Being constantly busy in your fitness career is seen as a virtue and multitasking is often glorified as a guarantee of productivity. Yet research shows that this mode of operation only increases stress, reduces performance and harms our mental well-being.
In a recent interview for Les Affaires, I had the opportunity to discuss the importance of mindfulness at work and strategies for breaking free from the multitasking trap. The insights shared can help fitness professionals break free from the multitasking trap that undermines both client results and personal performance.
Multitasking: a False Ally
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the workload itself that generates stress, but the way we work. When you bounce between client coaching, marketing, paperwork, and your personal training, your brain is forced into constant gear changes. This fragmentation can lead to lapses in concentration, errors in judgment, mental fatigue, and a sense of underachievement by the end of the day.
As I explain in the article:
“Yes, mindfulness can involve meditation, sport or breathing techniques, but it’s also about taking a moment to do just one thing, work on a report, participate in a discussion, not attend a Teams meeting while checking email.”
The challenge isn’t only external interruptions—such as phone calls, notifications, or client messages—but also the self-imposed distractions that chip away at your focus. In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get sidetracked by social media updates or administrative emails in between training sessions.
“Our attention span has fallen below ten seconds. Yes, we need to reduce external interruptions, but also the distractions we generate.”
The good news? It is possible to improve our attention span with simple strategies to be applied today.
Reclaim Your Focus with These Strategies
Group Tasks to Minimize Mental Fatigue
Rather than constantly switching between different responsibilities, organize your day into dedicated blocks. Set aside specific time for client sessions, administrative work, marketing, and even your own training. This structured approach reduces cognitive overload and helps you be fully present in each area.
Embrace Active Recovery Breaks
As a fitness professional, you already understand the power of movement. Incorporate short, dynamic breaks—such as stretching, brisk walking, or deep breathing exercises—between sessions. These moments not only boost your concentration and creativity but also help manage stress effectively.
Outside the Gym: Regain Mental Calm
Adopt a Mindful Morning Mindset
Step away from the screens for 10 minutes and take a moment to set your intentions for the day. This simple ritual sets the tone for your concentration.
Integrate Mindfulness into Daily Routines
Whether you’re preparing a nutritious meal, organizing your training schedule, or winding down after a session, immerse yourself fully in the activity at hand. This practice trains your mind to stay present, enabling you to handle the multifaceted demands of a busy fitness lifestyle with greater ease.
Work Better, Perform Better
In my seminars and training sessions, I share these strategies to help fitness professionals reclaim their focus, manage energy effectively, and elevate overall career success and longevity. Whether through workshops on mindfulness, stress management, or preventing burnout, the goal is always the same: to help you achieve peak performance while safeguarding your well-being.
Imagine if, instead of trying to juggle every task at once, you embraced the power of focused, single-tasking. Not only would your coaching sessions and group fitness become more impactful, but you’d also enhance your efficiency—and that’s a win for both you and your clients.
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