Last Updated on October 3, 2024 by Cristian Fry
7 Mental Health Boosting Tips for Group Exercise Instructors
1. Understand the basics
Did you know 1 in 4 adults in England will experience a mental health problem? Mental health challenges are not uncommon, and no-one should go through them alone.
Boosting your mental health starts with understanding some of the signs and symptoms of some common mental health problems. You’ll then be able to recognise when you might be struggling.
You don’t need to be an expert, but having a basic knowledge of what to look out for can help solve some problems early and maintain your credibility as a coach.
Start your knowledge boost with our free guide for group exercise instructors on mental health. Diving into common mental health problems, you’ll understand:
- The physical and mental symptoms.
- What you can do to support yourself in your mental health journey.
- Where to go for more support.
2. Put boundaries in place
Picture this… It’s 10.00pm. You’re scrolling through Facebook. A message pops up from a class member. Are you tempted to reply immediately?
Stop!
As a self-employed instructor, it can feel difficult to switch off. You want to help and support your participants, but you can’t be there for them 24/7. It’s essential to set boundaries to avoid burnout and maintain a positive attitude.
Set specific times for yourself when you can answer enquiries. Doing so will help you manage your energy and ensure you’re at your best when you do connect with clients.
You wouldn’t expect a reply to an email at 10.00pm from a traditional business, so why are you replying at that time?
Put your phone down, get some rest, and make self-care a priority in your life.
3. Prioritise your sleep
Do you find it difficult to get good quality sleep, especially if you’re teaching multiple classes a week?
Maybe you’re leading late evening sessions, or you have things going round and round in your mind at night about your next great workout.
If you find drifting off hard, there are some ways you can improve your sleep including:
- Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day.
- Stop using your phone and TV at least an hour before sleep.
- Keeping your bedroom dark and cool.
- Try a short meditation or gentle stretch before bed.
For more tips and a personalised sleep plan, visit the NHS Every Mind Matters wellbeing page.
4. Practice mindfulness between classes
As a group fitness instructor, you’re often moving from one high-energy class to another.
A constant state of “on” can be draining for your mental health and lead to fatigue. Try incorporating short mindfulness exercises between classes to energise your mind and soul.
Take at least one quiet moment to sit silently, focus on your breathing, and centre yourself. You’ll not only reduce stress and improve focus, you’ll recharge your mental batteries, too.
There are many great mindfulness apps available that offer quick guided sessions perfect for busy instructors.
5. Create a support network
Teaching group fitness can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re self-employed.
Building a support network of fellow instructors can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health and can help you overcome challenges.
Join online communities or local meetups for fitness professionals. Share experiences, ask for advice about handling difficult situations, and celebrate successes together.
Having a group of people who understand your unique challenges can provide invaluable emotional support and help you stay motivated.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to a sub when you need a break. It’s okay to take time off to come back refreshed and ready to inspire others.
6. Engage in your own fitness journey
While you’re constantly leading others in their fitness journeys, it’s crucial not to neglect your own.
Make time for workouts that are just for you – where you’re not the instructor, but simply a participant.
This could be attending another instructor’s class, following an online workout, or engaging in a completely different form of physical activity you enjoy.
Try resistance training if you usually teach cardio, or vice versa. Personal fitness time allows you to reconnect with your love of movement without the pressure of leading others.
Remember, it’s okay to struggle sometimes. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, back pain, or just feeling unmotivated, be kind to yourself.
Your commitment to your own journey will only enhance your ability to coach others authentically.
7. Schedule regular ‘me-time’
In the hustle of class schedules, admin work, and content creation, it’s easy to forget about personal time.
But dedicating time solely for yourself is crucial for maintaining good mental health and a positive internal mood.
Schedule regular slots in your week for activities that bring you joy and help you relax. It could be reading a book, taking a bath, going for a massage, or pursuing a hobby unrelated to fitness. Treat this ‘me-time’ as non-negotiable – it’s just as important as any class you teach.
Use this time to check in with yourself emotionally. Are you feeling fulfilled? Do you need to adjust your routine?
Remember, it’s not selfish to put your needs first sometimes – it’s necessary to ensure you can continue to inspire and motivate others.
Your members will feel the difference when you come back to class with increased energy levels, focus and readiness to deliver an amazing workout experience!
And don’t forget…
Start boosting your knowledge with our free guide to mental health for group exercise instructors.
