Sure, I can blame it on the holidays, the weather, or the simple fact that french fries taste sooooo good! I can justify it, too. I taught two hoop dance classes today, so I don't need to go to the gym.
Then the fateful day comes when those favorite jeans become a bit too snug. Or maybe the wake up call happens when a simple friendly gesture turns catastrophic. Oh, hello no! My arm just jiggled like jello when I waved goodbye!
While we may not make conscious decisions to let our fitness levels slip, it's never fun when we realize that we've fallen off the wagon. Four weeks ago, I had some of those, "It's time to get my ass in gear" moments.
So, I started taking body combat group fitness classes again and amped up my yoga practice. I also cut back on french fries (my weakness) and alcohol. Now, I'm not saying that I'm cutting fries and cocktails out of my diet forever. Moderation is key, and right now, I'm focused on jump starting a healthy fitness program. Yep, this is what I'm talking about:
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| Organic goodies from the market, Raw Revolution & Purium's Power Shake |
In making these changes, three things became crystal clear:
1) My energy level is much higher.
2) I freaking LOVE cardio kickboxing, body combat and mixed martial arts.
3) I have a real passion for inspiring others to live happier, healthier lives.
I've been a cardio kickboxing enthusiast for more than 15 years (I've got the whole library of Billy Blanks Tae Bo videos; I've taken countless martial arts inspired group fitness classes, and I even trained with a MMA fighter back when I lived in NYC). I've been wanting to teach Cardio Kickboxing for a long time, but I kept putting it off because I didn't think I was fit enough or motivational enough to teach it. Simply put, I was afraid of failure.
Then, something interesting happened... I found out that the most prestigious golf and country club in my area was searching for a new fitness instructor. I'm up for renewal on my ACE group fitness certification, and I had continuing education credits to complete. So, what did I do? I got certified as a Cardio Kickboxing instructor (and I'm continuing to hone my skills with the Les Mills Body Combat teacher training, which is coming up in March).
I applied for the job, and I got it! Not only am I teaching hoop dance, I'm also on the schedule for Cardio Kickboxing, and starting in March, I'll be subbing some group strength training classes.
As I sit here typing this, my muscles ache, but I'm feeling motivated and determined. Sure, it was stressful teaching my first official class to a room packed full of fitness freaks (including the recreation program supervisor). I definitely have room to grow. My counts are a little off, and sometimes I forget to cue the moves in advance. But I'll get better. I know I will.
So, I'll end this blog post with two questions. Feel free to comment or just marinate on it...
Is there something that you wish to accomplish but fear is holding you back? What's another possibility?
