Things to Come!

Since I quit paddling (two weeks ago), I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off of me. Although practice was only twice a week and races on Saturday, I felt like it was consuming my life. But now I’m done and I can concentrate on much more exciting projects, such as teaching Turbo Kick and PiYo, taking Muy Thai Kickboxing, and learning about nutrition.

I began teaching Turbo Kick this past month and I love it! It became real to me when my first non-family member student walked into the room. For a moment, I was unsure as to what I should do but then my senses returned and I introduced to her and started the class. The next class, she came again as did another girl. Then, last Wednesday, I had 8 people in my class! Two were family members but the rest were new students! I loved it! It was a lot of fun. I hope I can retain these students because that would mean that I am succeeding as an instructor. I teach twice a week and use my off days to cross-train.

I started taking a spinning class last Friday and really liked the intensity and I’m determined to go back. My boss just gave me a gift of 10 yoga classes at a yoga center in town, so that will be another exercise for me to do. Also, the gym that I teach at gives Muy Thai Kickboxing lessons so I’m going to be starting that either this week or next. I haven’t started these classes yet because I am a little under the weather and don’t want to kill myself. My brother and sister are still in town from the mainland as well, so I don’t want to spend all my time at the gym while they’re here. But once my schedule is free, I will definitely immerse myself into these activities. I’m hoping to be pushed to my limit physically and mentally. Exciting!

One element of health that I lack discipline in is nutrition. I am slowly beginning to incorporate the 5 small meals-a-day plan into my daily schedule but it isn’t without difficulty. I am used to consuming huge quantities of food at one time so eating a little here and there is slightly excruciating. But I know it is good for me so I shall persevere.

I am beginning to save money to become a personal trainer. If I go through the American Council of Exercise, it is only $400. I’m aiming to buy it in October. Then, (this is no sooner than two years from now), I would like to become a licensed massage therapist. These are my plans. I don’t know how soon I can make them happen or if I change my mind along the way but right now, it’s pretty exciting.

Swing the Bat

If you have heard of John Maxwell, then you will know what I mean by “swing the bat.” 

John Maxwell (motivational speaker and former pastor) tells of a story when he attended his nephew’s first little league baseball game.  After his nephew has his first strike out, Uncle John pulled him aside and gave him these words of advice, “Eric, forget what your coach has told you about baseball. Your Uncle John is going to tell you how baseball really should be played.  You see, baseball is a very simple game.  You only have to do one thing.  The next time you go up to bat and Butch (the pitcher) throws the ball, you just swing the bat.  That’s all you have to do.  Butch throws the ball, you swing the bat.”

Eric replied, “You mean, I don’t have to get a hit?” 

“That’s right, Eric.” 

A smile lit up on his face. “Uncle John, I can do that.” 

So, the next time Eric went up to the plate, he swung his bat.  After three pitches, he struck out and returned to the dugout while his Uncle John gave him a standing ovation, yelling, “Eric McCullough, that is the finest strike out I’ve seen in my life! I loved the way you strike out.  Way to go, Eric!” 

On his third time at bat, Eric swung and the ball hit the bat!  It dropped directly in front of him and dribbled just a few feet away.  At this time, Maxwell is out of his chair running down first base line shouting, “Eric, keep running.  Don’t stop!”  Uncle and nephew are rounding the bases and as Eric ran for third base to home, Maxwell recalls, “Together, we both slid safe into home!” 

10 years later, Eric is on his way to college on a baseball scholarship. 

“Swing the bat” is a beautiful way to remember that to get results, you have to try.  You may strike out.  You may get a foul.  You may not get the promotion.  You may be rejected…  then again, you might not. 

This expression has really helped me move forward in my Turbo Kick journey.  Since the last time I’ve written, I have begun teaching Turbo Kick in a local gym and will begin teaching in a University gym come fall.  The only way this has happened is because I’ve “swung the bat.”  I didn’t know how I was going to be received, I didn’t know if I was going to strike out or get a foul but I “swung the bat”… I called, I emailed, I visited different gyms, and I inquired.  And while I have a ways to go with this, I’m so excited at the prospects that are opening up to me. 

So, please remember.  Anytime you want to do something and you’re scared, just do it.  Swing the bat.  You may not hit it the first time, but if you keep swinging, chances are you will at some point.  So go to it.

Turbo Kick Workshop Was a Blast!

I had so much fun at this certification workshop!  Blasi Jacobi, who conducted the workshop, has such a positive attitude and incredible energy!  She kept the class fun, exciting, and interesting.  There was about 15 other girls who were in the class as well and they were all awesome! 

We learned the choreography for Round 32 (a round is a routine) and it was intense.  Turbo Kick classes are more challenging than Turbo Jam which for me is both exciting and a bit scary.  I’m excited at being pushed out of my comfort zone excercise-wise but I’m also nervous that I won’t be able to do it.  Eek!  Must keep positive attitude!  We also practiced cueing which I am told is the hardest part of teaching.  So, that is something that I will definitely be working towards being good at. 

There were so many things that were taught that it would be impossible to write it all down.  The most important thing, though, was that I had tons of fun.  The workshop and people totally exceeded my expectations.  I CAN’T WAIT to start teaching.