Beat Burnout: 8 Strategies for Fitness Business Owners to Succeed Long-Term
I regularly tell people that fitness studios are in dog years; one year of studio ownership is equal to seven years in any other industry. Why? Because boutique fitness and wellness is one of the only industries that requires business owners to be "on" 24/7, 365. Because the typical fitness schedule includes super early mornings and late evenings, there is minimal mental downtime, and clients request immediate responses to their messages and phone calls. Studios are expected to be open (with a fun theme!) on holidays, and most studios are open on weekends, too. Many studio owners are wearing multiple hats while teaching a full schedule. Still, it's expected that the memberships will be affordable. Clients complain about costs, especially if they perceive the owner is making "too much money," but many studio owners are lucky if they're taking home $5,000 a month. We know our clients' dreams and insecurities, and we often carry their goals and limitations for them as we craft our classes. I've known about many of my clients' pregnancies before their own mothers. What other industry is like ours?
It's no wonder that most of my studio owner clients face burnout at some point. According to a Harvard study, 44% of entrepreneurs reported feeling burned out often or always, compared to just 30% of non-entrepreneurs, but I guarantee that's higher among fitness business owners. The pressure to grow your client base, manage finances, support your family, deliver an exceptional experience, and stay on top of industry trends will quickly lead to burnout if it's not managed proactively. You deserve to enjoy your work without giving every piece of yourself to your studio.
Here are some tips to help you avoid burnout as a fitness business owner.
1. Set Realistic Goals with an Achievable Timeline: I love big goals as much as the next girl, but setting goals that will take an act of God to reach isn't doing you any favors. Unless feeling chronically disapointed while simultaneously stressed out is your goal. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that individuals who set overly ambitious goals were more likely to experience burnout and, therefore, less likely to meet their goals compared to those who set more realistic goals. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable milestones like we did in this workshop to keep you motivated without feeling swamped.
2. Delegate Tasks: I've been here; I know it can be tempting to try and do everything yourself. I still have to remind myself that I don't have time to do it all (at least not well), and I often tell clients that the second half of my studio owner life started when I brought on a director. Not only does this I-can-do-it-all attitude quickly lead to burnout, but it also results in a lower-quality product overall. You possibly could do it all, but you can't do it all well at the same time. Delegate tasks to your team members or outsource specific responsibilities to free up your time and focus on the most critical aspects of your business. Don't have a team? Consider a VA who specializes in one specific area that isn't your specialty. Copy my Manager's Tasks template to help you delegate.
3. Prioritize Self-Care: I know it sounds trite, but you're literally in the business of self-care, which means you have to walk the talk if you're going to stay in the game for more than five years. You already know, but let me remind you that it's crucial to prioritize self-care to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Make time for regular exercise or at least a walk, eat healthy meals that aren't at your desk while checking work email, and get sufficient sleep, even if that means putting your phone on do not disturb when you have a 5 am class on the schedule. Studies have shown that mindfulness practices like yoga can lead to a reduction in burnout symptoms, so attend classes at your studio. Taking care of yourself can combat adrenal fatigue and give you the stamina to see your studio through to that big six or seven-figure sale.
4. Set Boundaries: This is a big one that you're very likely not putting enough effort into. Establish crystal clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Try not to befriend your teachers if possible. Avoid checking work emails or taking business calls outside of designated studio hours, and put a response time of 48 hours in your email autoresponder. Don't give clients your personal contact information. Better yet, make sure checking emails is a staff member's job rather than yours. Have studio SOPs that tell instructors who to contact if they need a sub or have an emergency (ideally, that person is not you, but if it is, how do you want to be contacted?) The boundary line is already so delicate in this industry; hold on to your peace with both hands.
5. Seek Support: Running a business can be isolating at times. Search out other business owners or join a networking group with like-minded entrepreneurs to connect with people who know what you're going through. Having a support system can give you a sounding board for new ideas or give you an outlet when you're faced with yet another July cancelation.
6. Take Breaks: You can go on vacation. You can close your studio for a weekend or even an entire week over Christmas or Independence Day when the studio is light anyway. You can take Sundays (or any day) totally off. I'm not sure why our industry has made it seem like you need to be Lulu-clad and ready to teach a class or text a client 24/7, but I'm here to tell you that's not the case. It was a beautiful day when I disconnected my studio's call forwarding and took the studio email off my cellphone. And you know what? No one complained. Repeat it with me: boundaries over burnout.
7. Celebrate Successes: Don't forget to make a huge deal out of your successes, no matter how small. I send studio anniversary gifts to my clients because every year is a massive milestone that deserves celebration. You cheer on your clients' wins, why not your own? Recognizing and acknowledging your achievements boosts your morale and motivation, helping you stay positive and -more importantly- allowing you to like your job as much as you thought you would when you decided to open a studio.
8. Find Professional Help: This one is two-fold. Find a coach to help you before burnout starts to whisper to you, and I don't mean that just because I'm a coach. Find someone who has done it before you and who can show you shortcuts and pitfalls to avoid. If you're already experiencing symptoms of burnout, such as chronic fatigue, irritability, or insomnia, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Real talk: I remember lying in bed in the fetal position during my first year of studio ownership, paralyzed that my big dream would bankrupt my young family (spoiler, it didn't). I found an amazing therapist, a walking meditation app, and a business coach who combined to turn my trajectory. Don't shy away from support in any form.
Burnout is real. I still have a client cry on a coaching call at least once a month, and I've done it to my coaches throughout the years, too. Take steps to proactively prevent burnout when you have the energy to do so because running yourself into the ground isn't serving your clients, your family, or yourself. Here's to your success and mental health, Limitless Studio owner.
