This episode is going to be a really raw and real one! I’m talking all about my experience in trimester three of pregnancy - juggling teaching fitness classes, running my small business, working part-time in the family business and just… life in general.
I break it all down into sections: the physical side, the emotional side, the medical stuff and the prep and lessons learned. I’m sharing what it’s actually like - the good, the surprising, and yes, even the weird moments - so if you’re pregnant, thinking about getting pregnant, or just curious about my journey so far, this is for you.
Expect tales of feeling crazy strong kicks (sometimes at the worst possible moments), discovering the joys of swelling ankles and expanding rib cages and a few “what on earth is happening to my body?!” moments. I also talk about keeping up with exercise, adapting workouts and why strength training has been my absolute saviour during pregnancy.
On the emotional side, I get honest about the nerves, the excitement and the “how am I going to do all of this?!” moments, plus why a maternity photoshoot was honestly one of the best things I did for myself.
I also cover the practical side: RSV and whooping cough vaccines, extra midwife appointments, birth plans, nursery prep and the very surreal experience of a home visit... Haha!
Basically, this is me, weeks 28 to 38, keeping it real about pregnancy, fitness, work, life and all the little surprises along the way. If you want a peek behind the scenes of what it’s like balancing it all while getting ready to meet baby Bell, this episode is for you.
When the sickness finally eases off, the bump starts to show and you’re still teaching classes, running a business and figuring out pregnancy one week at a time - what does that really look like?
In this episode, I’m opening up about my second trimester.
The good parts, the tougher parts and everything in between. Around weeks 15–16, I felt that burst of energy people talk about. Then came the excitement (and nerves) of the 16 and 2 week scans.
At the same time, I had to adjust in real ways: saying goodbye to my running training, swapping high-impact sessions for more strength and cycling and learning to rest with the help of extra breaks and extra pillows!
I’ll share how I managed teaching, training and running a business whilst my body was changing every week. That includes the shifts I made to my workouts, the symptoms that caught me off guard and the mindset changes that came with things like looser ligaments and feeling out of breath faster than I expected.
Whether you’re pregnant, thinking about pregnancy, or just curious about how a fitpro and business owner balances it all, then this episode gives you a no-fluff, honest account at trimester 2.
Lorna
CEO of Lorna Marie Fitness: www.lornamariefitness.co.ukCreator of YogaScape®: www.yogascape.co.uk
Trimester 1: Teaching Fitness While Growing a Tiny Human
What 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,
Lorna
CEO of Lorna Marie Fitness: www.lornamariefitness.co.uk
Creator of YogaScape®: www.yogascape.co.uk
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.uk
If you find this episode useful, please do leave a rating and review. It means a lot to us!
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:
📌 This one’s for every instructor who wants to stay relevant without losing themselves in the process.
www.yogascape.co.uk/become-an-instructor
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
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:
Please share this episode if you found this helpful! 🎧💪
In this Q&A episode, I’m answering your top questions about life as a fitness instructor! We’re talking about whether I eat before early classes (and what my go-to is), how to balance personal connections with professionalism, and the challenge of managing my own fitness while teaching. Plus, I share my thoughts on trying something new this week! Whether you’re an instructor yourself or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of fitness coaching, this one’s for you!
Please leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this and if you’re interested in becoming a YogaScape® instructor, head to www.yogascape.co.uk 💙💚
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Lisa, a friend of mine and fabulous fitness professional (she's a YogaScape® instructor, fitness presenter and creator of GroovX Fitness) whose journey has taken a beautiful turn into the world of holistic fitness. 🌱
After years of teaching cardio fitness classes, she realized there was so much more to health and wellness than just the physical aspects. Now, Lisa is fully embracing holistic styles like yoga, YogaScape® 🧘♀️ and Pilates and she’s here to share her transition and how it’s transformed her teaching approach.
Lisa’s story is a reminder of why we, as fitness instructors, should always be open to learning new things. 📚 It’s not just about keeping up with trends, but about deepening our understanding of how to truly support our clients, both physically and mentally. 💪 It’s all about growth, exploration and finding new ways to help people feel their best - body, mind and soul. ✨
If you’re a fitness professional, this conversation is for you! 🎧
We dive into why it’s so important to be lifelong learners, how diversifying our skill sets can make us more effective in our roles and how we can create a more rounded approach to fitness that really resonates with our clients.
So, grab a cuppa ☕️, settle in and enjoy the chat!
Oooh and if you enjoy it, please share on your socials and tag us in so we can help more FitPros!
If you're interested in becoming a YogaScape® instructor, find out more here
In this episode, we’re answering instructor questions and tackling some of the most common challenges faced by fitness professionals, from managing imposter syndrome to balancing your own energy while teaching back-to-back classes.
We’ll share practical tips for building authentic connections with your participants, finding the best mic for your setup, and creating the perfect mat layout for your classes.
If you’ve ever wondered how to maintain your confidence, energy and passion as a fitness instructor, this episode is for you. Plus, learn how YogaScape® can support you in growing your skills and building a thriving community.
Listen now and take your teaching—and your self-care—to the next level. Ready to join the YogaScape® community? Sign up at www.yogascape.co.uk
December can be the busiest and most exhausting time of year for fitness instructors. With packed schedules, festive classes and the pressure to plan for January, burnout feels almost inevitable.
In this episode we explore the reality of December as a FitPro and share practical tips to help you navigate the season with more balance and less stress. From setting boundaries and prioritising self-care to leaning on your community and simplifying your workload…
Let’s commit to thriving not just surviving this festive season.
www.yogascape.co.uk
Maybe you’ve thought about creating a retreat as a new income stream, or it’s simply a passion project you’d love to bring to life.
Whatever your “why,” I’m here to share my journey, insights and tips to help make your dream retreat a reality!
I have just returned from Amorgos, Greece, where I hosted my second retreat – a pinch-me moment that’s been years in the making! 🏝️💙
I’ll be covering everything from:
Planning & Purpose: Getting clear on what you want your retreat to offer 🌈💭
Designing the Experience: Finding the perfect balance of workshops, classes and downtime 🧘♀️
Location & Budget: Key considerations and real-life tips 🗺️💸
Marketing & Building Hype: How to attract your dream attendees 📲🔥
Executing & Reflecting: Bringing it all together and creating memories that last a lifetime ✨🌅
Whether you’re dreaming of hosting a full week abroad or a local day retreat, this episode will give you everything you need to get started.
So, let’s dive into what it takes to host a retreat that’s meaningful, memorable and truly magical. 🎧
Ready to make your dream retreat happen? Let’s go! 🎉
If you find this helpful, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!
Love,
Lorna
🌟 In this episode, we’re diving into an important topic, and one at the back (or forefront) of a lot of fitness instructors' minds: Is being a fitness instructor still a sustainable career? 💪
With everything changing so fast in our industry, it’s time to take a closer look at what that really means for us.
In this episode, we talk about current state of the fitness world—what’s happening with employment trends, how much instructors are really making and the challenges we face, like burnout and stiff competition.
But don’t worry, it’s not all about the tough stuff! I’ll share some real, actionable tips to help you thrive in this industry for the long run too!
Whether you're a seasoned instructor or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement to help you navigate the ups and downs of our dynamic field.
I hope you enjoy it and if you do, please like and share this episode so we can help more fitpros in this amazing industry! 🎧✨
How to Avoid Burnout as a Fitness Instructor
Welcome back to the Life as a Fitness Instructor podcast! I’m Lorna Marie, creator of YogaScape® and a dedicated fitness business owner and instructor.
In this episode, we dive into a critical topic that affects many in our field: burnout. 💪
Whether you're managing a full schedule, balancing family life, or juggling multiple responsibilities, burnout can hit hard and unexpectedly. 🚧
We’ll explore the signs of burnout, including constant exhaustion, a lack of enthusiasm for what you once loved, physical symptoms, emotional overwhelm, and impaired performance. 😓
You’ll learn actionable tips such as:
By implementing these strategies, you can sustain your passion for teaching and continue to inspire your members. ✨ Tune in for some insightful tips and support on how to keep burnout at bay.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share on your socials @yogascapeofficial or @lornamariefitnessofficial.
For those interested in becoming a YogaScape® instructor, visit our website to learn more and join our team. 🌐
Thank you for listening, and I hope this episode provides inspiration and practical solutions for your fitness journey. 💖
Welcome back to the "Life as a Fitness Instructor" podcast! September is here and with it comes the perfect opportunity to reignite your fitness classes and get everyone back into a routine. In this episode, we're diving into the buzz of a new season and how you can capitalize on it to fill your classes.
We'll explore 10 actionable marketing strategies to help you promote your classes this month—from launching a "Back to Fitness" campaign and partnering with local businesses to hosting charity events and leveraging National Fitness Day. Whether you're looking to boost attendance, try something new, or collaborate with others, this episode is packed with ideas to help you succeed.
Plus, I'll share insights on why it's important to adopt a mindset of abundance and support your fellow fitness instructors in growing together. Don't miss the chance to kickstart a successful September!
Tune in, take notes, and let's make this September your best yet! And if you're curious about becoming a YogaScape® instructor, we've got an open class on September 15th—details inside the episode.
Subscribe, share with fellow instructors and let's get ready for an amazing month! Whoop!
Are you ready for a fresh start this September? 🍂 Wondering how to attract more clients as everyone gets back into routine? Looking to make the most of this key time in the fitness industry?
In this episode of the "Life as a Fitness Instructor" podcast, we share 5 essential tips to help you gear up for a successful September launch.
Whether you’re teaching in a gym, running community classes, or leading online sessions, we’ll cover how to refine your offerings, leverage social media, build effective email campaigns, and connect with your community to boost your attendance.
Plus, we’ll discuss the latest trends in holistic wellness and how to incorporate them into your classes. Don’t miss this chance to make September your best month yet! 🎙️✨
🎙️ Meet Barry Kinder: Award-Winning Fitness Pro, Brand Owner of Panache & Former Dance Star
Ready to be inspired? This week on the Life As A Fitness Instructor podcast, we had the privilege of welcoming Barry Kinder, a renowned fitness instructor, award-winning performer and captivating fitness presenter. From dazzling dance floors to transforming lives through fitness, Barry’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
From being spotted dancing in a night club, to dance college without formal training (just his raw, incredible talent), to cruise ships, performing in World-famous international shows, now channels his passion and expertise into fitness. His impressive career in entertainment has seamlessly transitioned into an impactful role as a fitness professional, making waves in the industry with his innovative approach and dedication.
🔹 What You’ll Discover:
How Barry’s acclaimed dance career laid the foundation for his fitness success.
Exclusive stories from his award-winning performances and how he had a short spell as Tiger.
Insights into blending multiple talents into a cohesive and inspiring career.
Some golden nuggets of advice for being a fitness instructor & life in general!!
This episode is packed with powerful insights and motivational tales that showcase how diverse experiences can fuel incredible achievements! Tune in to hear Barry's compelling story and gain a fresh perspective on pursuing your passions.
Don't forget to subscribe to Life As A Fitness Instructor so you can keep up to date with our new episodes!
Breaking Barriers With Sam: Building an Inclusive Fitness Brand For All!
Join us in this episode as we sit down with the super inspirational Sam, a pioneer in the world of inclusive fitness. 🎙️💪 Sam shares her personal journey, including the challenges and triumphs she's faced in making fitness accessible to all. Her unwavering commitment to empowering others shines through as she discusses her experiences living with a disability. 🌟👩🏫
Sam introduces us to IncluSeat, her dynamic seated exercise class designed for younger individuals with disabilities. She explains how it integrates cardio, strength, flexibility, and mobility, ensuring that everyone can participate fully, whether standing or seated. 🧘♀️🪑
We also explore the future of inclusive fitness and the importance of adaptive qualifications, along with Sam's vision for a more inclusive fitness industry that embraces disabled instructors. 📈🤝
Throughout our conversation, Sam opens up about the challenges of building an inclusive fitness business, offering valuable insights into balancing client needs, personal income, and brand development. 🎧❤️
Whether you're a fitness instructor or passionate about making fitness accessible, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in for an inspiring discussion that equips you with the tools and motivation to create a truly inclusive fitness environment.
Join us and be part of the movement to transform fitness for everyone! 🎧❤️
Building a Brand with Heart: Amanda's Wild Legs Adventure
Meet the amazing Amanda, brand owner of Wild Legs Active Wear. In this episode of "Life as a Fitness Instructor," Amanda shares her journey balancing being a fitness instructor and entrepreneur.
From early mornings fuelled by coffee and social media updates to teaching classes and managing administrative tasks for Revive and Wild Legs, Amanda gives us a glimpse into her busy daily routine.
Discover Amanda's passion for empowering instructors through Revive and her commitment to authenticity with Wild Legs, a community-driven brand close to her heart. She discusses the challenges and rewards of growing both businesses organically, without losing sight of her personal values.
Throughout our conversation, Amanda shares her insights on maintaining work-life balance in the fitness industry.
She reveals how she incorporates self-care, like her recent discovery of sound baths, into her busy schedule to recharge and find inner peace.
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, aspiring instructor, or fellow entrepreneur, Amanda's story offers fabulous practical advice and lots of inspiration!
Tune in and get inspired by Amanda's journey!
If this inspires you in any way, please do subscribe, tag and share on your socials and tag us on your socials! That way, we can help & inspire more people to follow their passion :)