If You're Looking For A Sign… Today is the Day! {BodyPump Recap}

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Six short months ago I was considering a concept I never expected. After a year of attending BODYPUMP classes twice a week during my lunch break, I found myself wanting to try something far outside my comfort zone. I am an extrovert and have very little trouble speaking in front of a group, but I had never instructed adults, only tater tots as a swim/soccer coach. However, my love for BODYPUMP and my desire to try something outside my comfort zone overcame my fear of the teaching unknown. It was time to make the move and just DO IT!

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So I decided to go for it. Despite the crazy schedule I already had on my plate, I signed up for the initial training in June and started studying like crazy before my class. I cannot convey how nervous I was leading up to the training. Until then, only one person, fabulous Nikki, knew about my goal and now I had to tell everyone close to me my plan. Can I tell you how much that scared me? It's one thing to have a goal and then explain to people when you succeed [a la the Spartan] it's another to tell people you are stepping out on a limb with the possibility of it breaking.

The weekend flew my faster than expected and I learned a ton. If you are thinking of taking a Les Mills instructor class take this as the opportunity to push yourself over that hump. Les Mills does an amazing job of preparing their instructors and they feed you so much wonderful information about coaching and technique.You are flooded with GOOD information and the instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and willing to help you become the best instructor possible.

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Once we completed our initial training, the next step was recording a video teaching a 'fake' class for assessment. Cue freakout. Not only did I have to memorize a full workout of choreography and cues, I also had to TEACH it to people close me and let them into my new world. As mentioned before, speaking in front of people doesn't bother me, but being new at something in front of those I care about makes me so self conscious. Even though I knew I had the full support of my family I still stressed myself out about teaching them. The class almost didn't happen because of a scheduling mix up, but luckily I received some great advice and just grabbed the bull by the horns and knocked it out in one take. There were some mess ups and mishaps but I was confident enough in what I did to submit my video and hope for the best. Waiting to receive my feed back was excruciating, I was pretty sure I failed and was already stressing having to teach my family again. And then, Monday, beautiful Monday came and I received word I PASSED MY ASSESSMENT AND WAS A CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR!

Honestly, I thought they had made a mistake. Me, lil Pinky, a certified instructor? No way! Check that, yes way! I put my mind to something and I achieved it. Something I never expected to try is now something I've completed. I checked the box. I can't even begin to describe how amazing it is looking back on where I was earlier this year. I am incredibly proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone and testing the waters of something new.

Now I'm in the processes of apply to gyms for jobs and I'll be totally honest, it's a bit daunting and overwhelming. I haven't applied for a job in eight years and I have NO experience in this field, besides my five day old certification. I trust the powers that be understand there are a lot of new fitness people out there and hope they will at least give me an audition chance. Once they see me in action I think they'll like me so please keep your figures crossed for me in this new venture.

The point of this post? If you're thinking of trying something, take *THIS* as your sign to give it a go. I'm telling you, from experience, attempting something outside your comfort zone is an incredible process. Could you fail? YES! Yes, you could. But you could also come across a new purpose in life. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to be part of the fitness world. Gym rat? YES! Instructor or trainer? NO WAY! But, here I am, a certified instructor looking for my first class. Take this sign and believe in your dreams, I already believe in you!!!!!! < 3

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Linking up with *kristin*& *annie*