I was at the gym the other day and the instructor made a passing comment that she had “broken her larynx” by giving too much help during her classes.
She didn’t know who was in the room. She didn’t know she’s in the presence of someone obsessed with empowering people’s voices.
Quizzing the fitness instructor
I had to quiz her after the class to ask her what she meant. She explained to me what her experience had been.
She had been freaked out about problems with her voice and gone to the hospital. At the hospital she was so relieved to be told that she doesn’t have cancer than she accepted a diagnosis that one of her vocal folds had worn away.
Initially I was really cross with the care she’d received because I don’t think anyone should be just living with a life changing health issue but it turns out that the hospital did offer voice therapy but she was so glad to not have cancer she just let it go.
You ARE a Professional Voice User
I know that fitness instructors are officially classed as professional voice users by the Professional Voice Users Clinics because they rely on their voices for their jobs (it also counts if you rely on it for your well being). This means you can have access to professional, high level voice care through the NHS.
I also know that how you use your voice can be made easier so easily. I know because I’ve experienced it myself.
I will not be pushing my help onto her or pushing her to go to the hospital and get the help. And much as I want to, I won’t be reaching out to the medics I know to ask them if her diagnosis even makes sense. I’m not doing this because I’m pretty sure she doesn’t want me to.
My Info Videos for Fitness Instructors
However I couldn’t resist making some videos for fitness instructors who do want to know more about how to best look after their voices whilst they’re working. Teaching fitness classes is a hardcore way to use your voice.
You can find the videos here….
I hope you find them helpful.
Let me know if there is anything else you’d like me to make videos about.