We are going to discuss the myths and misconceptions about fitness instructors. You may think you understand our profession, but these misconceptions are simply not the case. Not only fitness instructors, but all independent Pilates, yoga instructors, dancers, fitness owners, and personal trainers have faced several myths and misconceptions about what we do in our jobs and our passions.
Here are the 23 most common and uncommon ones we faced since we started NKH Fitness and launched classes for our clients:
1. They Exercise All Day❌: Many people believe that fitness instructors spend their entire day working out. In reality, our job entails planning workouts, instructing clients, sending emails, scheduling social media posts, conducting fitness assessments, and managing financial responsibilities such as cash flows and other administrative tasks.
2. Must Have a Perfect Body Shape ❌: It's a common assumption that fitness instructors must have a "perfect" body, akin to supermodels or fitness models, in order to be in the fitness industry.
However, we come in all shapes and sizes. Our emphasis lies more on our clients' fitness, mental health, and well-being rather than appearances. We are dedicated to maintaining a consistent workout schedule, setting our own health goals, and facing challenges, just like everyone else.
3. You can only do it as a hobby or a charity, not as a successful business❌: It's a common misconception that fitness instructors or gym owners offer their services for free or as charity work.
The truth is, we have been running a successful fitness business since 2016, training over 50 clients in various fitness sessions over the past eight years. Our clients pay for our expertise, skills, experience and time, as we conduct fitness classes to make a living, not for charity.
4. They Know Everything About Nutrition❌: Fitness instructors have extensive knowledge in their field, but it's important to note that they may not be experts in every aspect of health and wellness. We are qualified and trained in L2 Fitness Instruction (Exercise to Music), Chair-Based Exercise (CBE), and Nutrition and Health with Fitness Professional Providers.
However, we are not an expert in other health fields such as Pre-Post Natal care, psychotherapy, sports massage therapy, and so on. For comprehensive guidance in these areas, we work with professionals and engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD). It is important to acknowledge that gaining qualifications in these health fields requires a significant investment of time and money.
5. Always Energetic and Cheerful❌: Many people believe that fitness instructors are always cheerful. The reality is that we often exude positivity during classes, but we also have days when we feel stressed, unwell, or exhausted.
6. You Have To Teach A Lot Of Classes Every Week To Be Successful❌: Many assume that we teach seven days a week, but that's not true. We schedule classes for 2-3 days during the weekdays and take breaks in between to prevent overworking. Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial.
7. They Don't Get Injured or Tired❌: "Fitness instructors are human beings, too. We experience fatigue and are susceptible to injuries like anyone else. We need to manage our health and fitness carefully. If we overwork, we will get injured or burned out, so we prioritise self-care.
8. People Are Only Interested in Pay-As-You-Go Classes❌: Fitness instructors offer pay-as-you-go (PAYG) classes, which can be great for new clients and help fill extra spaces.
However, depending solely on individual PAYG sessions could hinder our business's growth. This approach leads to a lot of uncertainty from week to week and requires consistent marketing efforts to ensure that people keep coming back to classes.
Important Things to Remember:
We offer two block booking options (Class Passes) that can help support our business growth. They provide us with increased financial security, especially when there are upfront costs and venue fees to be paid. These options cover our business expenses and costs. The decision to purchase class passes and stay committed is entirely up to you. Ultimately, we have financial obligations to meet.
9. It's An Easy Job and Fun❌: Many people assume that fitness instructors have easy and enjoyable jobs. However, the role of a fitness instructor can be physically and mentally demanding. It involves continual learning, adapting to clients' needs, and maintaining personal fitness, all while managing a schedule that may include early mornings, late evenings, and weekends.
10. You Should Be Teaching A Range Of Different Styles And Brands❌: It is a common belief that we need to learn different fitness styles from various brands and become licensed instructors for each. However, this is a misconception.
At NKH Fitness, we currently do not rely on other fitness brands to train our instructors, except for Clubbercise Dance Aerobics. We focus on HIIT, LIIT, and strength training with resistance bands, which align with our fitness approach. We believe in specialising in the fitness styles that we are passionate about.
11. No Personal Life or Indulgence❌: It's a misconception that fitness instructors don't indulge in things like takeout, ice cream, or have strict diet habits. We strike a balance between our professional advice, personal preferences, and a realistic approach to the 80/20 rule. We enjoy healthy, balanced meals while also allowing ourselves to indulge in treats in moderation. Like everyone else, we have our own dietary preferences.
12. Only Focus On Dance❌: It is a common misconception that fitness instructors only focus on dance. However, we emphasise overall fitness, including strength training, HIIT, low-impact, flexibility, and mobility (please see misconception number 10).
13. Only For Young People❌: Many people believe that fitness instructors are only for young individuals. However, fitness instructors can be aged 18-60 or over 65. We work with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels, and tailor our classes to meet diverse needs.
14. Fitness Instructors are Extroverted❌: Many people believe that in order to be a fitness instructor, one must naturally be outgoing and extroverted. However, this is an unfair misconception. While good communication skills are important, introverted individuals can still excel in this role through different styles of interaction and motivation.
15. Only Care About Physical Appearance❌: It is commonly assumed that fitness instructors only care about physical appearance or having a pretty face. However, we are much more than just our looks. We prioritise overall well-being, including mental health, functional fitness, and lifestyle improvements with our clients, rather than focusing on our appearances (see misconception number 2).
16. All about Fun, No Serious Fitness❌: While dance classes are enjoyable, they also provide a serious workout. Our classes are carefully designed to improve cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and overall fitness, balancing fun with effective exercise.
17. Quick Results For All Clients❌: There is a misconception that fitness instructors can rapidly transform anyone's body. Although we offer effective guidance and support, results vary based on an individual's consistency, effort, and other personal factors.
18. No Need For Professional Training❌: Some people believe that anyone can become a fitness instructor without training or qualifications. However, we undergo rigorous and continuous qualification and certification processes, as well as continuous education, to ensure that we provide safe and effective workouts (please see misconception number 4).
19. They Are Natural Talented Instructors❌: It is often mistakenly believed that all fitness instructors have natural talent. In reality, we have spent years refining our skills through intensive practice and training.
20. Only Done in Studios❌: Dance fitness is often associated with dance studios or fitness centers. However, it can be done in various locations such as our garden, the living room at home, outdoors, or in community centres.
21. Instructors Never Make Mistakes❌: People might assume that fitness instructors always perform flawlessly, but we are human and can make mistakes, which can make the class more relatable.
22. Classes Are Too Intense For Beginners❌: There is a belief that fitness classes are too challenging for beginners, but most of our sessions offer modifications to accommodate different fitness levels, ensuring everyone can participate.
23. Doesn't Promote Weight Loss❌: While some people believe dance fitness is ineffective for weight loss, consistent engagement can help burn calories, support weight control, and improve overall fitness.
Acknowledging the misconceptions and myths surrounding fitness instructors can help you develop a more accurate perception of us, leading to greater respect, commitment, professionalism, knowledge, and ultimately improving client-instructor relationships, including our own.
We hope you enjoy reading this blog update.
Thank you for taking the time to read the content.
Natasha
NKH Fitness Team
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