I began teaching group fitness classes as a volunteer in 1991. I can vividly recall the very first class I led--my knees were shaking, my voice cracked, my mouth was dry and I was petrified that I would forget my moves. Before mandatory certification came into existence, I taught all types of freestyle classes. What made my decision to become a full-time personal trainer and instructor very easy, was my mother, Valentina.
It was 1984--there she was in the large gymnasium of the Jewish Community Centre, teaching a cardio class to over 100 people. I remember the electricity in the room to be so palpable. Her voice echoed over the room and she drove everyone into a wild, sweaty frenzy with her disco music. At the time, I was 12 years old. I wore a 'unitard' with leg warmers and my eyes just popped when I saw her on stage. She was so exhilarating to watch.
It was at that moment, that I made the commitment to become just like Mom--a person that people looked to for guidance and motivation. A person that made their mark among the masses and was a force to be reckoned with. It was definitely in the cards for me to follow in her footsteps.
In 1999, I became certified with Can-Fit-Pro, one of the most highly recognized certification and education providers in the fitness industry. Every year, I attend the annual conference and trade show in late August. And every year, I am simply floored by the number of delegates that participate in this weekend-long event. For me, it's a natural fit--I get to immerse myself in the latest trends in the industry, meet up with all of my friends who are trainers and instructors, and participate in master classes of all genres. It is the highlight of my year. It makes me recognize just how lucky I am to be alive and proves how right I was that I chose this vocation as my career, my hobby, my raison d’être.
Fast forward to present day, and I'm just as dedicated and excited to be teaching classes, as I've ever been. Every single day, I get to be 'on stage' and bring people my blend of energy and ingenuity. My claim to fame? Every single session I teach is different from the last. In my entire career, I have NEVER repeated the same class twice. I have never rehearsed my material. Some people that I've guided for years have claimed that I'm like no other instructor they've seen. Others tell me that I have raw talent, flawless delivery and consistently offer explanations and modifications to make everyone feel successful. I cannot begin to describe how elated I feel when I've affected even ONE person in my work-week.
And at the ripe age of 40, I can certainly say that I walk the talk. I try to maintain good habits, in and out of the gym. I have always been a health-conscious gal, but I believe that life is meant to be enjoyed and savoured. Making room for indulgences is absolutely integral to one's well being and sanity. You have to let go a little. Conditions do not have to be perfect for you to achieve personal success.
Try not to listen to the voice inside your head that sometimes screams, 'I can't'! You sure as hell can. Don't let your former self dictate what your present self feels. You have a body that was designed for movement. You have food at your disposal to provide you with the energy you need to survive. You have people around you that need to you be strong and maintain your vitality. Walk the talk. If you ever find yourself saying 'It's time', do not hesitate or second-guess yourself--move forward with huge strides. See what happens when you put fear aside.
Show them what you're made of. I did. And now, I'll never look back.
Sunday 30 September 2012
Saturday 29 September 2012
Turning 40
Turning 40 this year was everything I hoped it would be. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I was actually happy to be a year older. More importantly, I survived my 30's and I was genuinely enthusiastic to begin my 40's on a good note.
To begin, I had the most amazing birthday celebration. My husband orchestrated a party in our home for my family and closest friends. He hired a private chef to create delicious dishes, and he methodically organized the party, whereby I was completely unaware of the plans he was making. It was superb in every way.
I remember something that my aunt once told me when I turned 30; she said that my 40's would be the best years of my life. Just like that, matter of fact. I really didn't absorb the message back then, but today, I can feel what she meant.
My 30's were a disaster. I'm not being melodramatic, here. I can honestly describe myself back then as insecure, angry, edgy, impatient, unkind and arrogant. I cried a lot. I screamed a lot. I had bad relationships with men. I turned to marijuana for solace and 'clarity'. I made a lot of people worry about me unnecessarily. And I had zero confidence in myself.
I've been a fitness instructor for over 20 years. One would think that my being in an industry that promotes good health and well-being would create a heightened awareness for me, about the body, mind and spirit. In essence, my career saved me through all of my pain and suffering. I used exercise as my springboard to safety. It was my outlet when I needed to let off steam. It made sense to sweat every day--it released toxins out of my system and allowed me to flush out any negativity I was carrying.
The day everything changed? It was late August of 2009, when I travelled to Costa Rica alone. I decided to take part in a one-week contract teaching yoga, in a beautiful resort. It was a picture perfect location, insanely hot weather and friendly people. But I was all alone, and I was lonely. I actually wrote in a journal for the length of my stay and I still refer to it, when I want to read the words of a girl in turmoil. I realized back then that I had no other choice; I had to make drastic changes in my life, or I'd be stuck in this self-imposed hell.
It took me months to come around, after that trip. I literally eliminated toxic people from my life and began looking at the world differently. I forced myself to smile, even when I wasn't truly content. I kept thinking how far I still had to go to feel a sense of success, accomplishment and self-worth. But then, without knowing exactly how it came to pass, I naturally simmered down and just accepted myself for all my faults and foibles.
Turning 40 was the knowledge that I came from a place of despair and rose above the fray to create a life of value. I married a wonderful man who elevated my soul to new heights. I made new friends who accepted me for everything that I am. I reconnected with family members and solidified my relationships with them. I started waking up each morning being grateful for my life.
We all have to appreciate the good, the bad and the mediocre. When one has a new perspective on life, it can only continue on a high note. Know that you too, have every reason to celebrate where you are right now and how far you've come. You're not turning another year older--you're turning another year better.
To begin, I had the most amazing birthday celebration. My husband orchestrated a party in our home for my family and closest friends. He hired a private chef to create delicious dishes, and he methodically organized the party, whereby I was completely unaware of the plans he was making. It was superb in every way.
I remember something that my aunt once told me when I turned 30; she said that my 40's would be the best years of my life. Just like that, matter of fact. I really didn't absorb the message back then, but today, I can feel what she meant.
My 30's were a disaster. I'm not being melodramatic, here. I can honestly describe myself back then as insecure, angry, edgy, impatient, unkind and arrogant. I cried a lot. I screamed a lot. I had bad relationships with men. I turned to marijuana for solace and 'clarity'. I made a lot of people worry about me unnecessarily. And I had zero confidence in myself.
I've been a fitness instructor for over 20 years. One would think that my being in an industry that promotes good health and well-being would create a heightened awareness for me, about the body, mind and spirit. In essence, my career saved me through all of my pain and suffering. I used exercise as my springboard to safety. It was my outlet when I needed to let off steam. It made sense to sweat every day--it released toxins out of my system and allowed me to flush out any negativity I was carrying.
The day everything changed? It was late August of 2009, when I travelled to Costa Rica alone. I decided to take part in a one-week contract teaching yoga, in a beautiful resort. It was a picture perfect location, insanely hot weather and friendly people. But I was all alone, and I was lonely. I actually wrote in a journal for the length of my stay and I still refer to it, when I want to read the words of a girl in turmoil. I realized back then that I had no other choice; I had to make drastic changes in my life, or I'd be stuck in this self-imposed hell.
It took me months to come around, after that trip. I literally eliminated toxic people from my life and began looking at the world differently. I forced myself to smile, even when I wasn't truly content. I kept thinking how far I still had to go to feel a sense of success, accomplishment and self-worth. But then, without knowing exactly how it came to pass, I naturally simmered down and just accepted myself for all my faults and foibles.
Turning 40 was the knowledge that I came from a place of despair and rose above the fray to create a life of value. I married a wonderful man who elevated my soul to new heights. I made new friends who accepted me for everything that I am. I reconnected with family members and solidified my relationships with them. I started waking up each morning being grateful for my life.
We all have to appreciate the good, the bad and the mediocre. When one has a new perspective on life, it can only continue on a high note. Know that you too, have every reason to celebrate where you are right now and how far you've come. You're not turning another year older--you're turning another year better.
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