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How many of us, no matter how much we love running bootcamps and training people, have found ourselves in moments where we just want to pack it all in and quit?
Whether it’s because people aren’t coming to our sessions, we’re working too many weird hours and not seeing out families or the business is just not bringing in enough money for us to feel comfortable.
These are the low moments in which we wonder if it’s all worth it.
A few years ago I was chatting with a trainer based here in Australia. Let’s call them Rebecca (fake name). We’d exchange the odd email and Facebook conversation and they were a great part of the Bootcamp Ideas community, often offering advice and their own experiences to new trainers.
Over the years I watched Rebecca’s business grow, they launched an online program, started a few more locations and had a great following. Then I watched as more opportunities came knocking for Rebecca to which she said yes, yes and yes.
A few months later I received a message from her asking me if I knew anyone who would like to buy her business.
Shocked and surprised I asked what had happened. A job had lined up for her in an old industry she worked in which offered her some stability and her weekends back. Between all of her sessions, the different locations, the different projects and opportunities she had started she was completely, utterly burnt out.
Chatting to her it was like chatting to a different person. The dream and fire Rebecca had was gone, replaced by a desire to just have a ‘normal life’. Where had this firecracker of a trainer gone?
It doesn’t have to be the end
More recently I was chatting to another long time reader, let’s call her Matilda. She had built her group fitness business up to the point where she had her own indoor facility.
It was going great guns except for one major thing, her husband and her where like ships in the night. She’d be up and to the studio bright and early, returning later in the morning after he had left for work. In the evening there was just enough time to hand over the kids to her husband as he walked in the door before she returned to the studio to run the evening sessions.
Eventually she felt she had to sell the business.
After a few months of rest and a move to a new town the bug started coming back to run group fitness sessions again. She started again, this time on her terms. Only a set number of sessions a week and no more. No morning sessions. No studio overheads. A simple pricing structure.
It’s going great for her with dozens of people rocking up to try it out in the first week and a quickly forming group of regulars.
Burn out in our industry is really common. I talked about it a lot last year after my own burn out.
Unlike Rebecca though it doesn’t have to mean quitting the industry. That’s just reacting away from one thing into something else. Instead it can be like Matilda, using a break to allow time to recover, reassess and then have another go.
Having quit, pivoted and restarted a bunch of times myself, this is one of the things that interests me the most. That is building a sustainable business – not just in the profit margins but in your ability to keep putting energy into it too.
Over the years of running Bootcamp Ideas and it’s various programs I’ve helped dozens of trainers get refocused on what’s really important to them.
Things like:
- adding 20 new regulars to their weekly sessions
- helping their business and life to become more balanced
- improve client enjoyment, results and retention
- be rid of high maintenance clients who eat up your time and energy
- being profitable and still getting to have a weekend
- start their own regular training again
In the rest of this article I want to share with you some of the common pitfalls I see trainers make that leads them to get fed up and quit.
My first attempt at a group fitness business was an utter failure and I had to close up shop. Luckily for me I learned these lessons early but for some of us we don’t learn them until it seems too late.
Never fear though, I’ve got your back and am going to show you how you can run a thriving business that you love, on your own terms.
The pitfalls trainers make that cause them to quit
These are the main mistakes I see trainers make that cause them to feel like they have no other choice but to quit or close up shop. My hope is that by sharing these you can avoid them in your own business.
1. Going all-in too fast
Just today a local trainer was telling me about this fantastic trainer near here. She had an amazing following and pretty soon was able to rent her own studio and kit it out. But she didn’t take the time to crunch the numbers and before she knew it she was over her head and had to close down.
2. Not giving it enough time
Any kind of business takes time, but building a group fitness business to the point were it can support you full time is a slow process. It’s not a matter of pushing a button and having 100 clients. Your number of clients and your income will grow over time so you need to give it more than 6 months.
3. Not being clear about Why
Working the crazy hours of a fitness trainer can quickly get out of hand. Driving around, setting up, planning sessions, following up clients and running sessions can all contribute towards owning a fitness business that burns you out. By being clear about Why you’re doing this you can instead create a business that supports you and is manageable as it grows.
4. Not spending time learning
Learning marketing, business and money skills is a must if you run your own business. Don’t let some punk kid or teacher who told you when you were in school that you’re dumb or not good at something hold you back now. You’re already running a business, you already have people following you, this will empower you to help more people.
5. Not saying no
As you gain some success you’ll find that other people want in too. You’ll start getting offered different opportunities and it can be really, really flattering (why, thank you). But these can also eat up a lot of your energy and time so you need to learn to say no sometimes.
So what do you do if you’re heading down the path to burn out and quitting?
Most trainers believe they have to work themselves to the bone to build a thriving fitness business.
Instead, I’ve discovered that getting clear about Why, learning some business skills and creating a great community is just as important if you want to avoid burning out.
It really saddens me to see this happen so I want to share with you some things you can do now to avoid burning out and quitting and an upcoming course I’m running that will help a lot too.
This article was getting way to long though so I’ve split it into two parts. I’ll share Part 2 next week!
For now, share with us below in comments which pitfall you think you might be falling into and I’ll try to help.
Photo by Dmitry Ratushny on Unsplash
Thanks for this article , I think you have definitely voiced what so many of us go through , it can become hard to keep a balance and find oneself totally swamped . Look foreword to part 2 !
You’re welcome Fatma. I’ll let you know when the next part is up.
Wow, very insightful. Weather it’s the fitness industry or any other small business, too many of us throw in the towel before we’ve done all the necessary things to thrive in business. I’m at a point in my life very similar to (Rebecca), I’m in Phone interviews for another full time job that will put me on the road again but that offers benefits and potentially a lot of $$$. But I love being a trainer/bootcamp instructor.
I’m looking forward to seeing part two of your email Kyle.
Thanks for all you do!
Hey Michelle,
I feel you. Running your own business can at times feel very financially unrewarding. I’ve found that if you’ve got a great community though usually you can turn that around with a few tweaks.
It’s not an easy choice and it tends to be one of those things where you don’t know if you made the right choice until after you make it.
Thanks very much for not only this article but all you have and are doing for the bootcamp community around the world. You have definitely hit the nail on the head with this article. Cant wait for part 2
You’re welcome Rob. Thanks very much for your kind words 🙂
Thanks for this! I own a fitness franchise now and the franchise fees are eating my costs like crazy and that is what is burning me out. Anything I bring in goes right back out to the big cheese. I’m letting it go after this year when my contract ends and am thinking about doing something on my own. I’m looking forward to reading more of your ideas!
Franchises are awesome for getting started and they can be great long term depending on their fees. I think if you’re feeling this way you’re right, it’s time for you to have a go at this by yourself!
I sold my business after 10 years building it up last year! I had another baby and now I’m starting fresh!!! I’m excited about a new adventure and Going in a new direction within the industry.
Great stuff Sara! Sometimes we just need to hit the reset button (and a baby is a great time to do that 😀 )
This article came at the perfect time! I e been getting a little frustrated with getting and retaining clients. I have a wonderful small core group but in order to succeed in the long run I need more clients. 😱
You’re not alone Terry. Something to try might be running a round of sessions at a different time over the summer to appeal to a new crowd.
I really enjoy reading your blogs! You’ve helped me provide better classes for my clients.
This side of the business is spot on as well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!!
Thanks Glenda!
Great read Kyle! I am in my 8th year with my business. BCI and YOU have been such an integral part of my success. I may not be as big or growing as fast as I would like, but steady as she goes and I have met and helped so many amazing people and we are having a blast! Not to mention, I have formed some really great friendships. Thanks for all of your help and down to earth advcie! Looking forward to part 2! 🙂
Awesome Donna. It makes me so happy to hear that! Well done to you too for creating something that sounds in alignment with who you are and what you’re about 🙂
Thanks Kyle, so needed this email and I look forward to part 2. Eight months into my outdoor fitness business and I’m feeling a little deflated, numbers are low with it being a while since any new clients coming in. I’m trying facebook and instagram ads as well as being visible with banners and signs at my space. Just trying to hang in there.
Cathrine.
Hey Cathrine,
Hang in there! Give it a couple of years as you’ll notice there is a natural ebb and flow to this industry that can only be seen over a longer period of time.
Also check out Google Ads if you want to spend some money on online ads. People tend to browse on Facebook but when they’re on Google they are usually looking for a solution. You can then get people who are ready to buy.
Thank you for this Kyle. It is really interesting. I have been fortunate enough to have a very supportive family and boyfriend which means I have been able to grow my business on my terms. Without working crazy hours or having to invest in crazy costs for gym rent or studios etc But it still is a huge investment in terms of my physical/emotional energy. I’m trying to get the balance right and your tips will definitely help. Thank you!
Glad to hear that Joanna. That support is so crucial as it’s managing the energy thing that tends to be one of the most difficult aspects of running a business.
Thanks Kyle. You are always so calm and reassuring. I am definitely on the edge of deciding whether to carry on or not with my bootcamp business. As I am a sports masseur and a spin instructor too, there is very little downtime. We have recently moved (still in the same postcode though) and I am building a cabin in my garden at the end of the month for massage and possibly a bit of one on one training too – so thinking of the future and how not to be so tired and busy all the time.
I see Part 2 has arrived in my inbox!