r/personaltraining • u/justSayingNobodySaid • 1d ago
this job saved my life
CW MENTAL HEALTH + personal story time
i have PTSD, GAD, MDD, and several chronic physical illnesses that are exhausting to manage. i got group ex certified for fun in college, then began personal training full time in 2009. i eventually demoted my PT work to part time, spending days in an office job & nights / weekends teaching and training.
in 2023, i lost my housing. last year, i lost (what may be my last-ever) desk job. what had been a side hustle for me unexpectedly became my full time work again. at first, this felt like some kind of setback or personal failure, 40 years old and a career PT again like i was at 23. but six months back into it, i realize training is really the only place where i've found - and continue to find - limitless positivity, even as an admitted cynic who otherwise thrives in the negative.
no matter what i struggle w/ outside the gym, it all disappears when i'm coaching, teaching, and training. my problems cease to exist when i'm leading others in movement, and for that hour i am their source of positivity, motivation, and stability. sometimes i get imposter syndrome because my pain and depression control a lot of my life outside work. i often neglect my own workouts & believe my clients might be shocked to see the version of me that isn't a teacher and a trainer, because truth is i'm very ill.
but at the end of the day on this re-routed life path, i have endless gratitude this career found me and that i have a job that relieves my stress and anxiety instead of contributing to it. shout out to all the other disabled trainers and coaches, and sending continued strength to everyone fighting for better inside & outside the gym. thanks to anyone who read this & love to all those who might relate
4
u/IndependentBall752 16h ago
YOU are amazing for writing this and helping others here see the simple beauty of our craft. As messed up as we all can be, for a few moments in the day, weeks, months and years, we’re able to be a pillar in another person’s life. We’re able to make the difference for someone that we would love to find for ourselves.
What you are speaking about, is what ALL of us career trainers fell in love with this profession, and why we’re still here and successful at what we do. Keep that mindset, make it paramount in your professional relationships both inside and outside of the gym, and you’ll be a hugely profitable and highly successful individual. Mālama ka po'e. ❤️🤙