Getting My Mind, Body And Spirit Back - Reflecting on the Journey

Living it up in Hawaii before marriage and kids. And carrying the extra 20 lbs I've struggled with for my whole adult life.

As my fourth session of Body Back comes to an end, I've been reflecting on how much has changed over the last few months, and over the last few years.

My life was pretty much the same for a long time. And then it wasn't.

The Other Side of the Studio

Holy $#!%! I did it! I actually "team taught" a Body Back Boost class!

Part of my instructor training is teaching with other experienced instructors. My first opportunity was on Friday with Erin Stefanick - an amazing Body Back and Stroller Strides instructor.

She answered all of my questions and gave me lots of great advice and encouragement. We decided on an indoor rounds class and I was in charge of two rounds and some of the extra core exercises at the end.

I put a lot of thought into the cardio, strength and core exercises for each round. I wanted them to be challenging and interesting, but not too complicated.

I shared my ideas with Erin and she helped me switch them up a little for better balance.

I was nervously excited all week, and by Thursday I was going nuts. In a last ditch effort to squeeze in a little more practice, my sister-in-law came over that night and I led her through my rounds.

I wrote out each exercise with form cues, along with a list of positive affirmations (like "You've got this!" and "You're looking strong!") in case my mind went blank.

That night my stomach was so full of first-day-of-school butterflies I could barely sleep. I just kept telling myself that everything had to go well because my heart is in the right place.

Friday morning I met Erin early in the studio to make sure we were all set with the music and the timer. She had the whole workout printed out for us in an easy-to-read format.

As attendees started funneling in I was thrilled to see some of my Body Back friends had come out to support me! It was so nice to have familiar faces smiling back at me. And even the ladies I didn't know were super encouraging - everyone knew it was my first time instructing and wanted me to do well.

As we were warming up, I thought I was going to burst. Erin led the first round and my heart was pounding so hard, I could barely keep up.

Then it was my turn to lead and I just had to get up there and go for it.

Being on the other side of the class felt way more natural than I had imagined - it felt like I was meant to be there! I didn't even need to look at my notes.

Class went by fast! And when it was over, everyone clapped for me! I felt like I had just won a marathon.

It was exhilarating! And I can't wait to do it again!

I'm so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and decided to try teaching! It's so much fun! And I am so grateful for Erin's support and mentorship - she totally set me up for success and I truly appreciate it!

I'm working to plan my next class and until then, I'll keep studying and practicing!

Teaching My First Practice Class

I'm lucky to have a sister that's super supportive of my fitness goals! She's been one of my biggest cheerleaders during my Body Back journey - always telling me how proud she is of me.

Session 4, Week 3: Using Momentum to Take the Next Step

 

 

So, a crazy thing happened this week. I became a certified Body Back instructor.

A few months ago I would have laughed in your face if you told me this. In fact, I actually did laugh in someone's face when she asked me if I'd ever thought of becoming an instructor.

Session 4 Begins: Working Through Injury

Enjoying a birthday dinner with my sweet family!

When I signed up for my fourth session of Body Back, I was feeling great!

But, by the end of session 3, my left leg was toast!

I'm not exactly sure what happened. I think it was a combination of six months of 5-6 intense workouts a week without enough stretching, and then ramping up my running too fast.

Session 3 Results and a Paddle Boarding Disaster!

 

Celebrating this session's winner Sirisha in a "v" formation - inspired by a motivational video about geese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUiDjvrZjLg. Honk honk!

Our final assessment was Tuesday and it wasn't until Monday night that I started to get excited. As I was laying out my workout clothes I realized my stomach was full of butterflies.

I had a hard time falling asleep. And then I woke up every few hours to check the clock and make sure I didn't sleep through class.
It was also my birthday!

Week 7: Charissa's Story of Gratitude

It's been a wild ride, this third session. I gained, I lost and then gained again. I started running again, and then hurt my leg. I peed my pants and cried in class. What a roller coaster!

Now our final assessment is Tuesday - just one day away!

Session 3, Week 6: I Get to Do This

Hanging out with my little guy post-

workout.

I took my first Body Back Boost class yesterday and I left in tears.

Not from the burpees, or the planks. Or the lunges or the jumping jacks. Or the crunches.

It was the meditation at the end that got me.