Fitness Wishes for Students

I love teaching group fitness.

I love the energy, the team-like atmosphere, the accountability, the joint feeling of accomplishment and success when we’ve completed a tough workout.

I’ve been leading fitness classes for 5 years. In that time, I’ve learned a few things about myself as an athlete, as an instructor, as a mentor. I’ve also learned a few things about my class participants.

Some have been with me since the very beginning. Some students come to all or most of my classes (I teach 8 classes a week right now). Some students message me before class asking details about it, saying they’re nervous, asking can I do this?

I love getting these messages. I love helping people break that comfort barrier, show up to class, rock it, and then share it with their friends. In my mind, I’m helping people build confidence, strength, balance, be active, and spread happiness.

Here’s a list of wishes I have for anyone interested in changing their lifestyle to be more active through group fitness classes:

1) Come as you are. I’ve had people tell me they’ll start my classes when they’re “in better shape” or “5 lbs. lighter.” Come to class now and get those results even faster! As an instructor, it’s my job to make sure you’re doing moves correctly, that you’re pushing yourself, and to showcase variations for moves so you can personally rock it. You’re awesome right now…coming to class will only make you more awesome and hey even stronger and more balanced.

2) Let go. You’ve done half the battle by showing up. Now get ready to rock the class. Take a deep breath, relax, and have a good time! Everyone wants to, trust me.

3) Work toward a goal. Be intentional with your workouts, even if the goal is just to have fun (see #2). Have a sense of what you’re working toward – is it to be stronger? To be more active? To be able to chase after your wild toddler?

If you set goals you’re more likely to achieve them and you have the bonus of added motivation to get sweaty.

4) Ask me questions. I’m always available before class, after class, and plaster my email and phone number on every non-moveable surface. I’m here to make your experience the best. Get in touch with me, and no question is too silly to ask.

5) Hydrate and Refuel. Hydration is key to a healthy lifestyle. We need water to live. If you’re working out, you need more water. Refuel after workouts in a way that will help you achieve your goals (see #3).

I like to think that I’m eating and drinking to fuel the next awesome workout;  not that I’m working out because I like to eat.

6) Mix it up. Some of my students have been taking Zumba with me for 4+ years. I LOVE this but I’m also not sad when they leave Zumba to try something else, especially when they eventually cycle back to Zumba.

Your body wants variety; try something new. Stick to a workout for 6 weeks and then either try something new or find a new way approach to your workout.

Group fitness classes are awesome for changing up the routine – I try to mix it up every 6-8 weeks so we’re focusing on something new, or trying new songs and moves.

7) Stick with it. Consistency and perseverance are your two best friends when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. Set goals (see #3) and even add fitness to your calendar. Make it a date you cannot break with yourself (because you’re smart, kind, and important).

See you in a class soon!