When I decided to pursue my BodyStep certification back at the beginning of the year, I wasn’t sure this group fitness thing would be for me.

Am I really fit enough to teach a class?

Can I memorize choreography?

How will I ever be able to engage and energize a class?

But I plugged my nose, pushed those chocking doubts beneath the surface, and pushed myself head first into the world of Les Mills and group fitness.

And I discovered I loved it.

I loved it so much.

And that love was already there.

I’ve been taking some form of a group fitness class for my entire life.  I started off with group sports, then transitioned to yoga classes and kickboxing classes and – most recently – the Les Mills classes.  I’m passionate for exercise and fitness, and, looking back, I realize I have been my whole life.  I just didn’t realize it.  Because it was just what I did, a part of my life, my routine.

It’s what I reach for when I need a boost, a happiness fix.  Exercise is my comfort food.  When I feel stressed and irritated and at loose ends, I want to teach a BodyStep class or hop on my bike and hit the W&OD trail.

So after my BodyStep certification, I started feeling the itch to add to my repertoire.  If BodyStep is my first, true love, then RPM is my grittier, indoor cycling, alter-ego.  So I decided that the time was NOW – not later – to go for what I love, and I signed up for the RPM initial training.

I spent this past weekend learning all the ins and outs of RPM, technique, coaching, connecting, and – finally – presenting a track to the group.  Twice.

Even though it wasn’t the first time I’ve taught, I felt that familiar wave of nauseau in my stomach before it was my turn to present.  My heart thumped I can’t do it, I can’t do it, I can’t do it.

But that bigger part of me wanted that 6 out of 6 on my final evaluation.  I visualized seeing a giant X in that PASS – CLEARED TO INSTRUCT box.

And I did it.  I pushed passed that fear, remembered what it is I do best as an instructor, weaved in my new technique, and made myself proud.

I got that 6 out of 6.  But this is just the start.  Over the next 60 days, I need to team teach and practice and work up to taping myself for my video assessment.  I’m nervous.  But more than nervous, I’m excited.  I can’t wait to bring my love for RPM to the classes at my gyms.  And I can’t wait to make myself proud.