Week includes all sorts of new experiences — and a freak injury

I have a lot to share in this week’s wrap-up!

My first cycling group

A local community organization called Mebane on the Move started a cycling group for new riders, which was perfect for me! I joined in on the first ride — 12 miles in the countryside on a very warm Saturday morning. It was awesome, and just the right amount of challenge for me.

This was my first time riding in a group. It was great to be able to learn from an experienced rider, and to ride more safely by being in a group rather than alone on the road.

A wet birthday at the beach

The weather was sunny and warm, and perfect for a beach day — at home. The beach is a few hours’ drive east. I wish I’d checked the weather report beforehand, because literally as soon as we got there it started raining…and it didn’t stop the entire time we were there! Turns out, the tropical storm in Florida was affecting coastal areas further north, sooner than anticipated. Oh well, a rainy day at the beach is still better than no day at the beach, in my book!

A present that rocks

While the beach trip was pretty much a wash-out, my hubby surprised me with a wonderful birthday present — a large, portable, wireless bluetooth speaker I can use for my fitness classes! There are separate volume controls for the music and for the mic. I will do a complete review of this product later, but for now I’ll just say it’s PERFECT and I LOVE IT!! We’ve been using it with our phones to listen to music and the radio at home and really enjoying it.

Preparing to teach my first fitness classes

I’ve set the date to sit for my exam for the American Council on Exercise’s Group Fitness Instructor certification. It’s in less than three weeks, so it’s crunch time for studying!

I also attended my first Silver Sneakers instructor workshop. To start, I am learning the Classic format, which is about increasing strength, flexibility and agility. The goal is to help older adults be successful with their activities of daily living, as well as to provide a positive, fun social experience. Silver Sneakers is a fitness program available through many Medicare plans and offers members access to gyms and classes at no additional charge to them. I’m excited to be a part of it and thought this would be a great way to begin the fitness part of my career and to help others.

A preventable, painful fall!

Above is the innocent-looking site of my fall this week, that resulted in a painful injury I’m still smarting from. I was wearing my running socks and suddenly slipped on a slippery spot on the wood floor in the living room. I fell on my left side, hitting the table, on my arm and ribs. It was a close call — I am bruised but fortunately not broken.

A fall out-of-the-blue like this at home is something you just don’t think about, but it can happen to anyone. This was a freak accident — our floor is not waxed, or otherwise particularly slippery. I think that perhaps some Endust got on the floor in that spot when we dusted the table a few weeks ago. That’s the only explanation I can think of for this.

But regardless, from now on, in the house I will only wear socks that have grips on the bottom. They’re easy to find. I already had a pair like these that are for barre/yoga; and I also found some very soft and comfy ones called “spa socks with treads” by Dr. Scholl’s. I really wanted to pass along this very simple but important safety tip!

Add me on Snapchat

I am now on Snapchat (it’s not exactly the most intuitive app, is it?). If you’re on there, please add me! My username is michelledrogers.

Back to business

And finally, the biggest news in my personal and professional life is that I’m leaving the university to return to my communications business full-time. I’ve had my own firm (Michelle Rogers, Inc.) for many years, and am excited to work with clients.

So, my summer is going to be super busy ramping up my business and preparing to teach, but I’m thrilled to be able to fulfill both of these goals. Full steam ahead!

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

©Michelle Rogers, Inc.