Teaching Fitness Classes While in School

Name: Morgan Pearson, Class of 2017

Hometown: Gillette, WY

Undergrad: University of Wyoming

Fun Fact: I teach a fitness class called POUND…no, I’m not joking. Let me tell you more…

What the heck is POUND?

You may have read a blog post a couple of months ago that highlighted my teaching a fitness class to some of my fellow classmates called “POUND.” It’s a super fun cardio/strengthening workout that I absolutely love teaching! If you want to find out more about the class, visit the website. But the real reason I’m writing is to explain how I balance PT school and working as a fitness instructor teaching POUND.

I became a certified POUND Pro in January of this year (as a second year PT student) because I felt that I had found my studying groove in PT school and could handle teaching a class a couple times a week. I mean I have to workout anyway, so why not make some money while doing it?

I wanted to practice teaching the choreography before I applied for a job to teach the class, so I reached out to my lovely classmates on our class Facebook page and asked if any of them would like to take a free class from me. My classmates are extremely supportive, and a couple of them kindly agreed to try out the class. They ended up liking the class so much that I have continued to teach free classes for them almost every week (yes that’s girls AND boys in my class!).

I decided I had practiced enough and would try my luck at finding a very part time job. I figured I could devote 2-3 hours/week to teaching a class since, like I said earlier, I have to work out anyways! I found a job that I could teach 2 hours/week, plus my free hour class I teach at Regis for my classmates. Sure, it’s hard being in PT school without a job, let alone with a job, but 3 hours a week is COMPLETELY doable. I have a couple of super moms and dads in my class, and let me tell you, my silly 3 hour/week job commitment is nothing compared to the time they devote to being rock star parents!

Now I am not in any way suggesting that PT students should have a part time job during school….what I am suggesting is to take a couple of hours per week to fulfill what you are passionate about! I’m just lucky that I make a little extra cash while doing so J. PT school is a time commitment, and you truly have to devote many hours to class, studying, and group work, but it’s all about balance. Finding time to do the things you love is absolutely necessary. Whether it’s POUNDing, golfing, skiing, hiking, running, binge watching Netflix or Bravo TV, taking time for yourself is crucial to succeed in PT school!