Over the past decade, the fitness industry has shifted its focus toward rapid success and high visibility. With the rise of social media influencers, many fitness professionals now find themselves competing not only with other trainers, but also with people who may not have formal qualifications or experience but have large followings online. These influencers often gain popularity through aesthetically pleasing images, catchy workout routines or before-and-after transformations, but they don’t necessarily have the skills or experience to back up their claims. This has created a few problems:

1. The “Quick-Fix” Mentality: Fitness marketing has shifted towards selling quick results, whether it’s in the form of “10-day body transformations” or “rapid fat loss programs.” This focus on instant results often overshadows the real, long-term benefits of consistent exercise, healthy habits and professional guidance. Trainers who emphasize sustainable fitness plans or take a more personalized approach may struggle to stand out in a world obsessed with quick fixes.

2. High Competition from Non-Professionals: With social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, virtually anyone can label themselves a "fitness expert" without formal qualifications or experience. They may gain followers simply because they have a large audience or know how to market themselves well, not because they have the knowledge to help others. This makes it harder for qualified, experienced trainers to compete, especially when they’re up against influencers who are often seen as “more popular” or “trendy.”

3. Low Pay and Job Insecurity: Many trainers who work in traditional gyms or as independent contractors are often faced with low pay, inconsistent hours and a lack of job security. While the fitness industry is booming in terms of popularity, it hasn’t translated into better financial stability for the people actually doing the work. For many trainers, it feels like there’s a ceiling on how much they can earn, especially when gyms take a large percentage of their income or clients aren’t consistently showing up.

The good news is that there are ways to shift the industry back toward creating real, sustainable career opportunities for passionate trainers. Here are a few steps we can take to make that happen:

1. Emphasize Education Over Popularity: The fitness industry should focus on valuing education and experience rather than popularity or social media followers. Encouraging trainers to continuously educate themselves through certifications, workshops and seminars can help elevate the quality of service offered. Clients will value trainers who are knowledgeable and professional, not just those with the most followers.

2. Support Trainers with Better Compensation: This one is personal to me, but gyms and fitness centers need to offer better pay and more job security to their trainers. This includes giving trainers a fair share of the revenue from their sessions, offering full-time employment with benefits, and creating clear career advancement paths. With better compensation, trainers are more likely to stay in the field long-term and continue to build their skills.

3. Foster Mentorship and Community: The fitness industry should promote a culture of mentorship, where experienced trainers can guide newcomers through the challenges of building a career in fitness. Providing a support system, whether through gym communities or online resources, can help trainers build their client base and avoid feeling isolated. Mentorship can also teach newer trainers how to navigate marketing, client retention and business management, which are critical to building a sustainable career.

4. Promote Wellness Over Quick Fixes: As an industry, we need to focus more on long-term wellness rather than quick fixes. Trainers who take a holistic approach, focusing on fitness, mental health, lifestyle habits and sustainable progress should be celebrated. Fitness marketing can shift away from promoting unrealistic transformation stories and instead highlight the ongoing journey of health and fitness that benefits people in the long run.

5. Build a Stronger Network of Independent Trainers: For trainers who prefer to work independently or own their own businesses, creating supportive networks or joining mastermind groups where they can share resources, collaborate and find clients can be key. These networks could offer marketing resources, business coaching, and lead-generation services, helping good trainers get the recognition and clients they deserve without relying on social media popularity alone.

I still believe that the fitness industry is full of potential, but it’s time to shift the focus back toward the professionals who are dedicated to helping others in meaningful, sustainable ways. By emphasizing education, offering better career opportunities and supporting trainers in their growth, we can create a fitness industry where good people can thrive.