Community brain trust - fitness instruction

Calling on the community for ideas & encouragement for DaniBP:

'I have a passion for my Stretching program that I do daily and would like to take the leap to certify myself to teach. I feel that I am too much of an introvert to do so! How does an introvert teach a fitness class?'

Obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off our goals. 

I love that saying. It's true in so many cases. You're currently seeing your introvert label as an obstacle. Know that there are other women like you and people who will love the vibe you give off. Also, the fitness you wish to teach seems to be relaxed and mellow. I looked it up online after you posted about it in this post. It sounds like a great match for you. Oh, keep in mind that not everyone wants a bouncy instructor. I've had all types and have simply continued on with classes and fitness DVDs that are a match for me.

DaniBP, go on and sign up for the certification classes. Just call and sign up. In the meantime, let your imagination wander and visualize the end result. See yourself sharing the exercise you love and believe in with others. You already know the method and have personal experience/testimony about it. Once you get comfortable with how to instruct the method, you won't see your personality as an obstacle. I think if you focus on why you want to teach -- help, share, encourage, motivate, inspire, etc...then your fears will become more and more peripheral. Your blog keeps getting better & better. If you haven't already done a post on Stretch, go ahead and do one, or a series on what it is and why you love it. When you feel stuck or scared, visit those posts to remember why you set out to teach.

I've wanted to get involved w/adult literacy for as long as I can remember. I did some volunteering a long time ago for the Blind & Dyslexic (B&D), but adult literacy is different. The organization near me has sign-ups twice/year. I conveniently said, oh next time, for the past 5 years or so. And some years I've forgotten at all. This year I finally signed up! I know that I know how to read. I know I can learn whatever technique they impart to coach others on reading improvement. I know the students are screened before being paired up. It's not like I'd have to play Anne Sullivan to Helen Keller. But when you're scared...that's the type of visual that come to mind. *lol* It's a year long commitment. I figure they have dealt with all sorts of situations and if something comes up for me, it will get worked out as far as the schedule. I have no idea what to expect, but I figured I'd never know unless I show up. When I look back on my past volunteer work, I used to run the recording machine at B&D. I don't even have an interest in tech, but they showed me out to do it and I did just fine. I know I can sit with someone and help them improve literacy skills. 

Anyone have experience teaching fitness and can share? Can you give any tips to DaniBP as she steps on her new path?

Anyone face a fear of presenting a class or seminar? What steps did you take to overcome your doubts?

Any additional experience (personal or 2nd hand), thoughts and encouragement you can share with DaniBP will be great...!


♥

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I invite you to email me with with a work or personal situation you want help with. I view the community brain trust as a way we can help each other make a quantum leap of some sort in our lives. Moving past fear and into your dreams will likely resolve or at lest begin to resolve issues like overshopping. The community brain trust is utilizing the wisdom and experience of the SAHMs, social workers, cs reps, scientists, lawyers, medical professionals, educators, etc... that visit here. Let's kick off big changes in our lives.

Looking forward to receiving emails! Please use subject community brain trust. My email is gigiofca at gmail.