Why do you ask?
Because my fitness instructor asked me if I would be interested in taking the fitness instructor course offered mid February to learn to teach the step class she teaches.
And the answer is YES! I am VERY interested!
How cool is that? (as I do with my hubby and my sister, I'm about to vent out the pros and cons, but I want the pros to win, so I need your comments to continue to talk me into it ok? help me dismiss my cons and reinforce my pros. tell me what I want to hear I guess)
The downside is this: it's only 1 of 2 classes I need to take. This is a specific how to teach this method of class. I still have to take the general fitness instructor course. This class alone is $250. The other class will probably be more.
HOWEVER, the way Kim (fitness instructor, it's much shorter to say her name!) described it, it sort of sounded like there's a good chance I'd be hired on to teach at the World's Gym that's putting it on. And if that happens, they refund you $100 of the class fee. Then I'd also be making money, so it would take a little bit, but it would eventually pay for itself.
Another con is that I'm sort of shy right? I don't know if I'd be able to be all pumpy and cue everyone, "4 more! 3! 2! Last one! Switch!" etc etc. HOWEVER, I am a really good teacher. When I taught labs at university I absolutely loved it. I did my prep work and then I wasn't nervous any more. Granted I wasn't jumping and sweating in front of them, but it was a subject I didn't really know that great, but I prepared and did well. And it's not just me saying I did well, I got glowing reviews from the students, they absolutely LOVED me. AND learned their stuff. Plus I adored teaching. I initially wanted to be a professor (but I am so done with theses!). I'm not sure, but teaching fitness classes me fill that need for me.
Big PRO - I'd be getting paid to workout! That's so cool! I also know a lot about fitness and nutrition and what works and what doesn't (doesn't mean I do it though right? But I know it!) I sometimes feel like I know more than Kim. She's sort of stuck in her thinking, from I guess early 90's or something. I know intervals are the best way to lose fat, but she sort of talks about fat burning zone and that sort of stuff which is a bunch of junk (you guys know that right? you burn a higher % of calories from fat in the lower HR zone, but more calories period in the higher zone which is what matters). Not sure if any of that would really be important, but I could definately emphasize how important exercise is, and how strongly I believe everyone should be doing strength training etc. I talk to my friends all the time about that so it wouldn't be a stretch to tell others.
Something that's sort of a downer though - I don't think I'm in good enough shape to teach fitness. Not just because when I take a class I want the instructor to look like my dream body. Silly yes, but it gives you the idea that if you take this class you'll look like that. At least to not have a buddha belly and muffin top (which I'm currently sporting). That makes me feel like taking this class can't even get rid of that so it's probably a waste of time. (I know this is all not fair as diet and other factors are involved but it's how my superficial mind works) I also don't know if I'm in good enough shape to talk through out a whole class. I can do the workouts no problem, but I don't have to speak. I guess I could lower the intensity for myself knowing I have to talk. I can probably work around that one.
The UPSIDE to that is, I've got over a month until this course to get in shape. a lot can happen in a month. That also is a super motivator, strict deadline, it'll be like training for a race. That's just huge in my mind. The day is coming no matter what, so I better get ready.
A sort of downer, well just a thinker is, is this really a good time to do this? I'd probably just be getting able to teach, maybe a month under my belt and then we'll be trying to get pregnant. I have no idea how long into pregnancy I'd be able to teach. Or would I even be teaching by the time it's too late? I know that you can exercise through a whole pregnancy and that you should. But I don't know how I'll be feeling or anything. But I don't think I would mind if I took a class from a pregnant instructor. It would be interesting at least. I think I don't really care about that one much though. Because at the same time, it would be a great thing to be able to go back to whenever I felt ready while I was on Maternity leave. Not to mention there are lots of pregnancy specific classes I might be able to teach, or baby and mommy classes. heck, it might actually be an UP!
I guess I never said it but I also feel like what if I can't do it or I change my mind or I fail at it or something. That's a lot of money if I'm not 100% on board with this. So I guess I have to figure out how on board I am. I know it's something that makes me excited thinking about, that I talked about wanting to do for more than a year. But it's still sort of scary. Sort of like having a crazy dream like climbing a mountain before you die. something you think would be cool but you'll do later. It's really making it real.
I want to do it, I think i'm just a bit scared. So talk me into it now please!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
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12 comments:
You NEED to do this! It will pay for itself, turn you into an exercise machine (even more than you are now) and giev you that extra motivation and push to work hard to get into the shape you want to be. There are NO negatives. I'd love to be taught a class from you! You can practice my webcamming yourself, and we'll all give feedback :)
I think its an awesome idea!! It'll be good to get out of your normal comfort zone! The things you'll learn PLUS the added benefits of getting PAID to EXCERSIZE! Awesome awesome awesome!
I COMPLETELY agree with Tash.
The Randi that I know is totally kick ass and eats fitness instructors for breakfast...i think you are maybe a bit scared and talking yourself out of it...you would be the instructor that I would love to hate, and I don't mean that in a terrible way, I mean that I would hate going to your class because I would know you are going to kick my ass but then feel awesome afterwards!!
AND you are right, you could teach pregnancy classes if you got pregnant because personally I would rather be taught by someone in my own delicate condition rather than some perky size 00 cheerleader who has no friggin clue!!!
AND (lastly) regarding your body image...I think you have a FANTASTIC body. And for the record, I was taught a class by a chubby girl once (and you ARE NOT CHUBBY!! I am just using this as a reference) and it was the hardest class I ever attended. I am certain girls will aspire to have your body!!!
That is so friggin crazy because the other night when we were getting our asses kicked at "Fit kick" I totally thought of you and whether or not you or they had followed up on the fitness instructor thing!
Here's what I think - pay the money and take the course. Use this opportunity to at least take the course, become certified or whatever they call it and then take it from there. Take comfort in knowing that you're not going to be pushed into anything you don't really want to do just because you've done the course. They won't throw you in front of a class if you decide not to. DOn't think of it as a waste of money, thing of it as an accreditation. Now, that said, once you get through that etc., you are going to absolutely feel more prepared than you do now, so you'll not feel as nervous about it.
If a pregnant instructor was up there telling ME that I need to step it up and there she was doin' it, I'd have the utmost respect for her! (Moreso than the ripped body girls). Oh and P.S. you would totally look awesome and fit up there as you are now, and that will only improve over time - it's the spunk and enthusiasm that has to be important to keep the class going, right?
You have to step out of your comfort zone to acheive things that you're proud of right?!
I get what you mean about maybe not feeling in shape enough to be yelling through the entire class, but as long as you keep your voice loud, you can lower your own intensity to keep up with the loudness - they will perceive the loudness as higher intensity and probably wouldn't even notice if you're not jumping up the highest every single time - maybe?
DO IT RANDI YOU"RE TOTALLY CUT OUT FOR IT!!!!
I just stumbled across your blog today, and I'm glad I did.
YOU SHOULD DO IT!!!
Don't worry about whether or not your body is good enough, most women want to take a class with a real woman, and not a stick who can eat whatever she wants and never gain an ounce.
The $ is an issue, as it would be for anyone, but if you can manage it I say go for it. It will 'pay off' in the end, either by real $ made from teaching, or by results for yourself by doing it.
I think that you are ready to do this based on your post, but if you need that push from a stranger I say DO IT!!!!
I say totally DO IT! In fact, I think you'd be totally copping out if you didn't do. Honestly the main reason I think you should do it? Is because you doubt that you can. I think of it as a personal growth opportunity. It's outside of the box for you. It's pushing your limits (I'm talking more of the social aspect, not the physical aspect because I KNOW that you are in "good enough" shape to run this show)
Worry about when your pregnant, when your actually pregnant. You can so do this Randi and you would kick some serious butt. I'd be so proud of you!! (Which should be enough motivation in itself!)
I think you should do it! As for the shyness part, after awhile the talking in the front of the class won't even faze you anymore, so don't worry about that!
All your cons are just your "I'm scared" excuses. So not really cons! Which means - you must do this!
PRO - you are going to do this! CON - no cons! what a fantastic opportunity! and so perfect for you too. don't worry about the money. even if it's not for you, just work until you make back the money you spent on the classes. i wish somebody would pay me to exercise. i think if you don't do it, you'll always wonder "what if" and regret it. AND you are too fit enough to teach the class. that's like saying you aren't pretty enough to be in a magazine or something... total bullshit! go for it!
As a fitness instructor myself - I think that you should totally do it. I love how teaching 2 classes a week gets me between an extra $150 to $200 a month. Really the costs of the courses only seem expensive - they aren't. The thing about instructing classes is that you don't do it to get rich, really, if it is a side thing and not full time you won't make buckets - you do it cause you have a passion for it (and are likely at the gym anyways!). The other thing to keep in mind is that you will have to do some continuing education courses (or other modules, etc...) every year, so there is a bit of a cost with that too.
All of the things you talk about, your high level of knowledge and your zest for health/fitness would make you a good instructor!
While I could go on, my last point is this: appearance does not indicate fitness level!! I hate it when people think that a couple extra pounds means out of shape instantly - fit people come in all sizes, just like un-fit ones do!! Once you kick people's ass by teaching a grueling (in a good way) class they won't ever doubt you again!
P.S. If you wanna get in shape real fast, talk the whole way through a class - instructing has done SSSOOOO much for my cardio capacity!!
That's really exciting- you've definitely got to go for it! It would be PERFECT for you.
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