Becoming grateful by teaching

Over the weekend I received two different pictures but with very similar themes. Two girls holding softballs, with huge grins on their faces. If you have ever played softball or been around someone that does, you know you/they usually get to keep home runs balls as a keep sake or proof of how awesome they are. I remember when I was younger I was always so excited to write all of the stats from the game on that ball. It is safe to say I still have all of those balls in a closet somewhere.  But somehow, the feeling I get from a picture from one of my girls hitting a home run compared to how I felt in that moment is so very different. When I was in that moment I was so excited that I hit a home run, that I accomplished something great.

But the moment that I get a text or a picture, not just of home runs, but of them doing well, I am excited, don't get me wrong, but I can't help but have an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness. Grateful for the opportunity I have to influence young girls to get better at their game. Grateful that they (both the parents and the girls) trust in me and what I teach. Grateful that they get to see all of their hard work pay off. Grateful for the time I have with each one of them to get to know them better. Grateful for the opportunity to help develop young athletes and give back the time that was so graciously given to me when I was younger. Moments of reflection like these make me realize just how lucky I was to have had those people in my life and how much they made me into the coach I am today. I suppose that those people that taught me felt pretty similar to how I feel today. I guess I can some it up in a couple of words. Grateful and proud.

Do something DIFFERENT!

Most people stick to what they know, either because they don't really want to try anything different, or because they just don't know what to do. I find that most people I talk to are "semi" motivated to work out, but don't because they don't know where to start. 

Joining a gym or just working out in general can be intimidating to most for a couple of reasons. 

One, you don't want to look ridiculous to all of the people that are in shape and "look" like they know what they are doing. Two, you lack personal motivation required to get and stay in a routine. Three, you put it off thinking that you will go tomorrow, which turns into "Monday, I'll start." "Next month I will really hit it hard" and "My new years resolution is definitely going to be focused on getting into better shape." Four, it's change, and most people don't like that. 

There are a couple of options that you have. 

1. Stay with what you are doing and how you are doing it. 
2. Decide that you want to try something different and walk away from your comfort zone, even if just for a little bit. 

If you decide that #2 is an option for you there are a couple of different ways you can help yourself get over the initial shock of starting something new. 

1. Find a friend to do it with - usually with fitness or diet, having someone as an accountability partner works wonders. 
2. Find a class at a gym that others look like they are having fun doing and TRY IT. YES, it will be nerve racking walking into a class where you don't know hardly anyone. YES, you will feel awkward doing things you haven't done before. AND YES, after going a few times you will eventually get comfortable! But, you have to take the first step. Everyone in that class has taken that step at some point, and knows exactly how you feel! (I remember how absolutely dumb I felt the first time I took a TurboKick class, but I am happy that I did (awkward punches and all.) Otherwise, I wouldn't be teaching classes like I am today! (Pssst... you will make a lot of great friends, who are  committed to the same things you are! -  i.e. MORE MOTIVATION.) 
3. Hire a trainer, they will for sure motivate you! (But it might cost you a pretty penny)

Whatever seems like the best option, pick it, commit to it, and give it a chance! 

GO BEFORE YOU'RE READY! 

Speaking of different, I posted about TRX last week and found this great article about how different is GOOD. Check it! 

TRX adds a little suspense to a humdrum exercise routine

TRX workout from Hell.

So I not only teach Boot Camp, but teach TRX as well. I am an avid believer in being able to complete ANY and ALL of the workouts I ask my members to do, plus it keeps me in great shape too! I am always looking for new ideas and came across this video yesterday as I was putting ideas together for yesterday's workout. I only used the exercises from the TRX portion (wish I had the beach to work out on though!) of the video and mixed in my own moves as well.

Just doing the moves in this video will kill you as is (I'm def feeling it today). The side lat pull/push is no joke! If you are looking for some new moves, this is def a good place to start! If your gym or a gym around you offers this class, I would strongly suggest you experience it! TRX works muscles you didn't know you had!