fitness and teaching

Well first I should share the good news that I'm down 6 pounds and feeling great. Getting back to the routine of being at work I think really helped me out (both watching what I ate and exercising).

Now for what I really wanted to say ... I think I've determined in my life that the people I work out around or near MUST be motivating and encouraging. If I didn't need people to motivate me to get healthy I wouldn't be where I am today ...

I've also determined that some of the best fitness instructors in my classes also have a teaching background - seems that it just comes naturally.

I'm going to reflect on my spinning instructor today. He was incredible! He's a principal so obviously a former teacher and damn did he know how to work us hard. The other thing he did which I think is so important is he made a connection with everybody at his class. He did this by encouraging them during the class and making eye contact. Literally when I found myself slowing down I would look up and he would be looking at me and saying "Push.. push" .."keep going". He just kept encouraging all of us and it was amazing!

The other thing he does at the end of the class is he congratulates every single person by walking to their bike and "fist bumping" with every participant. Anybody who is new he asks them their name and announces to the class let's clap for __________ it was the first time he/she did this class today. In turn everybody cheers - what an incredible and supportive exercise community and what a damn good leader running the class.

I think these Wednesday spinning classes might have to become part of my routine - words can't say how much I loved it!

Although this picture doesn't necessarily have to do with spinning it really resonates with me because it talks about never quitting .. it shows that the person you need to compete against is just yourself and I definitely know the biggest challenge I ahd today in spinning was that voice in my head that wanted me to stop and wanted me to quit .. luckily I had a great instructor encouraging me otherwise!!

Until next time .. spin and bike and exercise your heart out. It feels incredible!

PS - did I mention I'm finally below where I was in May ... so officially the lightest I've weighed on my weight loss journey ... I'm at 202 ... so close to 200 I can taste it ...