Podcast Notes: Finding Your Niche in Fitness with Lou
Nate Clarke ?????
Executive Coach specialising in Business English Language Coaching and Career Coaching
In this episode of A to Z Jobs, hosts Roxy and Nate chat with Lou, a personal trainer who specialises in postnatal fitness. Lou shares her journey from general personal training to carving out a niche in fitness for mums, the challenges and rewards of running her own business, and her advice for aspiring fitness professionals. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
Lou’s Career: Helping Mums Regain Strength and Confidence
Lou is a personal trainer who focuses on postnatal fitness, helping mums rebuild their strength and confidence after childbirth. She offers group classes and one-on-one sessions, emphasizing pelvic floor health, stretching, and breathwork. Her classes are designed to be inclusive, supportive, and tailored to the unique needs of new mums.
A Day in Lou’s Life
Lou’s daily routine reflects the flexibility and community-driven nature of her work:
1. Morning: She starts her day by walking her dog, having breakfast, and preparing for her classes.
2. Group Classes: Lou heads to Centennial Park in Sydney to lead group sessions for mums, focusing on pelvic floor exercises, stretching, and breathwork.
3. Personal Training: After group classes, she meets with individual clients, either at their homes or in her home studio.
4. Admin Work: The rest of her day is spent managing the business side of things, from payments to planning future classes.
Lou highlights the importance of creating a supportive community where mums can connect and encourage each other.
Lou’s Journey into Fitness
Lou’s path to becoming a personal trainer wasn’t linear. Growing up in a sports-loving family, she was always active but lost touch with fitness after school. Her passion reignited when she moved to Australia and started attending outdoor boot camps. After earning her certifications, she began her career as a boot camp trainer in Bondi and later transitioned to a personal training studio. It was there that she discovered her passion for working with women, particularly mums, leading her to specialize in postnatal fitness.
Challenges and Rewards of Running a Fitness Business
Challenges
- Early Mornings: Lou used to start her days at 5 a.m. when she worked in a gym, which was especially tough during winter.
- Burnout: The personal training industry has a high burnout rate, with many trainers leaving within 14 months.
- Industry Stereotypes: Lou dislikes the pressure on new mums to “get their pre-baby body back” and the unrealistic expectations set by social media.
Rewards
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- Helping Mums: Lou finds immense satisfaction in helping mums regain their strength and confidence.
- Community Building: Her classes foster a supportive environment where mums can connect and share their experiences.
- Flexibility: Running her own business allows Lou to set her own schedule and focus on what she’s passionate about.
Advice for Aspiring Fitness Professionals
Lou shares valuable advice for those looking to enter the fitness industry:
1. Find Your Niche: Specializing in a specific area, like postnatal fitness, can set you apart and make your work more fulfilling.
2. Get a Business Mentor: Lou credits her business mentor with helping her navigate the challenges of running her own fitness business.
3. Focus on Self-Development: Continuous learning and personal growth are key to staying motivated and successful in the industry.
Lou also shares a favorite quote that guides her career: “There’s no point being the richest man in the graveyard.” This reminds her to prioritize enjoyment and balance in her work and life.
Education and Continuous Learning
Lou holds certifications in fitness and has completed specialized training in postnatal exercise. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, whether through formal courses, podcasts, or self-directed study. Some of her favorite resources include:
- Podcasts: The Email Marketing Show, Mumsafe Podcast, and Diary of a CEO.
- Books: 10X by Grant Cardone and Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.
Final Thoughts
Lou’s journey is a testament to the power of finding your niche and pursuing your passion. Her dedication to helping mums regain their strength and confidence has not only transformed her career but also created a supportive community for new mothers. Whether you’re considering a career in fitness or looking to make a career change, Lou’s story is an inspiring example of how to turn your passion into a fulfilling profession.
Listen to the full episode of A to Z Jobs to hear more about Lou’s experiences and advice. Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring career stories!