Today I was teaching aerobics. I was asked to substitute for a sick instructor and teach two classes back to back. I have not done this in years! Though I have been running and working out a lot, I have not been teaching much as I have not been able to find anyone hiring instructors here since we moved. I have taught fitness classes for over twenty years (gosh, now I feel "old"!) and have always enjoyed it. This is the longest I have gone without teaching a regular class in all those years. I didn't realize how much I missed it until today!
So today I had a Cardio Interval class. When I got there the room was packed with a great group of ladies that were ready to sweat. We got going and I realized how much strength and encouragement the class participants provide to ME during the workout. I feel like I pushed myself harder than I have in a long time due to the group of ladies and the energy they provide during the class. We worked super hard and I sweat like crazy. I thought I was going to not catch my breath after some of the intervals and my poor thighs were screaming at a few points. It was good for me though!
After that I taught a leg and abdominal class for an hour. I have been slowly easing back into a weight training program along with running a lot but this class challenged the heck out of me. I guess I realized how good it felt to be like I was before breast cancer. None of these ladies know I had breast cancer at all. To them I was just an instructor like all the others. I am glad as I don't want anyone to look at me with pity. I want to be a positive influence on them - not drag them down with negative thoughts of my cancer.
I really felt like the old me. I forgot how much I get from teaching classes. I realized how much it inspires me to try harder and to make a difference in other people's lives. It makes me feel so good that I helped someone do something good for themselves that day. I also am so inspired by the wonderful people that come to my class. They make me want to teach better, be stronger and work harder. That is a side of me I have not seen for a while. I hope in time I can find a place that is hiring instructors. I want to continue helping people get fit and feel good about themselves. The gift I get in return is amazing. Thank you wonderful ladies in my class....you made me feel like me again!!!!
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