As an instructor, you are dedicated to your clients and to your facility. However, the biggest cause of injury and burnout for instructors is when they don’t take enough time for themselves. Some instructors feel guilty about taking time off or saying “no” to another responsibility, but taking on more than you should usually does more harm than good. Taking care of yourself is imperative to not only your health, but the health of your clients and the success of your studio. Here are some essential self-care practices for barre teachers to keep in mind:
Do some deep stretching once a week
You encourage your clients to stretch, but sometimes you forget or are too busy to stretch yourself. Stretching can prevent injury and release stress. Take one day a week to really focus on stretching tight or sore muscles. Always remember to do a quick stretch after teaching a barre class.
Practice barre yourself regularly
As a barre instructor, it’s important to maintain your own practice. Make time to take barre classes yourself each week, either at your studio or at home. Exploring other movement modalities like yoga or Pilates can also provide inspiration and prevent burnout.
Don’t be afraid to call in sick
If you feel like you are coming down with a cold or you are really not feeling well, call in sick as soon as you can. It’s tempting to want to work through sickness, especially if you catch it in its early stages, but that actually only prolongs your sickness. The quicker you rest and take care of yourself, the quicker you can get back to teaching barre classes.
Make sure you are eating regular meals
Eating healthy can really help barre instructors stay alert, energized and feeling good. If you know you are going to be busy all day long teaching classes, pack meals and snacks to help you stay on track. Remember to drink plenty of water too!
Take time to do something else you love
You love barre and teaching barre, but it’s important to carve some time out of your week to work on projects you love that are separate from your job as an instructor. Finish reading that book you started or start that art project that you’ve been talking about doing. Take a hike and be one with nature! When you take time to work on other passions, you will feel happy, fulfilled and refreshed as a barre teacher.
Don’t be afraid to say “no”
Sometimes barre instructors have to say “no.” If taking on another class or project at the studio will eliminate your personal time, don’t be afraid to say you can’t do it. Of course, you can do it— you’re an amazing barre teacher— but don’t overwork yourself. It is important to set limitations for your health, happiness and sanity as a fitness professional.
Get enough sleep and rest
Barre instructors need adequate sleep to feel their best when teaching. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to increased stress hormones and decreased muscle recovery. Make getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night a priority in your self-care routine.
Pamper yourself with recovery treatments
Consider adding self-care practices like Epsom salt baths, infrared saunas, or massage therapy on your days off from teaching barre. Simple actions like meditating, drinking herbal tea, and taking naps when possible can also help barre instructors relax and recover.
By prioritizing these self-care practices, barre teachers can stay motivated, inspired, and energized for the long haul. Taking care of yourself allows you to perform your best for your barre clients and avoid injury and burnout. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine as a barre instructor.
