Just got back from another weekend module. I am a national trainer for a couple of fitness companies and I spend weekends showing people how to be group fitness instructors. To some, it's just another job and to others, they wonder why I would want to "squander" my weekends. For me, it's worth the time that I'm giving up. It's something that means something to me and it's no different than anyone else passionate about their weekend hobby... The cool thing is I get to meet a lot of people doing this. You'd be surprised by the wide range of people who decide they want to be group fitness instructors! Young, old, fitness junkies, and fitness newbies... Worked with 'em all... And I've been really fortunate because I've learned just as much from all of the folks in trainings as I've taught them.
This weekend I did a Les Mills training and had the opportunity to meet several new instructors who had either quit their careers to pursue a passion in fitness or who were putting themselves through this as a way to break out of their routine. It is so inspiring to see people who recognize the need for change and who do something about it. Too often, we're paralyzed by fear: fear of inadequacy, fear of failure, or fear of change. It takes some big brass ones to hand in your resignation with just the thought that you might try a career in fitness. Or to put yourself in a completely foreign situation because you recognize that you want to grow. It's the ultimate embodiment of unsteady state. And it's why I travel after work on Fridays and get up at the crack of dawn on weekends. I love what I do...