Staffing Issues In The Fitness Industry

Let’s face it, the fitness industry is in a bit of a tough spot. With high staff turnover rates for fitness studios and gyms, excitable entrepreneurs unable to leverage their talent in a competitive market, or the burnout that often occurs to those hustling in this industry, there are many reasons why health and wellness are seeing staffing issues across the globe. While this industry is growing and thriving, there is a need for a foundational solution that can shift the current dilemma, securing staff, work, livable wages, and balance.

Welcome to Marketplace by Coach360, the solution for the staffing crisis and beyond. At Coach360, we’re dedicated to transforming the health, fitness, and wellness industry by equipping coaches with the knowledge, resources, and support they need for lasting success. This lends itself to finding solutions that the industry desperately needs to thrive.

Learn more about Marketplace now!

Staffing Issues in the Fitness Industry

With several factors at play, many gyms and studios are facing a staffing crisis. With high turnover, inability to build staff, and many other factors, clubs must look at the problem to find a solution. They face challenges such as:

  • Post-Pandemic Recovery- The coronavirus pandemic impacted the fitness industry with a major blow. With lockdowns in place, many gyms and studios were forced to close their doors, many going bankrupt.
  • Changing Work Desires- The pandemic also left many trainers and coaches wanting to work remotely. This influenced the job market, pushing many fitness professionals to become entrepreneurs and to take their work online for flexibility and freedom. 
  • Competitive Job Market- As the health and wellness sector expands and more people want meaningful work, the market becomes more competitive for high-paying gigs, and many opt to work for themselves to make the money they need.
  • Burnout- Training and coaching require physical, mental, and emotional presence and can be draining. Not only that, but, they’re often expected to take on many roles within their career. And, not to forget that after the pandemic studios and gyms had financial pressures that left trainers to do the work of many. 
  • Wage Demands- As the general cost of living creeps upward, so does the need for higher income. Fitness professionals want to do more than just make ends meet and many studios and gyms can’t or don’t pay what these professionals need. 
  • Credential Gaps– As social media presence makes it easy for anyone to be an “expert” fewer people are getting certifications, which makes it difficult for businesses to hire qualified instructors not only as trainers, but for their niche needs whether it be group fitness, pilates, or barre. 
  • Erratic Schedules- Training and coaching are usually most sought after early in the morning, later in the evenings, and on weekends when other professionals aren’t in offices. The demand for trainers at these hours often leads to a less-than-ideal work-life balance. 

Many more factors are contributing to the staffing crisis faced by studios and gyms, but these are some of the top issues the industry is facing. David Van Daff, The Vice President, Industry Development and Public Affairs at NASM stated, “Staffing challenges in the fitness industry have long been an issue, with recruiting, hiring, and retaining skilled professionals becoming even more difficult in today’s competitive landscape.” Additionally, he states, “At NASM, we counter this trend by ensuring our professionals are well-prepared with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for early success, while also providing a clear pathway for ongoing career growth.” Luckily, there is a solution. 

Staffing Solution

Enter Marketplace by Coach360! Set to launch at the end of October, it addresses the lack of direction, community, and resources that coaches and trainers need to build sustainable businesses. It also addresses the staffing issue by offering a hub where coaches can find educational resources, relevant practical direction, and cutting-edge tools to build a prosperous and rewarding career.

Marketplace by Coach360  is creating an entire 360-degree ecosystem where everyone in the industry can thrive. It has tools for GX instructors who offer in-person fitness classes. These brands need to connect with health and wellness influencers, PTs, and coaches who will be able to access valuable resources to grow their business, health and wellness coaches, and of course, consumers who drive global change. 

With issues across the industry for both employers and coaches, this couldn’t come at a better time. Employers are facing issues beyond just recruiting and hiring. David also mentioned, “Over recent years, many employers have reduced resources allocated for onboarding and staff development leading to a widening gap between expectations and readiness of new hires.” Although Covid is no longer affecting gyms as it once did, the ripple effect from gyms and studios closing can still be felt across the industry. 

This solution is meant to:

  • Define career development and advancement
  • Connect employers with qualified candidates
  • Provide an educational resource to coaches through a strategic partnership
  • Connect consumers with specialized coaches and training
  • Connect brands to the ecosystem of coaches, trainers, and consumers

In an industry that has so much to offer, it’s important to have the resources available to every part of the ecosystem to make this a success. Lack of staffing, work, or the resources to market should never come between you and your ability to change lives.  

Final Thoughts

In a world where passion meets profession, the fitness industry deserves a solution to bring talent into the right spaces, and for that talent to be able to grow. Coach360’s Marketplace offers a beacon of hope that addresses the health and wellness industry’s staffing crisis by creating a comprehensive environment meant to serve all those involved. It’s more than just a platform, this is a lifeline for an industry we all know and love and want to improve. It creates a harmonious blend of community, resources, and growth potential for everyone to thrive. 

Launching in late October, Marketplace by Coach360 addresses the industry’s pain points- from burnout to financial instability- it aims to transform scattered individual efforts into a cohesive, thriving ecosystem. It’s not just about filling jobs; it’s about nurturing careers, fostering innovation, and ultimately, elevating the entire health and wellness landscape to new heights of success and sustainability.

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