Breaking barriers with bytes: Empowering women in fitness through tech

It's inspiring to reflect on women's progress over the years, but real change isn't just about celebration — it's about action. As we mark International Women's Day 2025, we must address the ongoing challenges faced by women in industries they dominate, like fitness and physical activity.

At a time when the global mental health crisis is costing the economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity, the very professionals promoting well-being are battling burnout, stress and administrative overload. Each year, 12 billion working days are lost due to mental health issues, and the fitness industry is not immune.

The sport and physical activity sector is home to almost 600,000 professionals in the UK alone, including 72,187 fitness instructors, 56.59% of whom are women*. These individuals dedicate themselves to improving lives through health and wellness, yet, too often, they are overworked, undervalued, and expected to navigate inefficient systems with little support.

Consider the logistical nightmare health club operators face — 78% are contacted outside of working hours each week for cover-related issues alone, and managers spend upwards of seven hours each week solely overseeing cover.** Factor in recruitment, compliance and team communications, and this number skyrockets to 15 hours per week. This isn't just an operational issue — it's a direct contributor to burnout and workplace anxiety.

And it's not just managers. 54% of group exercise instructors say they avoid taking time off because arranging cover is too stressful.*** The same reality exists for personal trainers, swim teachers, sports coaches, etc.— all passionate professionals weighed down by avoidable obstacles.

For many women across all industries, work pressure is balanced against multiple responsibilities outside of it. But let's be clear: this isn't a women's issue. It's a structural one. Inefficient systems and outdated processes only make it more challenging. We must change how we work to create a healthier, more sustainable work-life balance for everyone.

Fitness professionals shouldn't be buried under admin, managing endless WhatsApp groups or chasing talent for last-minute cover. They should focus on what they do best — inspiring and engaging with people.

At CoverMe Fitness, we're tackling this head-on. Technology should be a tool for empowerment, not exhaustion. By automating recruitment, class cover and communication, we're reducing the administrative burden and giving fitness professionals back their time, energy and control.

This International Women's Day, let's commit to real change.

Investing in the mental well-being and career progression of those driving our industries will build a stronger, more sustainable future for the professionals who power them and the people they serve.

When we take care of our people, they take care of the customers, and that's what we're here for.

 

* CIMSPA 2023 Workforce Insights Report

** Leisure-net Operators Report 2023

*** EMDUK Instructor Research 2023