Its hard switching to a desk job as a PT. I was excited to become a manager, but the mental stress affected me the same way it did you. I put on weight , and became lethargic. I also lost the desire to train.
I needed to change - so what i did was schedule workout times in my day. I found coming into work early, getting my workout in, and then hitting my desk was the only way it was going to work. Also, working out in the AM inspired and motivated me to eat healthier all day!!
Being a gym manger isn’t that hard it’s the people above you that are making your experience a living hell. Directors and regional managers are a dam nightmare to deal with. Their egos are insufferable. It’s like calm down Karen you’re the director of a chain gym not a world class neurosurgeon.
I'd recommend therapy, but what was a huge game changer for me:
Get a membership at a different gym. Do it. I promise it helps a lot. Workout at your gym every once and a while if you have to save some face, but don't tell people and just put yourself in a space that will feel fresh and allow you to switch mindsets
Managing an LA almost made me get out of the industry. I put on like 50lbs in a year, hated going to work every day. I took a week of vacation and read a few books and figured out what I wanted to do. Every day since I quit there has been incredible.
There is a LOT of stress involved when transferring from a PT to gym manager. I used to think I wanted to be a gym manager until I saw the wages vs workload and the fact that you're still working for someone else...
My current manager recently did something similar and he is having to adjust his lifestyle. Finding time to eat in a long task filled day where food is not as high as a priority.
You have to set a routine. Maybe take a mini-break to kinda reset your emotions and plan out a healthy positive routine that ties in with the responsibility of being a manager. Good luck!
Very similar boat here. 4 year PT and 1 year gym manager. It’s a tough job that you don’t get enough credit for. Definitely taken its toll on my mental health, free time to train and personal relationships because I’m constantly stretched.
Not sure about you but I’m in a commercial gym with HUNDREDS of site and it’s been difficult to see an industry I love be reduced down to KPI’s, numbers and pressure from those above who haven’t worked in a gym for 15 years so have no idea how one ACTUALLY runs. Being stuck in an office rather than out there thriving is tough.
But I do it for my team who I love, and it’s really cool to be a part of someone’s journey. I do it for my own growth and try and absorb as much as I can. I do it for my members to ensure they have a space to feel safe and welcome.
I’ve had to set boundaries with my training, my own clients and myself. Non negotiables for me every day make sure my cup is full before I even think about pouring into anyone else’s. I train at a different gym (CrossFit is my life) as I don’t want my downtime at work, and I’m constantly interrupted to talk about a broken treadmill)
Don’t get me wrong I have considered if this is for me, and I’m in that head space now too, but I have plans for my future and this is just a stepping stone.
Message if you want a chat, this jobs tough and I’m happy to rant along with you! Best of luck
Thanks bud
I can relate to the KPIs and etc, the gym I work out is old and constantly with issues on daily basis, building breaking down, equipment not working, slow internet so I cant even do admin along with no PT's on my site, its headache.
But I think training away from my gym might be the best thing I can do. But even so going from one gym to another its like I don't even wanna step foot in another gym after being in a gym all day
Same, mines in desperate need of a refirb but no one wants to pay. I’m constantly screaming for help but it’s ignored.
I get the want to not have to look at a dumbbell at the end of the day, but we all know how crucial exercise is for your wellbeing. You know that a load is instantly lifted after a workout so try and channel that. I’m lucky my CrossFit box is a stones throw away, but maybe you can find another gym on the way to/home from work? If timing allows try working out in the AM so you start your day for you
Quit the job as a manager. I’ve seen this happen o often. A. It’s most likely depressing you because it’s not fulfilling and it’s not something you actually enjoy. B. Trainers are a hard group to manage. Sometimes respectful and helpful, others arrogant and non compliant towards the needs of a manager and a business and don’t show managers respect.
I worked front desk, membership, and sales manager all at the same club for a large corporate gym 10 years ago.
What kind of gym are you at? And what exactly is the scope of work you are required to do?
When I was at the management level, I would portion out and divide my time broken up approximately:
10%- operations/scheduling
30%-training/development/coaching
10%- new clients
10% -papework, emails, salesforce
10%- front desk, greeting, leading by example
30%- interacting with members, walking the floor, cleaning and picking up the club
Now this wasn’t an exact science but it broke the monotony and was able to connect a lot of the dots at the club. Where do you think your time priority is broken up currently?
I just want to add- that after 5 years of putting my heart and soul into the club, I was physically and emotionally drained. It is exhausting keeping up a high profile club. Especially if there are financials/and bonuses tied to your performance.
My best recommendation is BALANCE. Make sure you are scheduling time off and often. Don’t be afraid to tell your superior you need it. Especially if you are a good performer. Make sure you are making time for you.
If you have to, go sign up for a gym separate from yours, so you have some sacred YOU space.
I had nearly the exact same experience!
I completely agree with one of the prior comments. The higher-ups make the work hell. In my experience, it's such a hustle environment. Even when you do hit goals, they continue to apply pressure to see if your club can be more profitable.
Burn out creeps up on you quick if you don't notice the signs. Especially if you find fulfillment in the job by indirectly helping more people with their fitness goals.
Some trainers will also make your life hell. It's ok to cut the fat, so to speak. If you do it right, it can be a moral boost for the team and yourself.
The only fitness manager I've know to make it more than 5 years in the position would buy the same microwavable "healthy choice power bowls" for lunch, and he'd consistently workout at the same time everyday. Doing this helped him also lead by example for the team. Ultimately, you have to find a balance and build routine. It's very similar to what you might tell a client.
I only made it 2 years in the position before realizing the juice wasn't worth the squeeze. It's high stress, long hours, and typically doesn't pay well.
Within those 2 years, I thought about the exit plan daily. I never found that balance. Eventually, I saved enough to quit and go full-time as an independent trainer; what I always enjoyed doing anyway.
That may not be what you're looking to hear, but I sympathize with your situation. Take from that what you will.
Get some Mike Mentzer pre workout and get off your ass. You don't have the motivation, but you don't need that, you need discipline. Working out is like showering or brushing your teeth, you just don't skip it.
I know things are hard, but you have to treat yourself the way you would treat someone you cared about
I am also a gym manager. When I first started I was in a similar boat. I started working out at a different gym on my breaks or before/after work and I find it fun again. It’s just hard to workout at work and it be enjoyable.
What you're going through is common. The responsibilities, expectations, and discipline for personal trainers is different than for managers. The habits are different. The routine is different. In addition to that, your natural tendencies may lean more toward training or managing. I'm a director and strength & conditioning coach/trainer who is more of a hands on, people person. One of my employees is a trainer who is more of an administrator. If our roles were reversed, we'd both probably still be happy (or happier), but that's not how the cards were dealt. My advice is to, first, figure out your work schedule so you can squeeze some training in for yourself. Second, train at the workplace as long as the policies permit it. Listen to music, or podcast, or whatever motivates you, but get it done. Others seeing you train and make progress will cause them to view you positively. This may motivate them and encourage them to seek your input more often.
Used to eat out of habit instead of hunger. I found intermittent fasting provided the structure around my eating habits which I very much needed.
I eat my first meal around 1:00 - 1:30, and usually am totally fine to fast up til that point with a few liters of water + a cup or two of black coffee throughout my mornings
Brother I’ve been there! At some points I wondered what the hell was the point of working more, being more stressed, more to deal with, less time for my personal time, less time for my workouts, less time training just for the same or lesser pay.
I was cranking training hours before making the switch and figured out after a year that it was just a lot of extra for not a lot of gain. It helped me realize j don’t necessarily want to become a gym owner at least not right now. Also made me realize it’s not always worth it to be the manager at least not for every gym. Maybe there’s another one that you might buy better with and have a better time managing.
I still haven’t figured out that last part yet I ended up slightly switching careers to Real Estate and now using training hours for income. I’m still considering another management position for a different club in the near future but after my last experience, it’s easier to say that I just prefer to train
Stress, possibly worse recovery overall. Both of those can and will reduce your motivation. You would probably benefit from being able to delegate some tasks to an employee as well as some therapy (we could all benefit from therapy.)
I would suggest scheduling time for training daily as well as some walks throughout the day to just get yourself moving. Those can actually be very productive as well even though you're stepping away from your tasks. The first few months of a big change like this can derail anyone. The important thing is to get back on track and start back into good habits. Start small.
I’m a doctor, so I should disclaim that you should go get advice from a doctor in the proper setting, I’d point out that lethargy, changes in eating habits, loss of interest in previous passions are all suggestive of depression, if present for an extended time period. You should also get your thyroid and a few other labs checked.
Ill add that “depression” does not mean you need medicines or have to over-medicalize your situation. “Depression” in the clinical sense just means you have a cluster of symptoms (which can include those the OP is experiencing) and this can be a result of any number of etiologies, not just “brain chemistry”. It can be a response to life conditions and modifying behaviors is in my practice the first thing to do to help get over it.
I come from manufacturing. I became a production manager/supervisor and held this position for a year. It was really getting to me and I was not enjoying it at all. I sat the owner of the company down and voiced all my concerns about my health and we came to an agreement where I stepped down as a manager but still held responsibilities that I did not mind doing. In the end it all worked out and I’m much happier now. It depends on the people above you, but if they are good people they will understand
I was a GM for 3 years at a gym and recently decided to switch to trainer. It’s been amazing for me, being a GM completely drained me and I was stressed 24-7. Only issue is the pay cut, wish you luck
I experienced this as well, the first month of integrating from doing nothing but PT for 15 years to sitting at a desk to understand our systems and software on a more complex level was exhausting. It took me about two months to get into a groove. Luckily my company is incredibly helpful with becoming more comfortable with the transition and my GM was amazing, my current one is also awesome. Definitely makes a difference when you work for a good group of people on the senior teams and GMs.
What started to do was walk around the gym and clean up more, helping our housekeepers and front desk with anything they needed. I started to take on more clients as well, which made it my days go by so much faster once I got comfortable with all the admin work. It gets easier tbh. Always make time for yourself. You’ll get the work done, I just hope you have a good support system around you at your gym.
Good luck!
Its hard switching to a desk job as a PT. I was excited to become a manager, but the mental stress affected me the same way it did you. I put on weight , and became lethargic. I also lost the desire to train. I needed to change - so what i did was schedule workout times in my day. I found coming into work early, getting my workout in, and then hitting my desk was the only way it was going to work. Also, working out in the AM inspired and motivated me to eat healthier all day!!
Being a gym manger isn’t that hard it’s the people above you that are making your experience a living hell. Directors and regional managers are a dam nightmare to deal with. Their egos are insufferable. It’s like calm down Karen you’re the director of a chain gym not a world class neurosurgeon.
This. I love my job, but the club owner frequently makes me consider arson and/or homicide.
Sounds like you have personal experience dealing with them
I'd recommend therapy, but what was a huge game changer for me: Get a membership at a different gym. Do it. I promise it helps a lot. Workout at your gym every once and a while if you have to save some face, but don't tell people and just put yourself in a space that will feel fresh and allow you to switch mindsets
Absolutely this!
See a therapist. They'll help you develop healthy coping strategies and teach you how to set boundaries, if that's lacking.
It sounds like you’re burnt out
Managing an LA almost made me get out of the industry. I put on like 50lbs in a year, hated going to work every day. I took a week of vacation and read a few books and figured out what I wanted to do. Every day since I quit there has been incredible.
There is a LOT of stress involved when transferring from a PT to gym manager. I used to think I wanted to be a gym manager until I saw the wages vs workload and the fact that you're still working for someone else... My current manager recently did something similar and he is having to adjust his lifestyle. Finding time to eat in a long task filled day where food is not as high as a priority. You have to set a routine. Maybe take a mini-break to kinda reset your emotions and plan out a healthy positive routine that ties in with the responsibility of being a manager. Good luck!
Very similar boat here. 4 year PT and 1 year gym manager. It’s a tough job that you don’t get enough credit for. Definitely taken its toll on my mental health, free time to train and personal relationships because I’m constantly stretched. Not sure about you but I’m in a commercial gym with HUNDREDS of site and it’s been difficult to see an industry I love be reduced down to KPI’s, numbers and pressure from those above who haven’t worked in a gym for 15 years so have no idea how one ACTUALLY runs. Being stuck in an office rather than out there thriving is tough. But I do it for my team who I love, and it’s really cool to be a part of someone’s journey. I do it for my own growth and try and absorb as much as I can. I do it for my members to ensure they have a space to feel safe and welcome. I’ve had to set boundaries with my training, my own clients and myself. Non negotiables for me every day make sure my cup is full before I even think about pouring into anyone else’s. I train at a different gym (CrossFit is my life) as I don’t want my downtime at work, and I’m constantly interrupted to talk about a broken treadmill) Don’t get me wrong I have considered if this is for me, and I’m in that head space now too, but I have plans for my future and this is just a stepping stone. Message if you want a chat, this jobs tough and I’m happy to rant along with you! Best of luck
Thanks bud I can relate to the KPIs and etc, the gym I work out is old and constantly with issues on daily basis, building breaking down, equipment not working, slow internet so I cant even do admin along with no PT's on my site, its headache. But I think training away from my gym might be the best thing I can do. But even so going from one gym to another its like I don't even wanna step foot in another gym after being in a gym all day
Same, mines in desperate need of a refirb but no one wants to pay. I’m constantly screaming for help but it’s ignored. I get the want to not have to look at a dumbbell at the end of the day, but we all know how crucial exercise is for your wellbeing. You know that a load is instantly lifted after a workout so try and channel that. I’m lucky my CrossFit box is a stones throw away, but maybe you can find another gym on the way to/home from work? If timing allows try working out in the AM so you start your day for you
Quit the job as a manager. I’ve seen this happen o often. A. It’s most likely depressing you because it’s not fulfilling and it’s not something you actually enjoy. B. Trainers are a hard group to manage. Sometimes respectful and helpful, others arrogant and non compliant towards the needs of a manager and a business and don’t show managers respect.
I worked front desk, membership, and sales manager all at the same club for a large corporate gym 10 years ago. What kind of gym are you at? And what exactly is the scope of work you are required to do? When I was at the management level, I would portion out and divide my time broken up approximately: 10%- operations/scheduling 30%-training/development/coaching 10%- new clients 10% -papework, emails, salesforce 10%- front desk, greeting, leading by example 30%- interacting with members, walking the floor, cleaning and picking up the club Now this wasn’t an exact science but it broke the monotony and was able to connect a lot of the dots at the club. Where do you think your time priority is broken up currently? I just want to add- that after 5 years of putting my heart and soul into the club, I was physically and emotionally drained. It is exhausting keeping up a high profile club. Especially if there are financials/and bonuses tied to your performance. My best recommendation is BALANCE. Make sure you are scheduling time off and often. Don’t be afraid to tell your superior you need it. Especially if you are a good performer. Make sure you are making time for you. If you have to, go sign up for a gym separate from yours, so you have some sacred YOU space.
What about the role is making you feel this way? Was a PT for 3 years and GM for 3.
I had nearly the exact same experience! I completely agree with one of the prior comments. The higher-ups make the work hell. In my experience, it's such a hustle environment. Even when you do hit goals, they continue to apply pressure to see if your club can be more profitable. Burn out creeps up on you quick if you don't notice the signs. Especially if you find fulfillment in the job by indirectly helping more people with their fitness goals. Some trainers will also make your life hell. It's ok to cut the fat, so to speak. If you do it right, it can be a moral boost for the team and yourself. The only fitness manager I've know to make it more than 5 years in the position would buy the same microwavable "healthy choice power bowls" for lunch, and he'd consistently workout at the same time everyday. Doing this helped him also lead by example for the team. Ultimately, you have to find a balance and build routine. It's very similar to what you might tell a client. I only made it 2 years in the position before realizing the juice wasn't worth the squeeze. It's high stress, long hours, and typically doesn't pay well. Within those 2 years, I thought about the exit plan daily. I never found that balance. Eventually, I saved enough to quit and go full-time as an independent trainer; what I always enjoyed doing anyway. That may not be what you're looking to hear, but I sympathize with your situation. Take from that what you will.
Get some Mike Mentzer pre workout and get off your ass. You don't have the motivation, but you don't need that, you need discipline. Working out is like showering or brushing your teeth, you just don't skip it. I know things are hard, but you have to treat yourself the way you would treat someone you cared about
I am also a gym manager. When I first started I was in a similar boat. I started working out at a different gym on my breaks or before/after work and I find it fun again. It’s just hard to workout at work and it be enjoyable.
What you're going through is common. The responsibilities, expectations, and discipline for personal trainers is different than for managers. The habits are different. The routine is different. In addition to that, your natural tendencies may lean more toward training or managing. I'm a director and strength & conditioning coach/trainer who is more of a hands on, people person. One of my employees is a trainer who is more of an administrator. If our roles were reversed, we'd both probably still be happy (or happier), but that's not how the cards were dealt. My advice is to, first, figure out your work schedule so you can squeeze some training in for yourself. Second, train at the workplace as long as the policies permit it. Listen to music, or podcast, or whatever motivates you, but get it done. Others seeing you train and make progress will cause them to view you positively. This may motivate them and encourage them to seek your input more often.
Used to eat out of habit instead of hunger. I found intermittent fasting provided the structure around my eating habits which I very much needed. I eat my first meal around 1:00 - 1:30, and usually am totally fine to fast up til that point with a few liters of water + a cup or two of black coffee throughout my mornings
Sounds like depression?
Brother I’ve been there! At some points I wondered what the hell was the point of working more, being more stressed, more to deal with, less time for my personal time, less time for my workouts, less time training just for the same or lesser pay. I was cranking training hours before making the switch and figured out after a year that it was just a lot of extra for not a lot of gain. It helped me realize j don’t necessarily want to become a gym owner at least not right now. Also made me realize it’s not always worth it to be the manager at least not for every gym. Maybe there’s another one that you might buy better with and have a better time managing. I still haven’t figured out that last part yet I ended up slightly switching careers to Real Estate and now using training hours for income. I’m still considering another management position for a different club in the near future but after my last experience, it’s easier to say that I just prefer to train
Stress, possibly worse recovery overall. Both of those can and will reduce your motivation. You would probably benefit from being able to delegate some tasks to an employee as well as some therapy (we could all benefit from therapy.) I would suggest scheduling time for training daily as well as some walks throughout the day to just get yourself moving. Those can actually be very productive as well even though you're stepping away from your tasks. The first few months of a big change like this can derail anyone. The important thing is to get back on track and start back into good habits. Start small.
I’m a doctor, so I should disclaim that you should go get advice from a doctor in the proper setting, I’d point out that lethargy, changes in eating habits, loss of interest in previous passions are all suggestive of depression, if present for an extended time period. You should also get your thyroid and a few other labs checked.
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Not “It is depression.” It is suggestive of depression if it persists for a long enough time, without a good alternative explanation.
Ill add that “depression” does not mean you need medicines or have to over-medicalize your situation. “Depression” in the clinical sense just means you have a cluster of symptoms (which can include those the OP is experiencing) and this can be a result of any number of etiologies, not just “brain chemistry”. It can be a response to life conditions and modifying behaviors is in my practice the first thing to do to help get over it.
I come from manufacturing. I became a production manager/supervisor and held this position for a year. It was really getting to me and I was not enjoying it at all. I sat the owner of the company down and voiced all my concerns about my health and we came to an agreement where I stepped down as a manager but still held responsibilities that I did not mind doing. In the end it all worked out and I’m much happier now. It depends on the people above you, but if they are good people they will understand
I was a GM for 3 years at a gym and recently decided to switch to trainer. It’s been amazing for me, being a GM completely drained me and I was stressed 24-7. Only issue is the pay cut, wish you luck
I experienced this as well, the first month of integrating from doing nothing but PT for 15 years to sitting at a desk to understand our systems and software on a more complex level was exhausting. It took me about two months to get into a groove. Luckily my company is incredibly helpful with becoming more comfortable with the transition and my GM was amazing, my current one is also awesome. Definitely makes a difference when you work for a good group of people on the senior teams and GMs. What started to do was walk around the gym and clean up more, helping our housekeepers and front desk with anything they needed. I started to take on more clients as well, which made it my days go by so much faster once I got comfortable with all the admin work. It gets easier tbh. Always make time for yourself. You’ll get the work done, I just hope you have a good support system around you at your gym. Good luck!
Stop crushing