This is an invaluable post from a fellow instructor, and it offers incredible insights for anyone navigating the fitness industry. It’s an exciting time, but before you spend your hard-earned money, it’s wise to approach each opportunity with a clear strategy and a deep understanding of what’s truly worth your time and money.

The True Cost of Training: It’s Not Just the Certification Fee

A training program’s price tag often hides a lot of extra costs, especially if you have to travel. When you’re considering an out-of-town workshop, you have to look beyond the upfront fee.

Here’s a breakdown of the hidden costs you need to consider:

• Travel: Flights, lodging, and local transportation.
• Time: Time off from your other jobs or responsibilities.
• Lost Income: How much money will you lose by not working during the training?

Let’s do the math. Imagine a training costs $700. If you have to travel for a three-day weekend, you might add $250 for flights, $300 for a hotel, and another $150 for food and other expenses.

Your total investment just jumped to $1,400.

Now, if you get paid an average of $23 per class, you would need to teach 61 classes just to make your money back. That’s over a year of teaching one class per week!

This doesn’t mean the training isn’t worth it, but it shows you the level of commitment required to make it a sound financial decision.

Trusting Your Gut: The Right Fit Over the “Right” Name

You may find yourself in a situation where you audition for a studio with a specific vision in mind, only to be offered a role that doesn’t quite fit what you want to teach. It’s a frustrating moment that can make you question everything. You might even try to “force” the issue, convincing yourself that it’s worth it.

However, this is often the moment you have a major “aha!” revelation: a studio or training isn’t worth it if you have to force your way in. The best opportunities are the ones that are a natural fit and align with your values. The energy you’d spend trying to make a bad situation work can instead be used to find a better, more rewarding opportunity that’s waiting for you.

Asking the Right Questions

Before you click “purchase” on that training, ask yourself these crucial questions. If you find yourself justifying it in too many ways, that’s often a sign to reconsider.

• Is it accredited? An accredited program gives you credibility and is often a requirement for insurance or studio hiring.
• Is it free and worth my time? Some of the most valuable learning experiences are free.
• Are you learning a new skill? Is this training adding to your toolbox, or is it just a different brand of something you already know?
• What is your “why”? This is the most crucial question. What is the passion that drives you? Your desire to create a safe space for people to feel welcome and to empower people through movement is a powerful mission. If a training aligns with that, it’s more likely to be a valuable investment—even if the financial return isn’t immediate.

Bonus Resource: Listen to this Podcast!

If you’re looking for more guidance on navigating the world of fitness, be sure to check out the “Yes, You Can” podcast. It covers everything from building your brand to managing your money and finding the right certifications or not. You can find it on Apple Podcasts at this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/yes-you-can/id1493433746

Final Thoughts

Being a fitness professional is more than just a job; it’s a way to impact people’s lives. While the financial investment in training can feel daunting, the wisdom and experience you gain are invaluable. The real return on your investment isn’t just about the money you make back, but the confidence and purpose you bring to every class you teach. Always lead with your passion, trust your gut, and know that the right opportunities will find you. This post offers some incredible advice that any aspiring or current instructor can use to grow their career.