The fitness industry is full of people with big personalities. There are coaches with charisma, trainers who are larger than life, and instructors who excel at leading big groups.
So, it’s easy to assume that you need to be either eccentric or extroverted to be successful in the fitness industry. But is that really true? And where does that leave the introverts?
In this article – we explore these questions in more detail and suggest some practical solutions…
If you have a reserved disposition, then you might have wondered if your quiet personality is holding you back…
Would you be a better networker if you felt more comfortable in a crowd? Might you have more clients if you were a bit more outgoing? Could you be a better leader if you enjoyed talking to large groups of people?
Well let’s start by addressing a common misconception – being quiet doesn’t necessarily mean someone is an introvert. There are shy introverts and there are outgoing ones too. The same thing goes for extroverts. As with so many things in life, people don’t fit neatly into prescriptive boxes.
Being an introvert has more to do with where you get your energy from, and what drains it. It’s not about how quiet or loud you are.
Extroverts feel the energy of others and are fueled by it – they love to be around people but get restless alone. Introverts like being around people too, but find it tiring in large groups or for long periods of time. They’re just as happy with their own company, as they are to hang out with others.
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Using Introversion To Your Advantage
Why does it matter if introverts are shy or not? Well… you can use this knowledge to your advantage. By learning to understand and embrace your own personality, you can figure out how to work with it instead of seeing it as a disadvantage.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an introverted personal trainer. It doesn’t even matter if you have a quiet or shy personality. What matters is how these things influence you in business or social situations.
Introverts are often fantastic listeners and find it easy to read people. So, instead of trying to be outgoing when you’re not, try tapping into your natural listening skills. People generally love to talk about themselves, plus this approach takes the pressure off you having to make conversation.
If you’re an introvert who doesn’t enjoy the limelight, then try being a facilitator instead. Connect people at events or in your club and encourage knowledge sharing between others. Instead of being the centre of attention, become the centre of a hub. It’s a great way to network without feeling awkward.
People who don’t feel comfortable in large groups often find it easier to be outgoing online. So, if you know that crowds make you nervous, then think about basing your fitness business on the internet instead. Considering starting a fitness blog or setting up an Instagram influencer business.
People who are quiet can often come across as more genuine, authentic, and real (compared to hyper-talkative personalities). This authenticity is an especially powerful asset in videos, so try using Facebook Live or Instagram Stories to communicate with your audience. It’s a great way to leverage your strengths and build your email list.
“People do business with, and refer business to, people they know, like, and trust.”
Bob Burg
People do business with, and refer business to, people they know, like, and trust. Extroversion can be an asset with the ‘getting to know you’ part. But an introvert’s authenticity helps with the last two parts – getting them to like and trust you.
One thing to be mindful of is how you guard your energy. Introverts might be fine in social situations, but feel drained afterward. So plan accordingly to ensure ‘down time’ that allows you to recharge your energy levels when needed. You only have a certain amount of energy to give the world and fuel yourself, so manage it carefully.
Can Introverts Be Successful In The Fitness Industry?
In summary – yes. In fact, introverts can be VERY successful in the fitness industry. Just ask Shaun T and Chalene Johnson who both identify themselves as introverted! The key is learning how to use it to your advantage, instead of seeing it as something that holds you back.
So if you’re not crazy, gregarious, or outgoing like many fitness professionals, then don’t be disheartened. Focus on the strengths of your personality and then leverage them in your business.
You might also like… Start an Online Fitness Business in 5 Simple Steps.
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