Help to be had: how you can support your independent business
A point of pride for many entreprenuers lies in creative problem solvong, hustling, and making shit happen.
We all know those peeps- eps us New Yorkers - who run on coffee and grit, plugging away to build new things, deliver at a high level of excellence, and aspire to excel as an independent fitness and wellness professional.
The flip side? Many of us forget to ask for help.
This is true especially for independent fitness and wellness professionals, passionate Pilates teachers, motivated Personal Trainers, expert Physical Therapists, caring Massage Therapists and more, all accustomed to figuring things out for ourselves, often well! I’ve been guilty of it myself - the “I can do this faster than teaching someone else” lack of delegation to “I can just figure it out” silo-ing, which can lead to resentment and increased pressure. We could delve into the causes of these attitudes - for some, it can be ego: we’ve built a reputation and believe ourselves the only ones capable of delivering. Call it perfectionism, call it pride, call it excellence - but whatever you do, don’t call in a friend to help!
The result can often be isolation, feeling beleaguered, and alone, which only self-perpetuates the SAME CYCLE all over again. Watch what you wish for, indeed.
I had this experience myself recently: I was challenged to create a new thing, which was WAY outside my typical skill set. My first responses? “I don’t know how to do this, it will take a really long time for me to figure it out, I don’t have time even tho i need it, I don’t even speak the language of this thing, I’ll need to get literate so I can find the right people, etc.” This was all even AFTER I’d internally agreed that this - seeking support - was a GOOD thing that would help me towards my goals.
I share this because I’m still learning.
*Caveat: men REALLY suck at this, for various culturally indoctrinated reasons - cue cowboy theme song, the lone savior warrior complex of proving one’s worth by slaying the dragon on your solo mythical quest, etc. But, what men can also forget at times (ego and all), is that there were many sidekicks, elves, wizards, witches, gnomes, friendly tavern advice, etc., on the way to the dragon. You CAN be independent, while not alone - and a re-look at all of our stories, myths, and narratives often bears this out. Ok, mythical male de-bunking done. Back to the story.*
Asking for help is NOT a sign of weakness.
It’s an indicator of savvy self-awareness to know what you don’t know and to ask for support and assistance to get you to your goals.
For me, I asked a smart friend for counsel to venture into the wild netherlands forests I knew I needed to enter - they provided an hour’s worth of very helpful information, maps, questions to ask, places to seek more info, etc.
Once armed with that map, I was able to quickly schedule a couple of calls and - VOILA - I was on hour-long Zoom calls with extremely competent, talented people who might have the expertise to help me out with my project. Who knew?!
I share this because we’re not alone. You are not alone. WHATEVER you’re working on - whether it’s looking to find a Pilates studio for rent, learning how to get clients as a private trainer, or a more nuanced aspect of running your private physical therapy practice- there is help to be had!
Our Making Moves™️ Series returns to make it even easier - with specific, curated business support for your practice. Schedule and full details coming soon. We have a couple of incredibly smart women coming to support, lead, and inspire on everything from branding, marketing, product offers, boundary setting, pricing, and more. You deserve quality, expert support, and we’re here to help.
For now, some easy pointers:
Get clear on what the problem you’re trying to solve is. Without knowing where you want to go, no map is worth the paper/screen it’s on!
Identify if others have been there? A quick online search may kick up tons of information, but as you sort through it, you may recognize that there are lots of folks who offer exactly what you need
Get specific: knowing your niche, your size business, your location/area, your unique needs as a practitioner, etc., is key to finding the right person.
Ask, ask, ask. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? Our updates to that truism for 2026? Try these: “Asking for help is strength in action.” “Need it? Ask for it.” “Help asked is power claimed.” “Don’t ask, don’t get.”
Eager to hear who provides support for you and your business? Sharing is caring =).
Send us a message, we’re all ears!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where can independent fitness professionals get business support in NYC? Arrive Wellness in Manhattan offers the Making Moves™️ Series — a curated program of business workshops for independent Pilates teachers, personal trainers, physical therapists, and massage therapists. Topics include branding, marketing, pricing, and more.
How do I find mentorship as an independent wellness professional? Start by identifying the specific challenge you're facing, then look for professionals who specialize in that area. Industry communities like Arrive Wellness connect you with experts and peers who understand the unique challenges of running an independent practice.
Is it normal to struggle with asking for help as an entrepreneur? Absolutely. Many independent professionals pride themselves on self-reliance. But the most successful practitioners recognize that asking for help is a sign of self-awareness, not weakness. Building a support network is one of the smartest business moves you can make