What I Learned Bringing My Baby to Work (For Trainers Thinking About It)
When I first decided to bring my baby to work, I was both excited and nervous. As a personal trainer and coach, my job is dynamic and physical, and adding a baby into the mix felt like stepping into uncharted territory. What I didn’t expect, however, was just how much she would teach me along the way.
1. Flexibility Is Everything
Babies are unpredictable. Naps don’t always line up, and sometimes snack time turns into meltdown time—but with good planning, these moments are rare. Bringing my baby to work taught me to embrace flexibility, not just in my role as a parent but also as a professional. I learned to adjust my schedule and mindset, adapting on the fly while still keeping my clients’ needs front and center.
2. Boundaries Build Respect
Clear boundaries with clients were essential. From the start, I communicated that while my daughter might be present, their sessions were still all about them. This open dialogue helped everyone feel respected and comfortable, creating a surprisingly seamless flow in the gym.
3. The Power of Community
Bringing my baby to work revealed just how much people love to support one another. Clients, coworkers, and gym members often stepped in to lend a hand or share a laugh. It reminded me that fitness spaces are about more than just reps and weights—they’re about building connections.
4. Babies Are the Best Icebreakers
Having my baby in the gym brought out an unexpected side of my clients. People who were normally laser-focused on their workouts would pause to coo or share a lighthearted moment. This humanized our sessions, deepening the trust and camaraderie we’d already built.
5. Time Is Precious
Balancing work and motherhood forced me to become more efficient. I learned to make the most of the minutes between baby care and client training, which helped me prioritize what truly mattered. This efficiency not only made me a better coach but also a more present mom.
6. Strength Looks Different Now
After years of helping people build physical strength, I’ve gained a new appreciation for mental and emotional strength. Whether it’s soothing a fussy baby between sets or adjusting to unexpected changes in my day, I’ve learned that strength comes in many forms—and it’s not always about lifting the heaviest weight.
7. Baby Personality Matters
The temperament of your baby is a big factor. Some babies may not thrive in a work environment, especially those with conditions like colic. I was fortunate to have a baby who adapted well. In fact, she was often more manageable on the days she came to work than on the days we stayed home. This won’t be the case for every parent, so it’s worth considering your baby’s personality before taking the leap.
Final Thoughts
Bringing my baby to work has been a journey of growth, patience, and discovery. It hasn’t always been easy, but the lessons I’ve learned have been invaluable. For any trainer—or any parent—thinking about blending work and parenthood, my advice is this: It’s okay to figure it out as you go. Your strength and your baby’s resilience will surprise you.
