Mental Health Awareness week

Sometimes the Instructor Isn’t OK Either

When people come to classes, they see the smiling instructor at the front of the room.

The loud music. The energy. The motivation. The encouragement.

What they don’t always see is the person underneath it all.

And this Mental Health Awareness week, I think it’s important to say out loud… sometimes your instructors/ coaches aren’t OK either.

And truthfully, honestly, Lately, I haven’t been OK.

Not in a dramatic “everything is falling apart” way. Because actually looking in my life's in a good place, I did gratitude for lent and truthfully I have so so many wonderful things in my life, But more in that quiet, exhausted, pressure-cooker kind of way that so many self-employed people probably understand.

Running a business can feel incredibly lonely sometimes.

You wear every hat. You’re the coach, the cleaner, the social media manager, the admin team, the customer service department, the motivator, the planner, the accountant… all while trying to still be yourself outside of work too.

Honestly at times I don't know who 51yr old Allie is other than Instructor/coach me.

And when class numbers dip, even slightly, it’s hard not to take it personally.

You question yourself.

Your ability.

Your worth.

Whether people still enjoy in what you’re creating.

Then comes the financial worry and drain.

Outside of work, life doesn’t stop either.

You still have to be mum. Friend. Nanny. Sister .Support system.

Dog walks, Housework, child care, CARS - we all know where I am with cars.

Navigating menopause alone, ADHD, aching body, painful knees and lonely nights, leading to far too much overthinking.

Theres worries about two of my daughters health. I miss family and I still have so many moments where I wish my parents where alive for, for a hug, a coffee, or just someone to say “you’re doing alright.”

Then there's the second part of my work , weightlifting coach,there’s another layer of pressure people probably don’t see.

The pressure to get programming right.

To coach properly.

To help lifters succeed. To hit targets, PB lifts, Get a competition day right.

To constantly learn and improve.

And despite being in a team, that team dynamic often brings more stress to the table, things I can't control, things I dislike, yet can't change.

Because when you genuinely care, you carry responsibility heavily.

And honestly? Sometimes the fitness industry itself makes things harder for Instructors.

Its cut throat, a lot of Instructors aren't supporting you, they're trying to out jump you in a bid to get people to their class. In a cost of living crisis it's a hard business to work in.

Then there are poor standards. Online only PT courses churning out dangerous trainers, people coaching outside of their remit to look good on Facebook. People doing a weekend course and being let loose with peoples health.

Online celeb coaches and Tik Tok trends. The use of Chat GPT for programmes or as happens to me regularly copy my workouts, ideas and Social posts with no credit given where due.

Cashing in on others hard work.

While flattery should be rewarding its DRAINING.

But one thing I’ve learnt is that vulnerability and authenticity matters.

Not oversharing. Not constantly living in negativity. But being honest enough to say: “I’m human too.”

Being totally you, because trying to copy others will always leave you behind.

Social media can make it look like everyone has it together all the time.

Truthfully? Most people are battling something quietly.

The irony is, the thing that helps me most is FITNESS and MOVEMENT.

Even on the days I don’t feel like showing up, classes help me mentally just as much as they help physically. Music helps. Community helps. Laughing with everyone helps.

And alongside that, church has become a huge support for me too.

A place to breathe. Reflect. Slow down. Feel grounded again.

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.

Sometimes self-care is a workout.

Sometimes it’s rest.

Sometimes it’s saying no.

Sometimes it’s crying in the car before pulling yourself together for a class.

And sometimes it’s simply admitting you’re struggling instead of pretending you’re fine.

If you’re finding life heavy lately, you’re not alone.

And if you know someone who always seems strong, always seems positive, always seems like they’ve “got it together” — check on them too.

Even the people motivating everyone else sometimes need someone to lean on.

Allie xx