Imagine trying a new workout for the first time. You feel anxious, nervous at the thought of keeping up with the others who have been “sweating to the oldies” for years now. Hoping and praying I don’t pass out mid way, I walk inside the door. Phew! That’s half the battle, right? Just walking in the door to try something so far out of your comfort zone is success! Can I go home now?!?
As I glance around, I see lots of people are talking and laughing with each other. “Hmm,” I think to myself, “this can’t be that bad, they all seem to be relatively “normal” and nice enough,” and before I know it, class begins. The trainer/coach starts describing the workout for the day and going through each exercise along with how many sets and laps we will complete. I’m feeling lost now and just hearing words that seem familiar but suddenly make no sense. I notice there are people of all shapes, sizes and ages. I’m confident if they can do I can do it.
The music is pumping and the workout has started. I’m feeling pretty good at the start, midway I’m beginning to struggle and by the end I’m exhausted. I may or may have not blacked out a bit in the middle of a burpee or two, but either way I did it! I thanked the trainer and mentioned I’m a personal trainer but just starting back and really ready to work on gaining my strength back now that I’m 5+ years out from my breast cancer diagnosis and completion of treatments. The next thing I know, just three weeks later, I’m getting a call from the owner of the gym and asked if I would like to join their team as one of their coaches!! Me?! So soon?! I thought I might need a few months to get back into some kind of shape but apparently that wasn’t true. I didn’t want to let this opportunity go so I said YES, I’m in! Today, just seven months later, I’m feeling fantastic and strong. The tough and challenging workouts have been mentally and physically the best medicine. I love helping others and the community at F45 is exactly what I needed.
F45 are Functional workouts (hence the F) that last 45 minutes. They offer a mix of strength training and cardio workouts guided by a coach (that’s me) and television screens to help you with your form and keep you moving throughout the workout. There are locations worldwide, so please let me know if you ever join. The really cool thing is every studio is doing the same workout on the same day! Recently, the corporate office did a little highlight video on me and I’m happy to share it here for you all to see. Thank you for your support and kindness always!