As an instructor and director, I want to tell you a bit about me, as we have made that same request of you. As no big surprise I’ve always been athletic. I’ve always been a runner. I’ve always had a muscular build. I’ve always had a bubbly, out-going personality, yadda, yadda and all the other obvious notations. What you may not know is that I struggle. This struggle is what I want to share with you, because it is common ground.
Whether it’s general dissatisfaction over our physicality, we cannot do what we could in our youth, or health issues have become such that we must change our course, we are all on a journey toward better health. As Freestyle Fitness instructors it is our job, our conviction, to push ourselves to the highest level, as well as to push you to your highest level. That highest level is different for everyone. We each have our own strengths, weaknesses, injuries, talents, struggles- outside of work, inside the gym, but… when we are all working as hard as we can, we are on common ground.
When I teach a Kardio Kombat class, I am EVERY BIT as tired as a beginner in the group. I push until I cannot breathe, and when I cannot, I give myself a brief break and then go at it again. During this time I’m able to look around the room and become inspired by the energy coming from everyone who is working with me. I see beginners who don’t yet have the combos down but are struggling through it with all the energy they have. I see veteran kickboxers who move so fluidly, so effortlessly that I aspire to be who they need to bring them to the next level.
Some days I am so tired I require a couple hours to recover fully. Some days I’ve pushed myself too hard, and re-injured my neck, suffer migraine headaches and wonder why I still push so hard. Some days though, I sit and smile because I’m proud of the achievements I’ve made, I am proud that I still work hard, that I’m healthier now than I was in my 30’s, and that my efforts in some way help others. Those days carry me through and make it all worth it.
My level of fitness puts me in the top of the game, but it is on this common ground where work is done, where sweat and tears are shared among new friends and old friends, where both struggle and reward are yearned for. So new Challengers, don’t be intimidated by those who have been here longer and appear stronger, don’t be angry because it’s hard, don’t be discouraged by the struggle. It’s on this common ground where you will learn what you’re made of, learn how to enjoy the journey and learn how to change your life. I’m just happy to do it with you.