Well, it's done... I have finally wittled down my teaching schedule to 3 classes a week. The scary part is that even with just three classes, I still find material for this blog. Anyway, I gave up a couple of classes that, apparently, I was known for. As long as I have been teaching and as much as I realize that I have some sort of following, it still blows my mind that people plan their workout schedule around me.

I first started teaching group exercise classes because it was something I knew I could do plus was something I really wanted to do. It was not about the adulation or the money or the free gym membership. I was drawn to teaching these classes because, for the first time in my life, I was taking control of my life. I was doing something that no authority figure had advised me to do.

I had moved to New York City to work for the electrical utility, Con Ed, as an Electrical Engineer. I stayed for 23 months but finally decided that my life was more than climbing down into transformer vaults, installing sulfur hexaflouride circuit breakers, and babysitting union technicians. I had left Con Ed without looking for another technical job. What I did was acquire a job at the front desk of my health club. Despite going from a $32K salary to a $6.50/hour, I was happy that I was taking control of my life. I was in charge of my future.

So, after stints in various part of club management, I started to teach group exercise full-time thanks to my best friend, Kelsie. I was just happy to be in front of the class teaching fitness; I did not care if one person or 100 people showed up. I was just happy to teach. To this day, I am happy if 3 people show up for class. I am equally as happy if 300 people show up. Teaching has always been something that has made me happy. To see the faces of these people after they have "worked out" has always brought me satisfaction. I still remember what it is like to get a great workout - the endorphins, the feeling of accomplishment, and the knowledge that you are doing something good for yourself.

With all that said, I still am blown away by the fact that people actually show up for my class on a regular basis; this my friends is just the icing on the cake. It is enough that I am doing something that I like to do but also to get paid for doing it?!?!?! For someone to think that what I have to say matters is just unbelievable. So, a big "Thanks" goes out to the people who allow me a say in their workout; thanks for being able to let someone help you improve your health. The next time you get a great workout from your group exercise instructor, go up to them and thank them for taking the time to teach. It definitely will brigthen up their day.  ¶ 8:56 AM