Last week, I made the decision to act on something that I’ve had on my mind for quite some time.
After several unsure phone calls to mom, she told me to “just do it!”.
Instead of “beating the batter” any longer, I dialed the 800 number, asked a couple dozen questions, and finally gave the guy on the line the digits to take a chunk of change from my bank account. Before I knew it, the deal was done; exactly one week later, I got a heavy package in the mail.
If you couldn’t tell already, I love fitness almost as much as I love food. I tested out my hand-eye coordination in one season each of basketball and soccer as a kid, but it quickly became clear that I wasn’t born to drop-kick a soccer ball or dribble a basketball. My older brother took all of the talent when it came to ball sports. I didn’t mind though because, soon enough, I found the inner athleticism within me.
You could find me doing half a dozen back-handsprings in the park,
perfecting pirouettes and time-stepping in my my metal-heeled tap shoes,
trying to make the clock swimming miles in the pool,
and running hill repeats in the Redwood forest with my cross-country team.
When I went off to college, I might have left the athletics of my youth behind, but my fondness for fitness traveled with me. It’s not surprising that I turned into a gym rat. Running, the WREC, and physical activity in general, is honestly what successfully got me through four years of college. Perhaps then, it’s not all that surprising that I’ve decided I want to deepen my passion for exercise by becoming a certified group exercise instructor.
A select few of you may know that I’m not necessarily an outgoing person… I’m actually far from it. I’ve made a significant effort recently to live life outside of my bubble and move towards becoming the person I want to be.
Inspiring people to be the best version of themselves through movement, real food, and inner peace is who I want to be.
Some people despise the gym, but I am not one of them. I thrive in an environment where people are actively doing something for their health, happiness and well-being.
If I can muster up the confidence (and volume of my little voice), I imagine I would love helping others take the initiative on their health through challenging and FUN exercise.
I am registered to take the Primary Group Exercise Instructor certification exam from the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America on August 7th. I have one hefty text to get through before then!
So much for a study-free summer.
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Do you take group exercise classes? If so, what do you enjoy about them most?
AFAA Primary Group Exercise Certification
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minty pistachio pea pesto.
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Goodness! I am so excited for you! I have had my eye on doing that for some time too. You will be so so great! Can’t wait for you to start teaching…if only I could take some of your classes!
That’s awesome, good luck! I’ve thought about being a spinning instructor lately because my school offers a semester class to become certified for group fitness or personal training. I love the motivation and music with group classes. I’m the same way and kinda shy, but I’d love to share my love for fitness with others.
I love this quote: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” it is so true and I can totally relate to it too. I love group exercise classes! I would do more of them if I wasn’t so busy. Body Pump classes, pilates and spin classes are my favorite.
I’ve never considered myself athletic because I’m so bad with group sports. I love individual activity like running, yoga and pilates the most. I’m new to group classes, but loving spin and Body Pump!!
That’s awesome, good for you!
I think I’d actually like group exercise a lot, but we have a home gym so I don’t belong to a gym. The one thing I regret about the home gym investment is the group exercise piece. I really want to try Body Pump!
So proud of you! I have a good friend who is a group ex. instructor and she loves it. Most of them use microphones for big classes, right? You’ll be just fine :)
Way to go, Hillary! I think sometimes you just need to take the plunge and “just do it” like you said! Can’t wait to hear more about your journey to becoming a fitness instructor!
That quote is amazing!!
YAY for you!
Aweeeee girl I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! I should do that to make some extra moolah in college! For now I think I am just going to teach spin ;)
Hi Hillary!
I’ve been a long time reader and this is my first comment. I’m 33 years old, crazy-happily married for 11 years with 3 (totally rad) kids. I mention this because it’s only now that I’ve decided to pursue my passion and though it terrifies me, I’m beyond excited for this journey. I am awed by young women like yourself who are actively chasing their goals, fearlessly embracing and shaping their futures. Reading your blog and trying your recipes has been really positive for me and I wanted to give you a virtual squeeze to say thanks for doing what you do. I’ve been really disheartened as of late to find numerous blogs by young women who claim that their focus is on health and well-being, only to find it more thinly-veiled self-hatred than anything else. Congrats to you for a passionate, healthy, empowering and delicious blog, and best of luck on your journey.
Thank you for your very sweet comment :)
wow
Hillary, you are going to rock that exam! Congrats on pursuing an opportunity that you’re extremely interested in and excited about – and of course passionate!
Good for you! It takes a lot of guts to go outside of your comfort zone and try new things.
Awesome! Great plans!! So excited for you! :)
This post explained my thoughts 4 months ago — and I finally bought the bullet, invested may-jah moolah, bought the AFAA books, and signed up for my exam – and I passed! I just got my first job at a gym (brand new opening on June 30th).
If you have any questions let me know, so excited for you!!! :)
How cool! Congrats on the job! What class(es) will you teach?
What did you think of the exam/1-day review course?
Thank you :) I will be teaching Kickboxing and Weight lifting – and maybe spinning!
I did the APEX course and it worked well for me – but I don’t have anything to compare it. I just suggest studying hard, DEFINITELY filling out the study guide, and be confident!
That’s really exciting! I think it’s great that you’re pursuing your passions like that. Happy studying!
That’s awesome, congrats!
That’s great! I’m hoping to head down that same track sometime soon! :)
I would take group fitness classes if they were offered around the times I frequent the gym. Good luck!!
that’s fantastic! good luck with this endeavor!
Congrats Hillary!! How exciting! I love going to fitness classes when the instructors are inspirational and motivational! I wish I could go to one of your classes.
How exciting! I’m getting my AFAA group certification on July 24. Got my books and today is the start of studying! Woop woop go girl :)
Exciting! Maybe we can be virtual study partners ;)
Timing is everything! Been going back and forth about getting certified over and over… this might have been my sign! Great post!
Go for it! :)