The Top Barrier Clubs Face in Attracting Next Gen Fitness Talent, Per Les Mills

Today’s young fitness enthusiast putting hours in at the gym and lingering in the protein powder aisle could one day soon become a top group fitness instructor, but Les Mills has a warning: mentorship is lacking, but solutions exist.

Such is the theme of the international group fitness leader’s landmark report, “Nurturing the Next Gen: Blueprint for Instructor Recruitment,” filled with insights from 2,500 young individuals who are interested in working in the fitness industry.

Positive fitness career prospects

Positive Fitness Career Prospects

Indeed, the job market is hot for up-and-coming fitness instructors and trainers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects the job outlook in the fitness training field will grow 14 percent by 2033 – considerably faster than the average for all other occupations.

The assessment isn’t entirely surprising, considering Gen Z’s overall interest and enthusiasm towards health and fitness. Yet Les Mills’ report dives into the motivations of future instructors and provides insight for fitness operators on what’s required to engage and secure the next generation of talent.

Nearly 73 percent of next-gen fitness prospects are current gym members, according to Les Mills, with well over half (60%) taking part in group training and nearly half (49 percent) attending once a week.

However, pivoting from fitness consumer to trainer can be tricky. Les Mills’ report aims to offer valuable insights and solutions for turning fitness hobbyists into future professionals who can drive a club’s bottom line.

From member to instructor

From Member to Instructor

“A key driver of the industry’s post-pandemic resurgence has been operators’ ability to attract younger members into their facilities, but substantial growth opportunities remain, and this report aims to help clubs unlock them,” Les Mills’ managing director, Phillip Mills, says.

He notes that the live workout boom demonstrates that fitness remains a “people business,” with star instructors serving as the backbone of successful clubs.

“The strongest instructor squads have a solid blend of youth and experience, so nurturing new talent with mentorship from your stalwarts is a sure-fire strategy for sustained club success,” Mills adds.

The group fitness leader has also created an interactive, gamified quiz so fitness clubs can see if they are on track and identify areas in need of assistance.