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How does the fitness industry move forward from its current state? How do employees start to get benefits, and how do we learn more about the individuals who work inside the fitness industry? These are topics that seem like regular items for other industries but are still being discussed and debated within the fitness industry. In this episode of the KIPS Podcast, guest Emily Stewart shares how she advocated for the fitness industry to move towards unionization and provides information about the survey she has conducted to gather more information for this emerging industry. While Emily admits that the fitness industry isn’t ready for unionization, she discusses how her survey can help gather more information and move the needle towards more favorable work environments for fitness professionals.
This episode is an interesting listen for all types of fitness instructors. As Emily discussed, past discussions have pitted fitness instructors against gym management. Still, both parties should work towards better conditions that will ultimately improve the quality of instruction that fitness professionals can provide. Any fitness instructor who listens to this episode can likely empathize with the stories shared regarding working environments and contribute their own experience in the same area. The survey Emily discusses includes areas for feedback on these situations, and hopefully, all listeners will be compelled to spend 30 minutes completing it.
Topics Discussed in This Episode
- Emily’s work advocating for a fitness industry union.
- Work environment issues that should be shared.
- Emily’s work with the State of Washington during the pandemic.
- Why the fitness professional survey created by Emily is important.
What makes a union essential for fitness professionals?
Unionization in the fitness industry refers to the process by which fitness professionals, such as personal trainers, gym staff, and group fitness instructors, organize to advocate for their rights and working conditions collectively. Just as in other sectors, unionization enables these workers to come together and negotiate terms of employment, including wages, benefits, and job security.
In the fitness industry, unionization is becoming increasingly important as many fitness professionals operate as independent contractors or work in environments with fluctuating income and few protections. By forming unions, these workers can address issues such as unfair pay practices, lack of health benefits, and unsafe working conditions.
Unionized fitness professionals can engage in collective bargaining, allowing them to communicate their needs and demands to employers more effectively. This can lead to improvements in working conditions, access to professional development, and better support systems within gyms and fitness centers.
Unionization can empower workers to have a collective voice in shaping the policies and practices within their workplaces, ultimately contributing to a more equitable fitness industry. As the industry grows, the push for unionization may help ensure that fitness professionals receive the recognition and support they deserve for their contributions to health and wellness.
THE SURVEY: CLICK HERE.
Freelance Solidarity Project (Twitter @fsp_nwu): CLICK HERE.
Yoga Teachers Union UK (IG @yogateachersunionuk): CLICK HERE.
Follow Emily on Instagram: CLICK HERE.
Emily Stewart Fitness: CLICK HERE.
Group Fitness Instructors United website: CLICK HERE.
View Online Education – CLICK HERE.
Additional Reads
Thank you, For sharing such a useful information with us.
Thanks for listening to the podcast.