Coffee Talk #173: Highs and Lows

It’s Tuesday! Grab your cup and let’s start chattin’.

If we were having coffee together today, I’d tell you that husband and I are in the middle of a really important project and I can’t wait to be able to share more. I’m keeping detailed notes so I can share the whole process. I can confidently say that it did not go as expected but it’s been an awesome learning opportunity that I cannot wait to share with you.

If we were having coffee together today, I’d tell you that March is a whirlwind month, and it’s not showing signs of slowing down at all! I’m attending two fitness trainings (already attended one), working on a special project with husband, helping with two big events with students, I’m hosting a special Divine Feminine Buti Empowerment workshop, and we’re heading to NYC to see Iliza Shlesinger. I love having so much to look forward to this month.

If we were having coffee together today, I’d tell you about the HIGHS and LOWS lately.

In February, I completed HIGH Fitness training, a new take on old-school aerobics that brings the intensity, complete with HIIT, plyometrics, intervals of strength, cardio, and more. Aerobics is back! I’m so excited to teach this format. I immediately went home from training and started working on my song/video submissions, which is the final step before getting officially blessed to teach this class. My schedule is full at the moment, but I’m working on finding some spaces to host a few special sessions once I get word that I’m eligible to teach. This class combines so many of my favorite things – HIGH intensity, killer music, simple but powerful movements, and sections of barre/strength/fire. I’m literally jumping out of my seat as I write about it, giddy with anticipation to teach it soon!

In March, I completed LIIT Yoga training – LOW intensity interval training. This program was designed by Emily Vendemmia (who also taught our training) and it incorporates yoga postures, loop bands, and weights (5-10 pounds) to help strengthen and work the muscles. This class is so good to build consistent strength and stability throughout the body. The movements are performed in intervals of 40 high/20 low throughout the class. This class is beneficial for those working through injuries or those new to strength training. The reduced impact is awesome on joints and extremely effective for the body. You’ll work muscles you didn’t know you had! I’m teaching a session at Foundations Island Yoga in May, but also hoping to mix this into my class schedule soon!

Why have so many certifications? I like to learn. I think the best thing I can do for my clients is continue to be a student. I want to learn all the best methods to provide a great workout experience. Since 2009, I have completed these certifications and licenses:

AFAA Group Exercise
Zumba I
Zumba II
Zumba Toning
Turbo Kick
Insanity
PiYo
Pound Fitness
Barre
Buti Yoga
Xtreme Hip Hop
HIGH Fitness
LIIT Yoga

On the horizon, I’m going to complete YIN Yoga training and 200-YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) this spring.

I truly love learning and I love experiencing new fitness formats and styles. On my ‘off’ time as an instructor, I go take new classes. When I travel, I take new classes. It’s a huge passion of mine to be aware of what methods exist and how I can bring all of that back to my clients. I’ve taught in so many different clubs, gyms, and studios, and am so excited about the prospect of offering PRIVATE/1:1 sessions so soon.

There obviously isn’t enough time in the week to teach ALL of these formats, so some of them come and go, some hold on so long (who else thought ZUMBA would still be one of my busiest classes 11 years later?!), and some I train for just to add elements to my current classes. I like learning different teaching techniques and meeting different fitness professionals across the country.

I can’t wait to offer more! Which class(es) are you most excited to try?