I DID IT!!

So the blog topic makes me feel/look/sound a little like I'm a toddler who's figuring something out for the first time, getting excited, and yelling "I DID IT!" But I did do it...and here's what I did.

I survived the initial instructor training modules for BODYCOMBAT (tm)! Training was nearly 2 weeks ago, but life got busy so here I blog. It was 25 hours of masterclass, technique, reviewing choreography, talking about music/timing, learning the 5 key elements of group fitness, presenting 2 tracks 2 times each (that's 4 presentations for those of you who are counting), more technique, advanced drills, some sadistic training ritual called "THE CHALLENGE," learning how to coach, discussing what creates or breaks connection with participants, more movement. And all in 3 days. I squeaked out demonstrating competency in 4 of the 5 areas in which we were assessed. I knew my choreography, I got 2/3 areas in technique (execution and timing, but inconsistent in position), and my coaching was pretty good (I nailed pre-cueing and follow up...need to work on initial cues).

I practiced presenting 2 more tracks this past Saturday with Melissa, the Group Fitness Manager at Fitness Works. It was my first time with the mic on and teaching on stage. W.E.I.R.D. But I did ok. This weekend Melissa is going to pick 2 tracks at random for me to present to pass me to team teach. I should be on stage shadowing as soon as this Sunday - crazy.

For all of you out there reading in the blogosphere, exercise has never been something that has come easily to me. I haven't ever been the most physically fit person, and the only team I ever made was the tennis team in junior high (no one got cut). I had to swim in the 2nd to the slowest lane in my advanced swim classes in college. I have mitral valve prolapse, which makes hard cardio workouts even more difficult for me because my heart has to work that much harder with a faulty valve. I just love this class, and I love being a part of it. Teaching was sort of terrifying at first, but I felt at home on stage. I wasn't nervous once the music started and I was shouting out cues. I have to work hard to be able to make it through 10 rounds of COMBAT and still look sharp, but I am getting there. So far, all that matters to me is that I did it. And I keep on doing it.