#fit pro

[secretlifefitpro]

Day 203: Steady, As She Goes

We're out here doing the thing this summer.

It's been a consistent work out summer: all the classes, new faces, steady return of current clients.

People are showing up, I'm pulling out all the creativity, and we're getting after it.

What could be better as a fit pro?

[secretlifefitpro]

Day 172: Getting started with fitness

Thousands of classes later… you could say I'm obsessed with fitness. I'm even more obsessed with getting YOU into fitness.

Here are things you need to know if you’re starting (or diving back into) a workout routine. Starting a workout routine can feel overwhelming at first, but with a clear plan, consistency, and patience, you’ll see progress over time.

1. Start NOW. Today! Show up. Come a little early to class. Come as you are.

2. Start with stretching or walking.

3. You don’t need anything to get started. But here are a few items I’d recommend having (mat, exercise bands, chair or bench).

4. Have a GOAL in mind. You can’t achieve what you don’t define. I’ve found personally (and by coaching others) that it’s more motivating to have a goal and to see and create progress related to that goal.

5. Start SMALL. 10 minutes a day.

6. Be patient.

7. The first day is the HARDEST.

8. Be consistent - try every day at first (keep #4 in mind, start small).

9. Consult a professional. I’m taking a small group of clients for personal training this summer.

10. Join a group. I believe in the power of group fitness.

You’ll be so glad you started.

I add context and deep dive on this week's podcast! Check it out on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

[secretlifefitpro]

Day 159: Practice

How did you get so good at choreography? practice

How did you get so good at instructing? practice

How did you get so much air in your jumps? practice

How did you get such great calf definition? genetics. jk. lifting.

Noticing a pattern?

While we have natural gifts and talents, it's about practice and preparation. This will keep you going. This will get you where you want to go.

Practice doesn't make perfect. Practice makes PROGRESS.

[secretlifefitpro]

Day 83: Loneliness & fitness

Let me preface this topic by saying this is not a sad or pity post. This is real, raw, and honest, from the mouth of a fit pro of 17 years.

Being a fit pro can be lonely.

I'm a solopreneur - a business of one. It's up to me to make or break the day. I love the flexibility I get when it comes to making decisions, making my schedule, and determining next steps.

I'm torn though, because I do miss the feeling of an instructor team. In the last year, I've had offers from 3 different studios to join the team. I'm always cautious about these requests, remembering that although I crave the connectedness of a team, there's no guarantee that the studio will be loyal to me.

I've been in a few situations where I ended up getting burned - with class timing, with money, and with having to find a sub any time I wanted a day off.

For that reason, I've been happy to be a party of one. But I do miss the camaraderie, sharing stories, and growing and learning together with other instructors.

My real debate is this - is the latter worth the risks of the former? I'm not saying I won't ever join another studio or team. I'm just not sure if that's the best thing for me right now.

I add context and deep dive on this week's podcast! Check it out on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

WOD: 30 min HIGH Fitness practice, 60 min Yoga class

[secretlifefitpro]

Day 66: Saturdays

For as long as I can remember, I've taught on Saturday mornings.

It started in 2009/2010, I was a new teacher and I wanted to find steady gigs to gain clients and skills, and honestly to pay for my instructor expenses.

I found a local community center that needed a 9 a.m. Saturday teacher. Perfect!

But...the reality of teaching a community center quickly settled. No increased pay even if I brought additional clients to the facility, very low base pay, and the worst one...I had to be there every week. If I couldn't make it to teach, I was in charge of finding a replacement or sub.

That was the hardest part! So many instructors didn't want to teach on a Saturday morning, especially during the warmer months. I even paid someone the double amount once because I was desperate.

I carried that "must teach all classes and don't cancel" mindset for years. I cried the first time I had to cancel a class, something beyond my control.

Now...I'm there 90% of the time. But I live my life, too. A big part of my life is teaching and I love doing it. I've learned to be flexible (and gosh, I have the best clients who work with me) -- sometimes, I'll teach earlier if I have another engagement or commitment. Sometimes, I won't teach my regular class at all. It's a balance.

And YOU are in charge. If I could go back and give my 15-years-ago fit pro self a chat, it would be that.

WOD: 2 mile walk, 45 minute bootcamp class

[secretlifefitpro]

Day 52: Things Your Trainer is Thinking

What goes through the head of a trainer or coach during a fitness session? A LOT. Random things. Curiosities. Panic. Here's a list of what's been on my mind recently during class

Should I scoot over more so I'm not right in front of this person?

Is the music loud enough?

Is the music too loud?

What if we tried...

What's the next move?!

Did I do the left side?

How can I challenge but not upset everyone?

Are they bored?

No one is responding...are they breathing?

Remember to cue one step ahead

What song is next?

Eeek that song doesn't mesh with this playlist

Am I playing too much Justin Bieber lately?

Are they SO OVER this song/choreo?

OMG amazing jump

That was SO in sync

Look how cute they are

That fit/set...mental note I want that

Forgot to print out my schedules again

Is the front door open?

Where is (name)? Hope they are ok!

Look at this CREW

Her squats have gotten so much deeper!!!

They are slowing down and moving with intention!!!

Do I need to buy more snacks or drink mixes?

Did I remember to bring more wipes?

All while trying to be present, make timely cues, share happy notes, make corrections, and more.

[animezinglife]

If you would’ve told me at the height of my depression and 50 lbs. overweight that I’d have gyms fighting over me one day, I would’ve laughed you out of the room.

[kick-boxing-gloves]

They sell these crappy gloves in super markets in Thailand. The worst quality one can have. No padding, just a bit like a cotton ball. Oh, but you can use them for taking a photo.