How do you remain energized so you do not experience professional burn out?
I know a lot of trainers and fitness instructors who focus on training so many clients, that they ignore their own personal need to stay healthy and excited about teaching/training. It would be great to know what other fitness professionals do to stay excited and energized about working with their clients.
Know your limits. How many classes per week can you realistically handle and stay strong, healthy and happy? How much of what format? Cardio kickboxing can be a very different physical pace than yoga, for example, but it depends.
Get sleep! It’s often the first thing to go from the “fitness trifecta” (healthy food, enough sleep, and enough exercise).
Make sure you’re eating enough to support your workouts/classes.
Build a buffer between classes/clients to decompress.
Ask for help! Whether that be with classes/clients/work or taking care of the kids, reach out and let your coworkers and loved ones take over your responsibilities from time to time.
Take regular vacations (2-4 per year) – they can be a long weekend, or more time. Stay active, but make sure you’re prioritizing R & R over a constant “go-go-go” mental and physical pace.
Along with vacations: you’ll be a more effective fitness professional with regular recharging sessions. Know what energizes you beyond the fitness realm – a party, time with close friends/family, spa time, alone time with a good read – and try to get at least a few minutes a few times a month for these things.
Take it from someone who’s both type A and B – let the type B take over (or proactively become type B) regularly! There’s a healthy balance between pushing yourself and resting to be found, and it can’t be perfect, but mindfully taking care of yourself can go a long way toward finding as much balance as possible.