What have I done? (got a little long)

[Jessica]

Someone tell me that I can do this, or that I should bail out now while I still can, or something. I am freaking out over here. Apparently in some endorphin-induced state I agreed to be a fitness instructor at the Y. :thud: WTH?

Now, after polishing off two Reese peanut butter and chocolate eggs(OMG who let those suckers in the house anyhow, because of course everyone knows that is the food of champions, right?)and thinking about this, I am very extremely nervous.

Backstory: About a year and a half ago I weighed over 300 pounds. I joined the Y and Weight Watchers in the same day and started exercising and eating more healthy. After six months or so, I joined some of the classes at the Y: power pump(strength and resistance training), yoga, cycling, etc. I have been going to those regularly for 8-9 months now. Well, a month or so ago, one of the fitness instructors approached me after class and asked if I would consider leading the power pump class. I said that I would think about that. In the same day, the Wellness Director approached me and said that she heard that I was entertaining the idea of taking over the power pump class and that she hoped I would and also consider leading the evening cycling class because the regular instructor takes the summer off to train. *gulp* Okay, I will consider that too. So the next day I stop in to talk to the Wellness Director about it, and she was very supportive of my concerns(mainly being that I was nervous to be in an instructor role when I am still overweight- but still losing- and that I did not want that to be the elephant in the room, ya know...ummm no pun intended) and I agreed to go through the training to become an instructor. So for the past month I have been leading classes to instructors(and my mom :jester:) and feel pretty okay about it. But, now, yikes. I am so nervous.

I have lost over 120 pounds, but I am still worried about if I can hang, ya know. I mean, deep down, I know that I can do it, but I am scared. What if I do not challenge people enough? What if my fat jiggles all over in front of everyone? :jester: Not to mention that I have not worked in 11.5 years and I really like not having to be somewhere at a specific time all of the time. So, I am just plain nervous about that too. And, I kind of like not working. Because this isn't enough of a job to even warrant the babysitting fees(I'll only be working like 10 hours a week and paying most of it to a babysitter), but I am doing it mainly to set up my lifestyle to continue to support me in my weight loss and to continue staying active, but it will inconvenience my family somewhat. UGH, just ugh. I am so freaking nervous.

Okay, so I have to go to this formal training session/seminar/workshop in Columbus all weekend April 10, 11, and 12 and then I am official, I will be a working(albeit part-time) gal. Why am I freaking out? Actually, I start leading the cycling class in the evenings next Tuesday. :eek: :puke:

So, I guess I just want feedback. Am I jumping the gun in starting this too soon? Should I wait until I lose more weight to do this? Am I being a wimp for freaking out? Is there a secret to talking(yelling) out instructions over loud music while trying your best to not die from lack of oxygen while pedalling your ass off? Umm...that is my main fear. :help:

Kudos if you made it this far. I need wine. Lots of wine.

[Nancy]

What an awesome opportunity! :bliss: I would love to lead some classes like that, that's really exciting. Bottom line that I will say to you: I ABHOR skinny fitness teachers, especially if they are really young/perky/skinny. I have nothing in common with them and am mostly irritated by their energy and lack of flab. I would personally respond so well to a mom like me, one who is also struggling with weight but who is actively working to BE FIT....not perfect, but fit.

I can't wait to hear more! :bounce::cheers:

[indigo]

What an awesome opportunity! :bliss: I would love to lead some classes like that, that's really exciting. Bottom line that I will say to you: I ABHOR skinny fitness teachers, especially if they are really young/perky/skinny. I have nothing in common with them and am mostly irritated by their energy and lack of flab. I would personally respond so well to a mom like me, one who is also struggling with weight but who is actively working to BE FIT....not perfect, but fit.

I can't wait to hear more! :bounce::cheers:

I totally agree. When I was taking classes at the Y my favorite instructors were always the heavier ones. I felt so much more comfortable in the classes. Plus I'd have the feeling that what they were asking me to do was possible for me. When a really skinny teacher asked me to do something I sometimes felt like, "Easy for HER to say!"

[mowse]

That is soooo cool! You could totally motivate people in a way other teachers couldn't.

go for it!!!1

[Anne]

but I am doing it mainly to set up my lifestyle to continue to support me in my weight loss and to continue staying active

This is the part of your post that stood out most for me and why I think you absolutely should do this. I think it is a fantastic opportunity for you right now!

[Peggyann]

I think you should totally do it!!

You are the woman!!!!

For me, at the beginning of my weight loss (I need to lose 85-100 lbs) to hear a story like this does my heart good. It means people CAN do it!!!

:woman:

~PA~

[ADDled]

That is REALLY cool!

And let's get a drink when you are in Columbus :D

[jump4joy]

I think it sounds like a terrific opportunity for you! That's kind of how I got into swim coaching, the folks at the club asked me to do it. I love that I can work so few hours yet still have some work out of the house. I think you'll be great, and personally I'd rather have an instructor who is actively getting fit but jiggles a little than someone who has been model-thin or active their whole life and does not understand the struggle that many people go through with weight or fitness.

[riversprite]

Ipersonally I'd rather have an instructor who is actively getting fit but jiggles a little than someone who has been model-thin or active their whole life and does not understand the struggle that many people go through with weight or fitness.

I completely agree with this sentiment of R's.

I think that the fact that THEY ASKED YOU and THEY BELIEVE IN YOU means that you should too. :yay:

[Jessica]

Wow, thanks ladies. So y'all seriously think that I should do this...at this particular point. No one thinks I should wait awhile? Cause just say the word...:jester:

Getting it all out there, typing it all out, spelling out all of my fears, and then reading your responses really helped calm me down a bit. I am still nervous as hell, but I do think that I can do this. Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this and for giving me feedback. :)

[Jessica]

That is REALLY cool!

And let's get a drink when you are in Columbus :D

Let's do! :cheers: We'll chat closer to the time.

[Maggie]

You have so much to proud of. A year and a half ago, would you even entertain the thought of leading a fitness class? Now, not only can you lead a class, but other fitness instructors recognized that you could. I bet they find you very inspiring and think others will, too.

You can do this. Look at all you have accomplished so far. You know you're awesome, right??

:cheer:J:cheer:E:cheer:S:cheer:S:cheer:I:cheer:C :cheer: A:cheer:

:yourock:

:woman:

[mirage1]

This is the part of your post that stood out most for me and why I think you absolutely should do this. I think it is a fantastic opportunity for you right now!That was the part that jumped out at me the most, too. Jessica, even if that's the ONLY reason you do it, that's an awesome one!

[MamaAnnie]

That is great!! My SIL and I were just talking about how inspiring it is to have an instructor who's either still in the process of getting fit or has a great story about getting and staying fit. That's so cool that they approached you - you'll be a real inspiration!!

Another thing that's cool about being an instructor is you usually get a free gym membership,which can be a huge savings. I teach Pilates and get free memberships for me and dh.

Congratulations!!

[MamaAnnie]

Also, I recently read that people are more motivated by instructors who talk about health benefits rather than weight loss. For example, instead of yelling perkily, "Bikini season's coming up! Work it! Woo!" you holler something like, "Your heart's getting stronger! Woo!"

By the way, as a "fitness professional", you might get a kick out of this:

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/play.shtml?mea=60197

[Jessica]

Also, I recently read that people are more motivated by instructors who talk about health benefits rather than weight loss. For example, instead of yelling perkily, "Bikini season's coming up! Work it! Woo!" you holler something like, "Your heart's getting stronger! Woo!"

By the way, as a "fitness professional", you might get a kick out of this:

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/play.shtml?mea=60197

That clip was great. Work the fingers! :jester:

You are right; I know that I am far more motivated by the thought that I am reaping health benefits that am I by the thought of wearing a bikini. Good point. And yay on the free membership...I got one too. :banana:

[Kathy]

I think this is a wonderful opportunity! You definitely have the energy, humor, and upbeat attitude that will help others exercise and see that they *can* do it, too. And I would take an exercise class from you in a heartbeat.

[Sue]

My guess is they've seen you "in action" and they would not have asked they didnt' think you would be great!

:congrats:

[Nicke]

nft .

[riversprite]

Wow, thanks ladies. So y'all seriously think that I should do this...at this particular point. No one thinks I should wait awhile? Cause just say the word...:jester:

Getting it all out there, typing it all out, spelling out all of my fears, and then reading your responses really helped calm me down a bit. I am still nervous as hell, but I do think that I can do this. Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this and for giving me feedback. :)


I totally think that you should do this! I know that I would feel really comfortable to see a woman running the class who looked more like I did but who COULD DO IT and it would push me to realize that I can do it too. :yay:
You are an inspiration!!