Growing a Baby, Running a Fitness Business: My First Trimester Journey (a raw and honest account)
Trimester 1: Teaching Fitness While Growing a Tiny HumanWhat really happens when a fitness instructor finds out she's pregnant… and still has to get up, show up and teach?In this raw and very real episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my first trimester. From the total shock of that positive test (on the morning of our 5-year Lorna's Online Squad party!!), to navigating nausea, sore boobs, bloating and a whole load of emotions I wasn’t expecting.I share how I kept teaching, what I changed in my workouts (and what I didn’t), how I felt about my body and the surprising symptoms that hit me hardest. But more than that, I talk honestly about the emotional ups and downs – the excitement, the fear, the guilt, the love – and how I managed it all.If you’re pregnant, trying to be, thinking about it one day, or just want to know what really goes on behind the smile of a fit pro in early pregnancy, this is for you.Love,LornaCEO of Lorna Marie Fitness: www.lornamariefitness.co.ukCreator of YogaScape®: www.yogascape.co.uk
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Teaching Group Fitness Whilst Pregnant – 19 Weeks In and What’s Changing
In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s really like teaching group fitness whilst 19 weeks pregnant — the shifts in my body, energy, mindset and how I’ve adapted both on and off the mic.From swapping Chaturanga for Cat-Cow, to choosing baggier tops and having NO IDEA where to put my mic belt around the growing bump, this is a raw and honest look at how pregnancy is reshaping my experience as a fitness professional.I open up about the fatigue and nausea of the first trimester, the return of energy in the second and the quiet emotional shifts that come with teaching in a body that’s visibly changing.We also chat about flexibility in your fitness business, planning ahead for maternity, and the power of adapting: not just physically, but mentally too.Whether you’re pregnant, thinking about it, or just navigating change in your teaching, I hope this one makes you feel seen and supported.👉 Want to be part of a community that values growth, balance and beautiful teaching experiences?Find out more about becoming a certified YogaScape® Instructor at:🌐 www.yogascape.co.ukIf you find this episode useful, please do leave a rating and review. It means a lot to us!
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Fads, Burnout & Future-Proofing Your Fitness Career (While the Industry Keeps Changing)
In this episode of Life as a Fitness Instructor, we dive into the chaotic side of the fitness industry—where fast fads, shiny trends, and constant change can leave even the best instructors feeling lost, burnt out, or irrelevant.From the rise and fall of brands like Peloton and F45 to the TikTok workouts that take over our feeds, we explore why chasing trends is not a sustainable strategy—and what to do instead.We share real talk, life experience, and four practical ways to future-proof your fitness career without selling your soul. Plus, we open up about the creation of YogaScape®, a pre-choreographed format designed to support instructors with ready-to-teach, seamless routines that deliver impact—without the burnout.💥 Plus: Get 25% off YogaScape® this Bank Holiday weekend with the code BH25.Link in show notes.🔑 Topics covered:The fitness industry’s obsession with fadsHow trends leave instructors burnt out and scramblingWhat “future-proofing” actually looks likeBuilding identity and community instead of chasing hypeWhy YogaScape® is built for long-term, instructor-friendly success📌 This one’s for every instructor who wants to stay relevant without losing themselves in the process.www.yogascape.co.uk/become-an-instructor
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Longevity in Fitness: The Secrets No One Told You About Teaching for the Long Game
Are you teaching back-to-back classes, constantly sore, and wondering how long you can actually keep this up? This episode is your wake-up call—and your solution.Join YogaScape® creator Lorna as she reveals the real reasons so many group fitness instructors burn out—and the secrets to staying strong, inspired, and in demand for the long game. We dive into the L.E.A.N. Method: a smart, simple approach to protect your energy, evolve your teaching, and build a sustainable business you still love five, ten, or twenty years from now.Whether you're just starting out or feeling the wear and tear of years on the mic, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.🎧 Tune in and future-proof your fitness career.www.yogascape.co.uk/become-an-instructor
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Is ETM really dead though?
Is ETM Really Dying? Or Is It Just Moving?In this episode of Life as a Fitness Instructor, we explore the shifting landscape of Exercise to Music (ETM) classes. With the rise of boutique studios, digital fitness and a move towards functional training in big box gyms, it may seem like traditional ETM is losing its place. But is it really?We dive into why ETM is changing - looking at the challenges instructors face with pay, preparation time, and the decline of freestyle classes in gyms. But it’s not all bad news. ETM is far from dead. It’s evolving and finding new spaces to thrive, from boutique studios to online platforms.If you're an ETM instructor, or someone who loves working with music in fitness, this episode offers practical insights into how to adapt and find new opportunities in the ever-changing fitness world. Tune in for tips on how to stay relevant, expand your skillset, and continue to create music-driven experiences for your clients.Topics Covered:Why fewer ETM classes in gymsThe shift to community spaces, boutique studios, and online offeringsHow to adapt as an ETM instructor in 2025The future of music-driven workoutsPlease share this episode if you found this helpful! 🎧💪
Being a fitness instructor is the BEST job ever - you get to make a positive difference to your members lives every single day... but it doesn't half come with its challenges and can sometimes be a lonely place too. Welcome to the "Life As A Fitness Instructor" Podcast where I'll be sharing my experiences, some tips & knowledge I've picked up over the years (and maybe a giggle or few on the way). If you're a fitness instructor, or a budding one, or you just want to hear what goes on "behind the scenes", then this is for you.
South Africa