I want to empower and encourage people to exercise regularly, especially given the rising obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles. My group fitness classes draw a fascinating array of participants. Each participant is an individual and it is my job to honor and to meet them at their level, health status and ability. This is no easy task especially since classes are big these days.
An hour class zips by and there is so much for me to notice with each person – form, alignment, body awareness, muscular imbalances, weaknesses, stress, mood, attitude, posture, stamina, energy, endurance – the list goes on. These things are never static – always in flux. I ask that each person – pay attention to all of the above. It is much to ask.
It is the striving part of some participants that often worries me. The part – perfectionist and striving, who hurriedly and impatiently pushes him or herself without paying attention, being mindful, rarely satisfied with where he or she is in the moment, the here and now. The striver has trouble finding a balance. It is an all or nothing approach to them. The element of discovery, adventure and fun is missing. Sometimes the workout has to hurt for them to believe that they have worked out adequately. Still not satisfied until they feel, “the burn.”
They have missed the point entirely. It is all about the feelings and sensations in the mind and body during each moment in the entire class – being fully present in the body – entirely awake and aware. It is about creating and finding the connection – the bridge between the mind and the body. Not to numb out and to disconnect – but to be connected and whole.
