WALX Instructor Training: Common Problems, Concerns, and What to Know Before You Commit
Let’s be honest.
Becoming a WALX Instructor can be a life-changing decision. It offers flexibility, fulfilment, and the opportunity to make a real difference. But like any path worth taking, it comes with challenges.
This article is here to address them head-on – so you can decide if WALX is truly right for you.
1. Common Problems or Issues in WALX Instructor Training
Time Commitment is Real
While training is flexible and self-paced, it still requires focus, energy, and follow-through. The early weeks can feel intense if you’re also juggling work or family life. Building momentum takes effort, especially if you’re launching in a new area.
Tech Can Be Intimidating (at First)
The WALX dashboard, booking system, and CRM tools are powerful but unfamiliar to many. If you’re not confident with digital platforms, there’s a learning curve. That said, we provide onboarding support, tutorials, and real humans to help. Most instructors find their rhythm within a few weeks.
Mindset Shift Required
This isn’t just “lead a walk and go home.” You’re starting a community-based business. Some people underestimate what’s involved in building local trust, engagement, and consistent attendance. It’s rewarding – but not passive.
Customer Recruitment Needs Effort
People won’t just magically show up. You need to promote your sessions, follow up with interest, and connect locally. We provide the tools and visibility – but your success depends on using them.
2. When WALX Might Not Be the Right Fit
WALX isn’t for everyone. And that’s okay.
It may not be a good fit if:
- You’re only interested in getting a certificate and have no plans to run sessions
- You want a predictable, set-hours job with guaranteed income
- You dislike being outdoors or avoid social interaction
- You prefer top-down structure and aren’t comfortable working independently
WALX is for people who want purpose, freedom, and flexibility – not for those looking for a traditional job role.
3. Are There Any Drawbacks?
Yes – and it’s important to know them before you join.
You Are Responsible for Your Results
We provide the brand, platform, support, and programmes – but we can’t build relationships in your community for you. Your effort = your outcome.
Ramp-Up Time is Real
Some instructors get bookings straight away; others take time to find their feet. It depends on your network, confidence, and willingness to promote your sessions.
It’s Not Passive
You’ll need to show up regularly and stay connected to your group. If you want something hands-off, this isn’t it.
4. Long-Term Maintenance & Unexpected Challenges
Instructor Burnout
Like any role where you’re the face of the business, you need to pace yourself. Taking on too much can lead to fatigue. That’s why we encourage small starts and support Total Body Walking Instructors as a great start.
Dependency on You
The issue with any sole instructor or Personal Trainer is that it totally relies on you. If you’re sick, on holiday or need a break, unfortunately customers are not very forgiving; hence why WALX helps you build a robust model and systems. Te beauty of working for yourself should be that you have the freedom to choose what you want to do. It doesn’t mean you don’t do the basics and boring stuff but it could mean, you could someone else to do that for you. We support succession planning and local hubs, but it’s something to plan for long-term.
System Changes
As we evolve, our dashboard and tools are regularly improved. Some instructors find this unsettling at first, but it’s part of staying ahead. The moment you standstill, you start going backwards.
Client Retention Takes Work
Smilage™ rewards, DD memberships, and branding all help – but clients stay because of connection, consistency, and care. It’s a relationship business.
Most importantly above anything is the journey in the first 4-6 weeks; hence why our Programmes aren’t about teaching people to exercise or how to use poles, they are structured behavioural change processes to ensure you build a valuable customer for life. Habit forming is an essential part of physical activity. A great friend of WALX Dr Paul Bedford is the Retention Guru and presents across the World. His research has shown that if members attending at least once per week, 60% will still be there in 6 months time. If it drops Thales than once per week, 60% will be gone!! Yes, you read that right. 60% of your customers will be GONE.
With our management and booking system, we even alert you if a member hasn’t attended for 21 days, so you can contact them and get them back in before it is too late. Once the habit of non exercise reaches a month, it becomes more and more difficult to regain that customer.
Many of our WALX Masters achieve over 80% retention. That is unheard of in the fitness industry. Some of the health club chains have 100% attrition per annum. Even the very best privately owned clubs typical only achieve 50%-60% maximum retention.
20 Real Questions WALX Instructor Prospects Are Asking
These are the questions we know our ideal instructors are typing into Google or quietly asking themselves. For us it is important that people ask questions. We always get nervous when people just say yes, fantastic, tickety Boo! We want people to ask meaningful questions. It hopefully means they fully understand what they are letting themselves in for.
- What if I don’t get any clients after I qualify?
- How long does it take to start earning real income?
- What if I’m not confident with tech or online systems?
- Is this going to be too much for me to manage on top of my current job/life?
- What if I don’t feel ready to lead a group on my own?
- How much support do I actually get after the training ends?
- What if I pay and realise it’s not for me? Is there a refund or trial option?
- Is this just another course that leaves me to figure everything out myself?
- Do I need to be really fit to do this or already a fitness professional?
- What if I’m not a natural salesperson or don’t want to do loads of marketing?
- What happens if I go on holiday or can’t run sessions for a while?
- How much admin or behind-the-scenes stuff is involved?
- Can I make this work in a rural area or small town?
- Will people actually pay for walking sessions?
- Is it worth the money if I only want to run one or two sessions a week?
- Is this just for older adults or rehab clients – or can I run fun, active sessions too?
- What happens if my local council or NHS already work with someone else?
- Is the WALX brand well known enough to help me get clients?
- Will I be pressured to hit targets or recruit other instructors?
- What if I’m not confident speaking in front of a group?
Top 5 Questions That Really Matter
From what we’ve learned across thousands of questions, these five are the most critical to address:
1. What if I don’t get any clients?
“We help you launch with a roadmap, templates, and practical marketing support. You’re not doing this alone.”
2. How long does it take to start earning?
“Some start earning within weeks. Most run a few sessions to start, building up over time.”
3. What if I’m not techy?
“We provide onboarding, tech support, and simple guides. Plus, your booking system is done-for-you.”
4. Can I fit this around my life?
“Many instructors start with just one weekly session. It scales around your lifestyle.”
5. What if I’m not confident to lead?
“You’ll get practical coaching, session plans, and live support. Confidence builds with practice – we help every step of the way.”
Final Word: WALX Isn’t Perfect. It’s Real.
We don’t promise you overnight success or a passive income stream. What we offer is:
- A proven, supported pathway to earn with purpose
- A flexible structure you can shape around your life
- A trusted brand and community you’re proud to represent
You will face challenges.
But you won’t face them alone.
Ready to have a real conversation about what’s involved? FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL.
