A life-changing experience

Sometimes, when one door closes, another can open.

Last July, little did I know that would be the truth.

That summer, a foot injury, plantar fasciitis, had derailed my running career, resorting me to train on the stationary bike at BBAC and hit the weight room a few days a week, and after a few weeks, this became boring.

I had heard of this class called BodyPump, which friend and coach, Wendy Watkins, recommended during my rehab, since it could build muscle strength and endurance, so I decided to try it.

Naturally, early on, I sucked at it -- so much so that after my second class, Wendy had me stay after so I could work on some dead-rows and dead-lifts, probably two of the toughest moves in the class and ones that took me a while to get mastered. Upon embarking on a week-long business trip to Aroostook County a week later, I honed my skills a bit in the weight room, and as my foot continued to get stronger, I kept taking classes twice a week, and eventually began running again.

But things didn't start to change until February, when, a month before a big training trip to Colorado, one of the other gym members told me after a class, "Have you thought about becoming an instructor? You're pretty good." The answer was no, not really, and then a week later I saw a notice at BBAC that new instructors were being sought, and after talking to Wendy about it, she agreed to let me give the initial training a whirl. But little did I know that I'd nearly never get the chance, as a car accident in a Colorado snowstorm nearly slammed the door on my teaching dream. After escaping from that with no injuries, I looked forward to training a week later.

Not knowing what to expect, I went into it just looking to impress the master trainer, and did just enough to get a pass, and start team-teaching. In four months time, I'd have to complete a certification video, ship it to Les Mills, and let them determine whether I suck or not.

So, I got right back to work, teaching at least twice a week and lifting twice more a week, building more muscle and perfecting my technique. Eventually, on June 20, it was time to film. But if the Bangor softball team's loss in the state final the day before was any indication, this would not be the Rockstar's day.

It wasn't, as nerves took over, and I messed up things I don't usually mess up, with the same thing happening a couple weeks later on take two. Frustrated, I was close to quitting after that, and even though coach was frustrated, we had a long conversation after the second taping, and she said to stick with it, you didn't come this far to just quit now.

That's not my style, so going into the third (and final) chance to nail the video, it was nothing but stealth, guts and determination. Taking advantage of my third chance, it was definitely the charm, as all three key elements of BodyPump teaching, coaching, technique and connecting with your class, came together and I was able to send my video.

It was a huge sense of relief to get it in, and although I won't find out until September whether or not I'm certified, I can now just focus on starting my Les Mills career and soon building my own class, once that day arrives.

This summer has been a true learning and life-changing experience, and Les Mills has done a lot, and opened so many doors I'd never think would be opened. My fellow instructors and coaches have been there every step of the way, from when I sucked to when I became good enough to take the stage, and I wouldn't be who I am without them (you guys know who you are). Every time I get on that stage, something just happens, and to have a lot of people looking up to you is gratifying.

Whether I get that certification in the mail in 6 weeks or not, knowing I didn't surrender to the pressure is a victory in itself. Teaching BodyPump has changed my life for the better, and what Les Mills has in store for the future remains to be seen, but it is certainly a bright one.