Eric Nelson Shares Earned Wisdom: Sports, Fitness, and Helping Others

Every person has a story that teaches valuable lessons. As a Physical Education teacher of 12 years and health coach, Eric Nelson brings a unique perspective shaped by his passion for sports, fitness, and helping others. With experience coaching football and baseball, along with his recent focus on health coaching for educators, Eric combines his professional expertise with valuable personal insights as a husband and father to a 17-month-old son.

Tell us a little about yourself, including your experience in education/lifelong learning and anything else you’d like to share.

I have been a Physical Education teacher for 12 years and have also coached football and baseball for 8 years. Fitness and sports have been my passions for as long as I can remember. My mom says I have had a ball in my hand from the moment I could hold one. My passions are Sports and health, and I love teaching students about understanding their bodies and the importance of physical health.

I have been married for 3+ years and have a 17-month-old son. I adore them and strive to be the best husband and father before anything else. It’s a humbling and sanctifying experience full of mistakes, joys, and constant learning to be the best I can be.

In addition to teaching, I have recently started 1:1 health coaching for educators. Being a teacher and seeing many teachers putting their own health behind their careers saddens me. And I wanted to be able to do my part to help educators. I love teaching students and am loving my teaching of educators about mindset, exercise, and nutrition and how to fit it into their lifestyle in a sustainable way.

What have you learned from someone you know that has made you a person?

I have learned so much from my wife! One thing of many that I love about her is how present she is with her emotions and how she shares them in a way that is so vulnerable, which holds such great power. She has taught me so much about overcoming my shortcomings and my emotional intelligence. Her presence in my life has made me a better follower of Jesus, a better man, husband, father, and friend.

What “earned wisdom” do you have that others can benefit from?

I believe I have a way of making complicated things simple. There is so much value in repeating the seemingly monotonous, boring daily tasks of life. But that is where the majority of life happens. Slowing down enough to recognize that the only moment we truly have is the present is of great value. It keeps us from dwelling on the past (though we should definitely visit the past) or living too far in the future (though we should plan and prepare) because the only true moment we have is the present. And if we can make the most of the moment, we will get the most out of life because we can live in a present state, which is the only state we are promised.

What personal or professional development book (or both) would you recommend? Why?

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero emphasizes that true spiritual maturity is impossible without addressing emotional health. As someone who has suppressed or ignored emotions for so long, Scazzero argues that emotions are God-given tools for growth and connection. Using the metaphor of an iceberg, he explains that most people only address surface-level emotions, leaving deeper issues unresolved. This is so easy to do when many of us have the experience growing up where expressing our emotions was seen as weakness and not strength. The book highlights the importance of self-awareness, grieving losses, setting boundaries, and living authentically while integrating spiritual practices like silence, solitude, and rest, all of which can help as an educator as well! Embracing emotions and creating a healthy rhythm of life, I have been able to deepen my relationship with God, experience healing, and grow both spiritually and emotionally.

What is your favorite song on your morning commute to work? (or in general, if you’re retired)

I don’t listen to a ton of music, but if I had to pick some artists I enjoy, it would have to be Shane and Shane, NF, Propaganda, and Beautiful Eulogy.

I tend to listen to local sports radio or podcasts in the car. Some of my favorites are Huberman Lab, Art of Manliness, Church Politics, Raising Boys and Girls, and anything with Mark Sisson!

Feel free to add anything else that you think would be helpful to others.

Educators… your career is important, but make sure it’s not your identity. You are more than your career. I encourage you to start prioritizing your health in all areas of life. When we care for our overall health, we will show up better in our jobs as educators. That may mean saying no to some lesser important things and focusing on the handful of important tasks that really move the needle for your students. It’s a tough balance. It’s constantly learning and adapting. Be gentle to yourself and make changes that allow you to be the best educator, family member, parent, spouse, and whatever other vital roles in your life.

You can connect with Eric Nelson through his website or on Instagram @ericnelsonfitness.

Maybe you’re interested in sharing some of your “earned wisdom.” If so, let’s get in touch. I look forward to sharing your story with the Why Edify community.

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