How did you get into fitness?
I’m feeling a little nostalgic today since it’s the 24 year anniversary of the first full class that I taught. So I’m wondering, how did you decide to join the fitness industry, whether you do it for a hobby or as a career?
For me, I had been in gymnastics and drill team for years, including choreographing and teaching routines. When I got out of college, I bought a fancy membership at a women’s only gym and took a few classes. They weren’t fun. I found myself thinking of different things I would do if it were my class. Then I stopped going to classes, and no one had taught me how to use the weight machines. So, in order to keep healthy and to keep interested, I attended a several-week training that was being provided by a regional chain that was offering it to build up their instructor base. After our team teaching, I got a job at a club closer to home. That was in the day of leotards and tights, hi/lo, aerobic steps made out of wooden boxes, and cassette tapes that weren’t 32-beat mixed.
Here’s to another 24 years! What a ride it has been, and still is.
It started for me as a hobby after knee replacement surgery 7 years ago. I started working out to gain ROM and lose a few pounds to make it easier on my joints. as it turns out I absolutely loved working out! The new friends I was making and the way it made me feel. I gave my testimony to everyone I met when asked how I lost the weight especially with the obstacle of bad knees.That is why I love to work with others who have had joint replacement or other disabilities. It’s important to realize you can do any exercise with modifications and get the same great results.