Is the other gym your competition?

Today’s chat is a little different—it’s not about programming or technique, but about how we see others in the fitness space: other facilities, other trainers, and the sneaky doubts that can creep in when we start comparing ourselves.

I’ve been in the industry for about 15 years now, and when I first started, it was honestly all-consuming. I was laser-focused on my clients, on getting things right, on making sure I was worthy of the trust people placed in me with their bodies. It was a lot. But over time, the technical parts become second nature. You start to move with ease—holding great conversations while still correcting a squat or tracking someone’s progression mid-set.

And then something shifts—you’re no longer just in the thick of learning. You’re evolving. You’re coaching at a higher level. And it’s here that an unexpected feeling can show up: comparison.

You might notice a new trainer at your gym or a shiny new facility opening up down the road. And suddenly you’re wondering:

“Will my clients leave?”

“What if I’m not enough?”

It sounds silly when you say it out loud, but it’s not. It’s human. And if no one has said this to you yet: you are not alone in that feeling.

But here’s the truth. No one else in this industry can bring what you bring. Not just your knowledge or your programming style—but your energy, your values, your vibe. Some people will be drawn to you like magnets, and others won’t—and that’s exactly how it should be.

There is room for everyone. Competition doesn’t have to be a threat—it can actually be a gift. When we see others levelling up, it nudges us to do the same. It reminds us to stay sharp, to keep showing up fully, to not cut corners. Because let’s be honest—without any competition, it’s easy to let little things slide. But when you know people have options, you’re going to bring your A-game. And that’s good for you and your clients.

Also, not every client is your ideal client—and that’s okay too. If someone leaves you for the trainer down the street, maybe that’s exactly what needed to happen. It clears space for the clients who love your approach, who thrive in your sessions, and who light up when they see your name on the timetable. Those are your people.

And if someone else tries to copy your vibe? They can’t. People pick up on authenticity—and if you’re rooted in yours, no one can replicate that.

I see this all the time when I visit gyms for mystery shops. Sometimes I get treated like I’ve got leprosy the moment I say I work in the industry! And I get it—it can feel threatening. But honestly, if another trainer chooses your facility over their own, that’s the biggest compliment. They’re not there to steal anything—they’re there because they’re drawn to you.

I remember being at a gym once where other trainers were working out wearing uniforms from nearby facilities. At first, I thought it was cheeky—like, that’s not something you’d do in promo work. But the receptionist said something that stuck with me:

“That’s the best advertising we could ask for. They work somewhere else, but they paid to be here.”

Mic drop.

That moment shifted something for me. Even I had fallen into the trap of seeing it as “us vs. them.” But the truth is—every time someone walks through your door, it’s because something you’re doing is resonating.

So instead of fearing competition, embrace it. Let it drive you to keep refining who you are, how you coach, and what makes you different.

And here’s a little personal share before we wrap up:

Even after all these years, I still get a bit in my head when someone leaves one of my classes early without saying anything. I immediately start wondering—was it the music? Did I do something wrong? But then I remind myself: if I’m being my full, authentic self up there… and they still decided to leave?

Cool. They’re not my people.

Because when you are being fully you, the right people will stay. They’ll sing along to the weird music. They’ll bring their friends. They’ll check the timetable just to find your name. And those people? They make the room buzz. They lift the energy for everyone.

That’s how real growth happens. Not by pleasing everyone—but by standing tall in what makes you you.

If this resonates with you and you want to dive deeper into this kind of work—tapping into your values, your energy, your unique spark—we’ve got courses for that. We’d love to help you unlock the kind of presence that fills rooms and changes lives.

Reach out here on this page, book a call, or explore our courses—we’re here to help you help more people.

Because that ripple effect? That’s what it’s all about.