Being a group fitness instructor is one of the most fulfilling roles in the world — and also one of the most misunderstood.

Whether you teach as a side hustle, a passion project, or a full-time career, the truth is: most people don’t fully grasp the complexity of what you do. You’re not just the person with the playlist. You’re a cheerleader. A coach. A DJ. A space-holder. A motivational speaker. A leader.

And while the role can feel magical — it can also feel heavy.

So, let’s talk about the parts we don’t usually say out loud.

Comparison Happens (Even When You Love Your Team)

You might love your co-instructors deeply. You might celebrate their wins publicly and genuinely admire their skillset. But when the numbers come in and their class fills up faster than yours — especially if they’re new or popular — it’s normal to feel that pang of “What am I doing wrong?”

That feeling doesn’t make you a bad teammate. It makes you human.

What helps? Reframing. Their success doesn’t take away from yours. In fact, you can often learn from what they’re doing well — whether that’s connecting more intentionally, refining their ride structure, or just bringing a different kind of energy.

Co-leading and collaboration help kill the ego. And comparison? It’s the thief of joy.

The Guilt is Real

We care deeply about our riders and clients. So when we have to miss a class — even for good reasons like illness or burnout — the guilt can creep in hard. We know logically that our community wants us to be well, but emotionally, it can feel like we’re letting people down.

This guilt is why so many instructors teach through pain, burnout, and exhaustion — even when they shouldn’t.

If you’ve ever found yourself texting a sub while apologizing profusely or pushing through when your body’s screaming “rest,” you’re not alone.

The next time that happens, try speaking to yourself like a friend. Remind yourself: no one is mad at you for being human.

Living Outside the 9–5

Evenings and weekends are prime-time teaching hours — and also when everyone else isn’t working. That means instructors often miss out on birthday dinners, weekend trips, date nights, and downtime with friends.

And while you love what you do, it can feel like juggling two completely different lives: one that builds your fitness career, and one that nourishes your relationships outside of it.

The solution? Boundaries. You don’t need to leave town to rest. Sometimes, all it takes is blocking off a weekend or booking out a Sunday for stillness, connection, or a reset.

We Do More Than Most People Realize

Our clients often show up for a class before they go to therapy. They cry in the dark while pedaling to a powerful beat. They message us months later to say, “You changed my life,” and we’re often shocked — because we didn’t even know they were struggling.

This work is emotional. It’s physical. It’s transformational. And it’s so much more than a workout.

Why Instructor Community Matters

Most of the world doesn’t understand what it means to hold this kind of space. That’s why instructor community matters so much.

It’s the only place where you don’t have to explain why you feel gutted after canceling class. Or why you’re both proud of and intimidated by your new co-leader. Or why you’ve spent five hours working on a playlist for a 45-minute ride.

Inside Instructor Magic, community is at the core. Because you deserve a space to grow without judgment. To ask questions. To be real. To build confidence. And to connect with people who get it.

If you’ve ever felt alone in this work, please know: you don’t have to be.