Confessions of a Cycle Instructor

I've been teaching cycle classes for over 11 years and I've taught in a variety of locations from upscale country clubs to locally owned gyms, and YMCAs. I'm currently teaching at LA Fitness in Westfield and the Monon Center in Carmel.  I enjoy teaching very much and the little extra money is always a plus. In fact, it has helped pay for my daughter's tooth extraction and my son's acne treatments. I'm still waiting to use the extra cash on myself but I don't see that happening anytime soon- teenagers are expensive!

While the demographics of the gym members are always a little different at each facility I have found that January brings out a common thread for many- setting goals and New Year's resolutions.  I confess, as a fitness instructor, this time of year annoys the Hell out of me.  As a source of therapy, I have decided to write down the things that annoy me during this time of year.  As a side note, the following gripes happen all year long, but I'm particularly sensitive about it now! Please don't take personal offense...I would never insult you to your face.

1.  The member who comes up to me saying..."I've heard you are the really hard instructor.  I'm not sure I'm ready for your class."  Everyone can take a cycle class and it is up to you how intense you want the class to be.  You will work hard in my class- period.   This can be difficult, but you will see results. In the end, I am here to motivate, encourage, and make sure you are riding safely- enough said.

2.  The member who leaves after 15 minutes.  Okay...I understand if you have to leave early.  It happens.  Typically, an instructor will appreciate it if you let them know your intentions of leaving early.  If you're leaving because you thought the class was too hard or not your cup of tea- I can accept that.  Honestly...I want people to come to class knowing they will be challenged.  If your not up for the challenge, Zumba is next door.

3. The member who says the music is too loud.  Okay...my music does have a tendency to be a little hard core (I enjoy riding hard to Nirvana and Metallica).  But, I refuse to climb a hill to hip hop or adult contemporary (let's save Barry Manilow for the warm down).  If you can't push the aerobic limits to Rage Against the Machine then you may need to explore a different class.

4.  The member that doesn't sweat.  What???  A little sweating is good for the mind, body and soul.  While I try to encourage members in a gentle way, I will easily add, "this set is not going to be easy...you will breathe hard...you will get out of your comfort zone...you may suffer a bit...it is temporary."  If you want to see results, you must push your aerobic limits sometimes.  If you are not ready, the elliptical machine is upstairs.

5.  The member that talks throughout the class.  In my class, you should be working in a zone that shouldn't give you the ability to talk at any length about your cat's recent vet visit.  Sure, we need time to recover between sets and intervals, but we only have an hour.  Let's make the most of it!

Overall, I love teaching and the vast majority of my participants do work hard and I am truly blessed that they come to my class- it is a privilege I do not take for granted.  But, it is human nature to fester a bit on the few that make life a little annoying at times.  Happy training.

Greater Purpose

I think it is safe to say we have all experienced moments in time when our best laid out plans don't always go as expected.  As mentioned in an earlier post I have been focusing my off-season on improving my running.  Several weeks ago I started to incorporate some speed work and strength into the equation with the goal of at least staying injury-free for 2013.  Things have been going well up until a few weeks ago when my training took a backseat to more important matters in my life.

I recently lost my sister-in-law to cancer.  She was a beautiful woman who fought cancer and won- more than once!! Her last battle took her life but it did not take away her courage or spirit.  She was an advocate, sister, friend and inspiration to those that knew and loved her.  She was a vision in pink anytime we saw her- supporting the Susan G. Komen For the Cure and damn good at it, too.

I'm looking at 2013 as a way for me to celebrate my sister-in-law's life.  Before, triathlon typically represented an activity that I did for self-improvement- testing my limits and embarking on achieving personal goals.  This year, it will be more than that.  My twin sister (also a triathlete) and I want to dedicate our training year to Suzie by wearing pink and helping in the fight to kick cancer's butt.  The girl that only wears black training gear is ready to go pink- bring it on- I'm ready!

I've just gotten over a case of bronchitis and a sinus infection....so the last few weeks have really seen my fitness take a nose dive (ahhh...such is life sometimes). But, I am now ready to dust off the training plans and get the season underway.  I am more excited about this year than any other- not because on Kona- but rather in finding a greater purpose to why I train and do triathlon:  for Suzie...for life...for a cure...to never give up!