We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mackenzie Haley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mackenzie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

I was experiencing burnout in my medical sales job. I was a working Mother with 2 small boys and was newly married. My job was stressful and did not fulfill me in any way other than having financial security. For the first time in my adult life I left the corporate world.

Staying home while my children were in school during the day created loneliness and boredom. Over time, I filled my loneliness and boredom with food. I gained a significant amount of weight and was pre-diabetic. I had gained freedom by leaving my 9-5, but had seriously neglected my health through my new, sedentary and unproductive lifestyle.

3 years down the road I was the heaviest and most unhealthy I had ever been. I was walking upstairs to my children’s playroom when I felt winded. I had been in denial about how my poor habits had affected my body. In that moment I decided to make a change.

I joined a gym and started attending group exercise classes. I found a community, a routine, and a productive activity that fulfilled me not only physically, but mentally.

The weight began to melt off and my confidence began to return. I felt great! I had people in class telling me that they had witnessed by transformation and were inspired by me. “Me??? Really???”. I loved my instructors for how they consistently motivated and inspired me and was thrilled that I could potentially pay that forward to others.

Two years into this fitness journey I took a giant leap and decided to get my first group fitness certification. I’m now 8 years in and 7 certifications strong. I teach 15 classes a week and absolutely love every minute of it!

Mackenzie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As someone who played year-round sports in my youth I really latched onto group fitness classes as a participant. I loved the sense of community and how we were all working toward a common goal. Getting healthier and fitter is a given, right? Group classes filled that hole I didn’t even realize I had. I had truly missed dance recitals and softball tournaments. When I found Zumba I was at home!

I began my teaching career with Zumba, a Latin-based dance cardio party class. From there I moved on to indoor cycling (spinning) and taught for Cyclebar for 5 years. I then added Cardio Kickboxing, Bootcamp, HIIT, Strength Training, and Boxing to my repertoire.

I currently teach at Rumble Boxing Houston Heights, LifeTime Champions, VillaSport Cypress, True Form Gym Tomball and D Bradley YMCA Cypress.

Teaching multiple disciplines has allowed me to not only reach all types of clients, but to incorporate all of my training and knowledge into every class I teach. My main goal is to energize my class. I’m loud, bubbly, welcoming and goofy, but I’m also very strong and goal-driven. I’m going to make them sweat!!! I try my best to read the room, connect with everybody and cast a wide net. Not everyone is motivated or inspired the same way. I know this, so I teach with that in mind. “How can I reach everyone today?” That’s my approach.

I like to say that I’m in the business of self-esteem boosting. If I haven’t gotten my participants to push harder and smile at least once in my class I’m not happy with my coaching. I work hard to get my class to work hard. I want them to walk out drenched in sweat and dripping with pride.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I first began teaching I tried to model myself after my favorite instructors. I felt I had to fit a certain mold. I had to speak a certain way, look a certain way, dress a certain way, etc. Not only did this approach fail me, but this inauthenticity made me miserable. That’s not me. I’m not stoic and statuesque. Thats not my normal speaking voice. That’s not what I would wear. That’s not the music I would play. When I decided to drop the act and be my goofy, slightly eccentric self everything changed. The energy around me shifted and my classes filled up. I had people clamoring to get into my classes when previously I was struggling to get and keep a handful or two.

Be yourself! There are so many coaches out there. Your people need YOU!

I have the honor of recruiting and training new instructors and this is the best advice I always give them. Bring YOU to the stage/podium. We all teach the same format. What sets you apart is your personality, your teaching style and your authenticity.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Connection is everything! You can not effectively help someone you don’t know. When you know them and the areas they need help in you can better formulate your care of them. In a group setting this can be challenging. Get to know your people. What motivates them? Where could they use more guidance and reassurance? Are they dealing with an injury or impediment? Are they struggling with something internally? Illicit feedback! All feedback is helpful in your journey to be the best coach you can be for your clients.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @themackbomb

Image Credits

Mackenzie Haley