It all started a few weeks ago, trying to just get more out of my Y membership. Over February break, I decided to try a few new classes. I also decided to take my master key out for a spin, that allows me to try different branches!
I decided that as much as I like to swim, I needed to break out of my comfort zone a bit, after Dr. Jack encouraged me to do some things to relive some stress. I tried a few strength and stretch classes, some yoga, and tai chi. I admit I stared longingly at some of the more challenging classes, like using weights and cardio kickboxing but was too nervous to try. I thought of Dr. Jack and his class that he takes, and I wish I could get to that level of fitness. I really do… athletic people must find it hard to understand us challenged people… I really would like to reach that place of physical fitness… hey, life is nothing without dreams!
When I tried the tai chi at one branch, there was a substitute teacher and although I started out okay, it went downhill realllllyyyyy fast. Admittedly, I felt badly that I could not do what everyone else seemed so comfortable doing. And in a state of panic, I quickly escaped out the door. But I decided to try it again at the Independent Health branch. I walked in feeling like a fish so far from the water, mumbling to myself that if this was a no go, I am out of here! The truth is I always walk in that way, well, I used to!
I have never been very good at physical things. And I find those places intimidating. I don’t do well at classes because my sense of coordination is somewhat lacking. I always end up going left when the class goes right and up when they go down. I am always behind everyone in the class. I gaze longingly at the coordinated people who are doing so well,and wish I could be more like that. And I feel terrible when I can’t.
As I walked in for this class it wasn’t different but I made eye contact with the instructor, Brian, a tall, quiet kind of man with a warm friendly face and a very soothing voice. He asked if I was new? I kept thinking that I am sure I was wearing a badge that said so, and he had no idea how I didn’t think I belonged there… I smiled and positioned myself near my escape route, aka the spot closest to the door. After all, the last class of this I tried? I left after the warm up before I stumbled into the person next to me. I think the y frowns on you taking out an entire line of people.
The class started and I thought that this instructor was different. All through the class, he kept explaining everything, quietly and slowly. He also explained modifications. He talked about how much weight should be on either side of your body, where your center of gravity needed to be and suddenly I wasn’t falling over at all! The music was soothing and I settled into the class, and when it was done? I found myself walking up to him with tears because it was that stress relieving. I loved it! I hugged him!
I introduced myself and asked when he taught again. I returned on his next teaching day and stayed for both classes he taught. I enjoyed them so much, I stopped to talk to him after, inquiring if he did private lessons, or training. Luckily, he had a time slot that worked for both of us, so I signed up for three private classes.
The truth is I was nervous to meet with him but decided I want this more than being nervous. Brian sat and listened to my concerns, my goals, and what things I don’t want to ever try. I talked to him about balance, my lack of understanding, and my level of discomfort in the Y. He listened and then patiently explained what he could do to help me. I found his instruction to give me courage that I could learn to do this!
Well, it turns out I found the exercise equivalent of Dr. Jack! Brian patiently explained to me different things I could do and what we could, achieve together.
The first week, it started out rather rough. It took me the entire week to work up to what he told me to start with. And it turned out that the machines at one branch don’t match the other. So here I was on the elliptical with the blue pads but at the other branch, it’s opposite! Poor Dr. Jack had to read my tirade texts and emails where I complained and whined that I was awful at this, that this was the dumbest thing I ever did! Okay maybe it was a lot of that, I was beyond frustrated but both he and Brian explained it would get better. It wasn’t and I was so upset.
But one day out of sheer frustration, I walked up and asked one of the trainers, who explained which machine I needed Well! How was I supposed to know that? After that? It all started to improve! I was able to last longer every day and suddenly I was kicking up the incline!
I talked to Dr. Jack about my progress and as with all things? He was most encouraging. We talked about when to go and encouraged me to go every morning, which I faithfully have now every single day for weeks! It has required a whole new daily strategy. I get up when faithful Louie wakes me for breakfast! Lol.. he makes sure I go to the Y every day. I make sure I make all my food for the following day and pack it. Not easy, and not what I want to do each night, but, you do what you have to. I pack that and my work clothes, and have it all near the door.
I trudge in With the morning, Working folks and am moving on something by 5:40.
I met with Brian the following Saturday again and he helped me to understand some of the machines better. He made adjustments for my lack of inches compared to his great height, and he taught me how to build myself up to more weight and when to back off. We made another appointment.
Yesterday, I signed up for more lessons. He really is a great instructor! I enjoy his calm nature and like his instructional style of explaining everything so I can understand it. I also like that he teaches me exercises that require control and methodical movements. But what I like best is his calm nature. He gently encourages, gently instructs, gently modifies and yet pushes you to try new things,
I am sure he doesn’t realize the other benefits he has given. I no longer walk in there feeling awkward. I feel like I belong there, and that I can feel confident using things there. I actually make eye contact with people now, and smile at many of the 5:30 a.m crowd.
I know it is making a big difference in relieving stress, giving me an outlet to relive tension while an opportunity to think things through, while improving my well being and helping me get my weight moving again. And there are other benefits! A student mentioned to me the other day that I have more energy in the afternoons and seem happier! So that’s what those crazy elusive endorphins are that I have been chasing!
Thank you Brian for the great gift! For being the perfect instructor for me. Thank you for your kindness and all your help in making me feel at home! And thank you, Dr. Jack for always pushing me to be so much more than what I believe I can be! Maybe one day? You could teach me to do the things you do or you could be really up for a challenge and teach me to run…. 😉
Oh, Chris, you are so very welcome! This is the very reason that I work at the Y. I take the impact that I can make in people’s lives very seriously. I am exceedingly glad that we met and that I have been what you have needed. It is my great pleasure to work with you on your goals.
You are an amazing teacher! You are such an asset to the Y, they have no idea what a treasure they have in you! Your greatest gift is your ability to explain things so well. You are always encouraging and you have truly changed how I view myself walking in there. I feel like I really belong there now. Huggggg