Finding Your Voice as a Fitness Instructor

One of the most important parts of becoming an instructor is learning how to find your voice. At first, it’s tempting to copy the cues or styles of mentors and instructors you admire. And while that can be a helpful starting point, the magic happens when you begin to carve out your own personality in how you teach. I’ll admit, I’ve walked out of yoga classes before thinking, “How do they talk like that? I could never motivate people in that calm, flowing way.” For a while, I thought maybe that meant I wasn’t cut out for teaching. Eventually, I realized it wasn’t that I couldn’t teach—it was just that wasn’t my style. I naturally bring a more playful, high-energy vibe to the room, and once I embraced that, things started to click.

Every instructor has a cueing style. Some are technical, others are inspirational, and some are community-builders who thrive on connection. None of them are wrong—it’s about being true to yourself. The cues that resonate most with students are the ones that sound natural, not rehearsed. You can always tell when someone is reading off a mental script. It feels stiff, even a little fake. But when your words come from your personality and from your heart, people lean in.

Here’s a little something I learned years ago in acting class: an actor can’t just read the lines—they have to deliver them with intention. Otherwise, the words fall flat. The same is true in fitness instruction. Your cues need fuel behind them—whether that’s to recognize, empower, encourage, or connect. If you know the intention, even a simple line like “Keep going” can land in a way that feels honest and motivating instead of hollow.

The truth is, the best instructors don’t sound like each other—they sound like themselves. When you trust your personality, lean into empathy, and let intention guide your words, your classes become more than a workout. They become experiences that feel real. And in a world where so much can feel scripted, authenticity is what people remember most.

✨ Want to go deeper into this work? Follow me on [SweatNow] for upcoming workshops, or book a one-on-one session with me to find your authentic instructor voice. Let’s build your confidence and style together!