The fitness industry is a strange beast. On the one hand, it’s about helping people improve their health, confidence, and quality of life. On the other hand, it’s riddled with ego, competition, and insecurity—traits that couldn’t be further from the ideals we’re supposed to represent.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: too many trainers are insecure as hell. They’re more concerned with how they look in their gym selfies than the progress of their clients. It’s almost disturbing how much time some trainers spend trying to “one-up” each other rather than focusing on delivering results.
The Wrong Game
Here’s the reality: these trainers are playing the wrong game. Fitness is not a popularity contest. It’s not about who has the most followers, who can deadlift the heaviest, or who can flex their abs in perfect lighting. Those things might get you attention, but they won’t build trust or long-term success.
The only game worth playing is the one where you put your clients first. It’s about getting results for the people who put their trust in you, not inflating your own ego. Until you understand this, you’ll never truly succeed in this industry. No amount of clout, likes, or viral videos will change that.
there is no I in the team! Toxicity in the Industry
The toxicity doesn’t stop there. Some trainers resort to mental warfare—talking down about others behind their backs or creating an environment of competition instead of collaboration. It’s repulsive, honestly. And when these individuals get called out, what happens? They play the victim. They deflect, make excuses, and double down on their insecurity.
I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve even picked up clients who were left high and dry by these trainers. Clients who felt misled, undervalued, and stuck because their coach was too focused on themselves to do the job they were hired for.
The Bigger Problem
When trainers prioritize their own image over their clients’ success, it feeds into a larger issue: the bad reputation of the fitness industry. People start to see us as shallow, self-absorbed, and untrustworthy. And who could blame them? When the loudest voices are the ones chasing attention, the real professionals get drowned out.
Time to Raise the Bar
We need to do better. As trainers, our priority should be clear:
Put the client first. It’s not about you; it’s about them. Always.
Focus on results. If your clients aren’t improving, it’s a reflection of your work. Take responsibility.
Drop the ego. This isn’t a competition. The success of others doesn’t take away from your own.
Collaborate, don’t compete. There’s enough room for everyone to succeed. Build relationships, not rivalries.
The Bottom Line
The fitness industry has the potential to be a force for good, but only if we get our priorities straight. It’s time to stop playing the wrong game and start focusing on what really matters: changing lives. If you’re in this for the right reasons, prove it. Show up, put in the work, and let your clients’ results speak for themselves.
The ego problem isn’t going to fix itself. It starts with us. Let’s lead by example and raise the standard for what this industry can be.
Comments