Teaching is often described as a noble profession, and rightly so. A teacher’s role is multifaceted—they are educators, mentors, caregivers, disciplinarians, and sometimes the only steady adult presence in a child’s life. While textbooks and curriculums equip students with knowledge, it is teachers who breathe life into learning.
Yet, one aspect that often goes unspoken in the discourse about education is the health and well-being of teachers themselves. A growing number of educators are recognizing the importance of their own mental and physical health—not just for personal reasons, but also to serve as healthier, more present role models for their students.
This article weaves together narratives of teachers who have not only impacted lives in the classroom but have also made personal fitness and wellness a priority. Their stories of transformation, perseverance, and dedication are testament to the idea that educators can lead by example—not just academically, but physically and emotionally.
1. The Transformational Power of Teachers
From the early days of formal schooling to the present, teachers have held a unique power to shape lives. Consider the stories of successful professionals, artists, scientists, and athletes—many will recall a specific teacher who changed the trajectory of their lives. It might have been someone who encouraged them when no one else did, who opened their eyes to a new subject or skill, or who simply listened when they needed it most.
1.1 Teachers as Emotional Anchors
In many cases, teachers become emotional anchors for students navigating difficult circumstances—poverty, family instability, learning challenges, or bullying. Their classroom becomes a sanctuary, and their voice a source of affirmation.
Take, for instance, the case of Mr. David Carter, a middle-school English teacher from Baltimore. Known for starting each class with a moment of mindfulness and affirmations, he helped numerous students cope with anxiety and depression. “You can’t teach a child who feels unsafe,” he said in a 2022 interview. “First, we create peace in the room, then we build knowledge.”
1.2 Teachers as Life Mentors
Beyond emotional support, teachers are mentors. They guide students not just in mathematics or literature but in setting life goals, making responsible choices, and developing self-worth.
A survey by Education Week found that nearly 60% of students report having at least one teacher who has had a significant impact on their lives beyond academics. These teachers inspire careers, passions, and even worldviews.
2. Why Fitness Matters in the Teaching Profession
Teaching is physically and mentally demanding. Long hours, emotional labor, administrative duties, and the constant need to be “on” can lead to burnout. Yet for years, the profession hasn’t been associated with physical vitality or wellness.
That narrative is changing.
2.1 The Link Between Fitness and Teaching Quality
Research supports what many educators have intuitively known: a healthier body supports a sharper mind. Teachers who incorporate fitness into their lives often report:
- Higher energy levels throughout the day
- Improved mental health and reduced anxiety
- Better patience and mood regulation
- More confidence and improved classroom presence
2.2 Leading by Example
When students observe their teachers making healthy choices, they are more likely to do the same. This “invisible curriculum” can be more influential than any health textbook. A physically active teacher modeling balance and wellness encourages students to see fitness not as a chore but as a lifestyle.
In one elementary school in Colorado, a teacher-led running club turned into a district-wide initiative after a group of 5th graders credited their teacher’s commitment to health as their motivation for participating in sports.
3. Stories of Transformation — Teachers Who Took Charge of Their Health
Here, we showcase powerful individual stories of educators who have not only impacted students academically but also redefined what it means to live a healthy life.
3.1 Tiombe Huggins – From Special Ed to Barre Enthusiast
Tiombe Huggins once worked as a special education teacher in the New York City public school system. Burnt out and exhausted, she turned to barre—a ballet-inspired fitness regimen—to regain control of her health. After losing over 30 pounds and discovering a newfound joy in movement, she left her job to become a full-time barre instructor.
Her story isn’t just about career change—it’s about reclaiming agency. “I realized I could serve others just as powerfully through fitness,” she shared in an interview. Her classes now attract former students, fellow educators, and working mothers alike.
3.2 Eliza-Jane Ellis – Empowering Through Sport
Eliza-Jane Ellis, a senior school teacher in Sydney, Australia, has been recognized nationally for her commitment to both education and student well-being. She leads morning running groups, organizes school carnivals, and coaches volleyball and softball teams. Her approach to education is holistic—combining mental, emotional, and physical development.
In 2024, she was named one of Australia’s Top 50 teachers for her work supporting students’ mental health through fitness and sport. “Movement isn’t just for athletes; it’s for mental clarity, for community, and for joy,” she said during her award acceptance speech.
3.3 Len Saunders – The Global Fitness Educator
Physical education teacher Len Saunders is a pioneer in bringing global attention to children’s fitness. He created Project ACES (All Children Exercise Simultaneously), now a global tradition where millions of students exercise together on the first Wednesday of May each year.
Len’s lifelong commitment to children’s wellness has earned him multiple awards and features in national media. His efforts highlight the fact that educators can influence wellness on a worldwide scale—proving once again that the classroom is limitless in impact.
4. How Fitness Transforms the Classroom Environment
When teachers are active and prioritize their wellness, the effects ripple outward.
4.1 Increased Engagement and Productivity
Active teachers often bring more energy to their classrooms. Students respond to their enthusiasm and zest. Studies show that children in classrooms led by physically active teachers participate more, are less likely to act out, and perform better academically.
4.2 Creating a Movement-Friendly Culture
Some teachers go beyond personal wellness by implementing classroom-based fitness routines. Examples include:
- 5-minute dance breaks between lessons
- Morning stretches as a homeroom ritual
- Yoga sessions for stress relief
- Fitness challenges with small rewards
These habits normalize movement and encourage lifelong fitness among students.
5. Challenges Faced by Educators on Fitness Journeys
Despite the benefits, many educators face significant hurdles when trying to prioritize their health.
5.1 Time Constraints
Most teachers arrive early and leave late, bringing work home in the form of grading or lesson planning. Finding 30 minutes for exercise can feel impossible. Teachers like Eliza-Jane overcome this by incorporating movement into school hours—such as coaching or walking during lunch breaks.
5.2 Emotional Exhaustion
Teaching is emotionally taxing, especially for those working with underserved communities. After a tough day, hitting the gym may be the last thing on a teacher’s mind. Mental health support, wellness groups, and online accountability forums have become crucial tools for teachers.
5.3 Lack of Institutional Support
In some schools, physical education and wellness still take a backseat to test prep and academic metrics. Teachers leading wellness initiatives often do so without formal recognition or compensation. Advocacy is needed to create systemic change that supports teacher health.
6. The Community Ripple Effect
The impact of fit and wellness-focused teachers goes beyond individual classrooms.
6.1 Inspiring Colleagues
When one teacher takes the initiative, others often follow. Schools where staff participate in fitness groups or wellness challenges report improved morale and collaboration.
6.2 Engaging Parents
In some cases, fitness programs led by teachers extend into parent communities. PTA fitness nights, family walkathons, and virtual wellness seminars allow schools to engage families in new, meaningful ways.
6.3 Student Leadership
Students who are inspired by active teachers often take on leadership roles. They may form fitness clubs, lead warm-up routines, or pursue careers in physical education, coaching, or wellness. One student, after being mentored by her fitness-focused art teacher, went on to become a yoga instructor and now runs a wellness studio for teens.
7. Realistic Tips for Teachers Starting Their Fitness Journey
For educators looking to start or reboot their health journeys, here are some practical strategies:
1. Start Small: Commit to 10 Minutes a Day. Even Stretching Counts
For many teachers, finding time for exercise can feel like an impossible task. However, the key is starting small. Rather than committing to an hour-long workout from the get-go, begin by setting aside just 10 minutes each day. This could be as simple as a quick stretching routine to loosen up after sitting through a long meeting or a light jog around the block. The idea is to make fitness a non-negotiable part of your day, even if it’s brief. Over time, those small increments of exercise will add up, building consistency and increasing your stamina.
2. Use the Classroom: Incorporate Movement into Lessons or Transitions
Movement doesn’t have to be limited to gym class or after-school hours. Teachers can creatively integrate physical activity into classroom routines. For example, try standing or walking while discussing a lesson, or encourage students to do “brain breaks” where they stand and stretch for a few minutes between activities. During transitions, you could add in simple exercises like jumping jacks or squats. These small changes benefit both you and your students by promoting physical and mental well-being without disrupting the learning process.
3. Find Your Tribe: Join a Local Walking Group, Gym, or Virtual Challenge
Fitness is easier to maintain when you have a community to support you. Find a group of like-minded individuals who share your fitness goals, whether it’s a walking group after school, a fitness class at a local gym, or a virtual challenge through an app. Having a support system will keep you motivated, and social accountability makes it more likely that you’ll stick to your workout plans. Plus, it’s a fun way to connect with colleagues or community members outside of the classroom.
4. Meal Prep on Weekends: Prioritize Healthy Eating by Planning Ahead
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining energy levels, especially for teachers who are constantly on the move. Meal prepping on weekends ensures you have nutritious meals ready during the busy workweek. Take an hour on Sunday to prepare ingredients for salads, healthy snacks, or grab-and-go meals like wraps or bowls. This not only saves time but helps you avoid reaching for unhealthy options when hunger strikes.
5. Track Progress: Use Journals, Apps, or Simple Habit Trackers
Tracking your progress is a powerful motivator. Using a fitness journal, apps like MyFitnessPal, or a simple habit tracker can help you monitor your physical activity, food intake, and mental wellness. Seeing the results of your efforts helps reinforce good habits, provides a sense of accomplishment, and offers valuable insights into what works best for you.
6. Be Kind to Yourself: Understand that Consistency is More Important Than Intensity
It’s easy to get discouraged when progress feels slow or when you miss a workout. Remember, fitness is about long-term consistency, not perfection. Be kind to yourself—skip the guilt trips and understand that it’s okay to have off days. What matters is getting back on track without giving up entirely. Focus on building sustainable habits rather than aiming for extreme intensity, and celebrate the small wins along the way.
8. The Future of Education and Wellness
We are entering an era where student well-being is finally gaining recognition as essential—not optional. In this environment, teachers who model self-care and wellness are invaluable. They challenge the narrative of burnout and overwork, replacing it with one of balance and vitality.
Policymakers, school boards, and administrators must do more to support these efforts. That includes allocating resources, offering wellness training, and recognizing the teachers who go above and beyond for both themselves and their students.
Conclusion
Teachers have always held the power to change lives. But those who do so while nurturing their own health and happiness create a new kind of legacy—one rooted in balance, vitality, and personal transformation. Whether through a school-wide wellness initiative or a solitary morning jog before the bell rings, these educators are redefining what it means to lead by example.
In doing so, they not only teach—they inspire, uplift, and empower generations to live fuller, healthier lives.
SOURCES
Ellis, E.-J. (2024). Australia’s top teachers: Supporting students’ mental health through physical activity. The Daily Telegraph.
Huggins, T. (2025). From special education to fitness instructor: A journey of transformation. Business Insider.
Saunders, L. (n.d.). Len Saunders: Project ACES and the impact of physical activity on children worldwide. Wikipedia.
Education Week. (2023). The impact of teacher wellness on student engagement and achievement. Education Week.
Carter, D. (2022). The emotional impact of teachers: How educators serve as life mentors. The New York Times.
HISTORY
Current Version
May 6, 2025
Written By
SUMMIYAH MAHMOOD