The programming that you or your facility offer is an extension of your culture, your intentional focus and your reach. As leaders in the fitness industry, you may have noticed how many ways programming can support your overarching plan. There are so many ways to connect to and impact your clients’ lives. It can be paralyzing when looking at all that is out there, or that can be created; group exercise versus personal training, one-on-one versus small group, existing programs on the market like Les Mills, Zumba, Insanity, Silver Sneakers, PiYo, TRX, Pilates (the list goes on) … OR do you create something proprietary for a specific sport, population or a need that drives you personally? The choices can feel endless and even a bit overwhelming.

So where do you start? You start by pressing “pause” and thinking about why you entered this amazing industry. What is your WHY? You see, there are enough programs for everyone out there so the question to ask is, “What do YOU want to accomplish? What impact do you want to make? Who do you want to reach and why?” This is a heart-centered decision. A passion decision. Knowing this will drive your programming.

What’s your reach? Think through the kind of impact you would love to make with the time you have in the industry. Is your passion with seniors and adding years to their lives? Are you called to coach young athletes to reach their prime as young adults in a specific sport? Is your drive to create connections in your community and to use movement as the catalyst? Are you moved to get the roughly 80% of the U.S. population who do not go to a gym to begin moving through a walking program? Your passion will dictate your reach. Your desired reach will dictate your programming.

Consider people first. The fitness industry - your business - is about the people we serve and the lives we touch. Begin your decision-making with the impact you ultimately desire. Decide what/who moves you. When you do, your programming decisions will connect you to your reach. This is where you will find true career fulfillment!