Three Burnout Signs and Solutions

If you have been teaching or training in the fitness industry for more than six months, likely you have experienced burnout.

We are essentially a performance, actor, athlete — or rather, “prathletes.” Each session we are all-in mentally and physically. It will take its toll on our minds and bodies. You might be saying, “But I love what I do!” Yes, me too, but even if we love our jobs we can still experience burnout. It doesn’t mean you have chosen the wrong career.

As such, it is essential to recognize the signs of burnout. More importantly, it’s key to know what to do about it. If you plan to have longevity in the fitness industry, you must take care of your body and mind.

Three Red Flags, Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

1. Boredom. If you are bored with your programs for your classes and clients, and are tired of hearing yourself talk, that is the beginning of burnout. If you struggle to develop programs or choreography and it isn’t fun and exciting to you anymore, that is a symptom of burnout.
2. Weakness or Injury. This is a huge red flag if you are not feeling as strong as usual, more fatigued or having more muscle soreness, aches, pains or even injuries. Likely you are overworking and not taking time for physical self-care, which puts you at a higher risk of fatigue, body pains and injuries. As group fitness instructors, we spend a lot of time caring for our participants and often overlook our own bodies.
3. Irritability. When ‘the thing’ you love to do that usually brings you feel-good endorphins and positivity feels like a burden. If you lack motivation or even have feelings of irritability toward your participants or peers, let’s face it: you are burnt out.

If you have experienced any of the above symptoms, it is time for a break. I know I am nearing burnout when any of these signs hit me. Through experience, I know the things that work for me and those that don’t work for me.

EXTRA CREDIT: The State of the Industry Report for 2022 also revealed burnout to be a big challenge.

First, let me say that pushing through it is not the answer. You will find your path, possibly through trial and error, but here are some ideas I’ve tried.

Three Things I do to Combat It

1. Spend a week in active recovery. Yoga, walking, swimming. Activity that is entirely different than what I teach. I will try different formats that allow my body to move differently from my regular exercise classes.
2. Take a week off teaching but take classes from some of your favorite instructors. This fills my tank right back up. I love taking classes being a student again. I enjoy the endorphins I get from exercise, but I just show up in this case. No planning, prepping or focusing on participants. I get to focus on myself and learning from my peers!
3. Find my special ‘Think Place.’ For me, it’s water. Lake, beach, river or pool. Water heals my spirit and soul from the inside out. Especially if I need to rest my body and recover from an injury or rest my mind, I will add in a guided meditation and intentional rest. Remember, sleep is how our bodies heal soft tissues and our minds retain information.

It isn’t easy to take time off from your job, co-workers and participants. Like the ‘oxygen mask’ theory, you will not be able to serve your classes and peers if you are empty and injured. Take care of yourself and your body; it is your machine and your tool for your trade. Listen to it and treat it well. Happy healing.