Teaching and Managing with Multiple Sclerosis with Tamra Stephenson

As fitness leaders, we must recognize that fitness instructors and participants come from all walks of life. What actions can we take to find, hire, support, and motivate instructors and applicants with disabilities or as their bodies and lives change throughout their careers? Are our instructors trained and prepared to create an accepting, comfortable, and positive environment for all participants?

I was shook when I heard our guest Tamra's stories about how some of the management she's worked with has handled her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis and challenges as an instructor. Some managers were very helpful, but the inconsistency and unpreparedness managers have when working with their team's wellbeing has got to improve. We look forward to diving deeper into what leadership and management at fitness facilities should be doing to work with instructors and participants to support them through change and disruption they have no control over. We will introduce the considerations managers need to make with their teams as their lives and bodies change, tackle some solutions to how to handle those challenges, and reiterate the importance of working with instructors rather than making them feel bad or "replaceable".

Here are the questions I ask Tamra:

1) How has your diagnosis and experience changed how you approach instructors and clients with their own physical or mental challenges?

2) What do you recommend managers do to prepare themselves and upper management for their employees' and clients' physical and lifestyle changes?

3) What are some strategies you've been able to use personally to take care of yourself as an instructor with your diagnosis, and any recommendations you have for other instructors with whatever they might be going through?

4) AND what can managers do to best continue to take care of their teams?

Connect with Tamra: Instagram: @mountainhighfit
Website: https://www.groupxmethod.com/

www.stacialden.com