’t know they could achieve. They come to our classes when they’ve had a bad day and need to release negative energy. They come to us as a healthy part of their day.
Just writing down all those things we, as fitness professionals, provide to our members on a daily/weekly basis makes me SO PROUD.
And, as much as my members feel like I’m helping them, they are helping me be a better me and a better instructor for them. One of my favorite Recycle instructors has a mantra she shares during class: I push you, you push me. I think it’s great- Yes, I’m there to push and motivate and guide my members, but without them being there as a motivation for me to keep teaching, I might not be doing it.
I’ll admit though, teaching isn’t always sunshine and roses. I’m sure we can all agree we’ve had one of those classes that we want to forget, right? And sometimes, I just don’t want to teach, but it’s those days where I’m reminded how much I love it because by the time I start the warm up, I am totally amped to be there. And the endorphins after a class is over? Priceless.
So, with that said, even though I know I need to cut back on my teaching schedule, it’s going to be a very hard decision figuring out where I’m going to cut back. I’ve got such a great following at my various gyms, but does the location and commute to get to those locations make sense? That’s what I need to figure out. One thing is for sure, though, there’s no way I would ever give up teaching all together- I love it too much for that.
Questions for you: Fellow fitness instructors- Why do you teach? Do you love it? Class goers- what’s a reason you go to classes? If fitness isn’t your thing, what’s something you do because you love it, not because of the money?
Burpees to Bubbly 
great reasons to keep on helping folks—this is also why many of us sub instead of giving it up entirely. It is a very difficult decision to make and I am sure you will do it wisely! Have a good day.
Thanks, Jean- It’s hard to give up something that you love!
Good luck with figuring it out! I am sure you will make the right decision! 🙂 I love teaching, because it gives me the opportunity to impact positively on people and I am remembered for it.
I totally agree, Alice- it’s the best feeling in the world!
I go to classes because I push myself so much more when I’m surrounded by others despite being a very self-motivated person myself. I love learning new moves, and I think that even though I push myself, in a class, when you say “Ok now we’re going to do 20 burpees, followed by 20 squat jumps, followed by 20 donkey kicks, followed by 20 push-ups, 4 times through” I think to myself, “she’s kidding, right?” And then we do it. It’s THAT push that makes me feel so good in a class, because there is a sense of doing things that I might only do halfway if I wasn’t held accountable in a class.
That being said, I know you have to practice self-care, so I do hope that you can find a way to bring more balance to your life. I will be bummed with whatever class you drop, but as a friend will support that (and maybe one day teach the class myself!)
Thanks for your sweet words, Dana! And I agree with you- those are the same reasons why I go to classes- I work so much harder. Teaching is the same for me, too! You guys rock my classes, day in and day out- I’m always surprised by how hard you guys push yourselves and how you always come back wanting more. It’s the best!!
I teach because I am going to go to class for a workout, anyway, so why not get paid for it? It’s absolutely not for the money! What pushed me over the edge to teach was when my favorite kick boxing instructor had to give up the class! I had often been asked if I was an instructor, and if not, why didn’t I teach? Well when she said she was leaving, I finally got the courage to try it. Nine months later, I’m so glad I did! I love the group atmosphere — motivating everyone to push through it – we’re all in it together! I love hearing about people’s challenges and making suggestions.
However, I only teach two classes a week, which enables me to still be a full time stay at home mom and say “yes” to being a substitute every so often. My kids are 7 and 10, so I love the balance of taking care of them and getting paid to work out 2-3x a week!
I’m so happy you’re loving you teaching- that’s a great way to fall into a position. I love the group atmosphere, too- there’s just something about it that makes the workout more fun! Two classes a week is manageable, especially with kids, but it’s nice that it gives you time to sub, too.
Hi Nick, I remember the day shortly after your graduation from college with a degree in education, when you said to me “Mom, I’m not going to apply for a teaching job this year” I know I choked back a reply–WHAT? In retrospect, it has all worked out for the best, BUT, I still see you as a teacher–whether it be in a gym or a classroom–maybe it’s time for you to slow down, but don’t give up the classes that work for you. Mom
It’s still crazy to me how my life has unfolded! Teaching group ex has been a great way for me to get the thrill and satisfaction of teaching, yet not have the crazy schedule of a classroom teacher. There’s no way I could ever give it up entirely- I love it far too much!