Here I am with my first Silver Sneakers class, last Monday! This was incredibly meaningful to me, on so many levels.
As you may know, I’ve spent my career in another line of work, communications/PR. For most of my life I was overweight, had low self-esteem, was a yo-yo dieter and couldn’t stick to an exercise program. My weight has fluctuated by nearly 100 pounds over the years. But eight years ago I’d had enough. Even though I was over 40 I decided to try once again. This time I pushed through, didn’t give up, and finally found success and a whole new me! Read: My weight loss story
Fitness made such a difference in my life and I was so grateful to God for that, that it made me want to “give back” and see if I maybe could help others. I enrolled in a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) course. It was really difficult for me and took a long time because I was working full-time and had no educational or work background in physical fitness. The material and the amount of studying required completely intimidated me. But I refused to give up, kept working at it over a period of three years, and earned my CPT credential. Tears streamed down my face when I passed that test.
At that point, I found out about Silver Sneakers. When I looked into it and saw how positive and wonderful it is to work with older adults, I knew I wanted in!
While my CPT made me eligible to teach Silver Sneakers, I wanted additional training specific to leading groups. In 2016, I studied for six more months and became certified as a Group Fitness Instructor through the American Council on Exercise, then as a Senior Fitness Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I attended Silver Sneakers instructor workshops. Also during this time I left my job at the University to return to self-employment, giving me the flexibility needed to begin teaching.
I worked for months writing and choreographing my first program. I learned how to cue, and how to mirror (to lead the class while facing them, which means that ‘left’ and ‘right’ is opposite for the instructor. Try that — it’s hard!). I practiced at home in my fitness room for sometimes hours at a time.
Last week, all of the years of personal struggle, the studying, the work, came together as I taught my first class. I can’t even put into words beyond this what it meant to me.
It went great, and I can definitely say that I’m off to a good start. The members and staff at this gym are wonderful and have warmly welcomed me, which made doing this for the first time fun and not so scary.
Thanks to fitness and healthy eating, I have gotten better with age and can live life to the fullest. I am so excited to now help others do the same and live their best life!
©Michelle Rogers, Inc.
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Kimberly Hatting says
February 13, 2017 at 7:44 amCongrats! You’ve had a great journey and this new adventure seems like it will be great for you!
Michelle Rogers says
February 13, 2017 at 7:42 pmThanks, Kim! 🙂
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
February 13, 2017 at 8:05 amI’d love to participate in teaching something like that Silver Sneakers class. How rewarding that must be to get those seniors moving!
Michelle Rogers says
February 13, 2017 at 7:42 pmYou would be so great with that!!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
February 13, 2017 at 9:18 amCongrats on a great first class! Here’s to many many more!
Michelle Rogers says
February 13, 2017 at 7:41 pmThank you so much, Kathryn! 🙂
Rachel says
February 13, 2017 at 9:21 amHow exciting! Congrats!!
Michelle Rogers says
February 13, 2017 at 7:40 pmThanks, Rachel!
Katie Shepherd says
February 13, 2017 at 10:13 amOh I love this post! I teach fitness classes three days a week but mostly cardio/strength training. I have always wanted to get certified, but it’s pretty expensive. I have the knowledge and experience teaching my class, but could always be more educated. I love my job! We have a Silver Hearts class at my gym like your Silver Sneakers!
Michelle Rogers says
February 13, 2017 at 7:40 pmThank you so much, Katie!! I love that name, Silver Hearts!
Gina says
February 13, 2017 at 11:25 amA huge congratulations! You pushed through and I bet those seniors were over the moon for you as well! Great job!
Michelle Rogers says
February 13, 2017 at 7:39 pmThank you so much, Gina!!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
February 13, 2017 at 12:09 pmThis is so awesome, Michelle!! Congrats!!
Michelle Rogers says
February 13, 2017 at 7:38 pmThanks, Nicole! 🙂
Elaine @myRUNexperiment says
February 13, 2017 at 4:19 pmAmazing – your hard work and persistence paid off. Giving back is such a rewarding experience. Congratulations on your first successful class and in starting a new chapter of your life.
Michelle Rogers says
February 13, 2017 at 7:38 pmThank you so much, Elaine!
Jenn says
February 13, 2017 at 6:14 pmCongratulations! You sound really excited about the next step in your journey and I’m so glad you found your passion! Best of luck to you with this endeavor!
Michelle Rogers says
February 13, 2017 at 7:37 pmThank you so much, Jenn! 🙂
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
February 13, 2017 at 7:11 pmCongrats! Thats an awesome accomplishment and so great that you were able to make so many positive changes in your life.
Michelle Rogers says
February 13, 2017 at 7:36 pmThank you, Lisa!
Anna @ Pipers Run says
February 13, 2017 at 8:07 pmCongrats on teaching your first class! What an accomplishment! Hope you continue to teach the class.
Michelle Rogers says
February 14, 2017 at 5:55 amThank you, Anna!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
February 13, 2017 at 8:33 pmI did not know you had such an epic weight loss story! You are a great inspiration to your students
Michelle Rogers says
February 14, 2017 at 5:56 amThank you so much, Deborah!
MCM Mama Runs says
February 13, 2017 at 8:59 pmWow! You put in a lot of work to get there. Congrats on a great first class!
Michelle Rogers says
February 14, 2017 at 5:56 amThanks so much! 🙂
Coco says
February 13, 2017 at 9:49 pmCongratulations! I know my mother-in-law appreciates being able to find fitness classes geared for older people — especially when the instructors are informed and educated!
Michelle Rogers says
February 14, 2017 at 5:59 amThank you so much, Coco! Kudos to your mother-in-law for staying active and going to classes — it makes such a big difference in quality of life!
Richard Friesen says
February 14, 2017 at 10:17 pmI am happy that you are going to a new chapter of your life. Wish you all the best and hope you enjoy your new journey.
Mary Beth Jackson says
February 15, 2017 at 4:11 amCongrats to you! This is awesome! I have worked in LTC for 25 years- it is a great population to work with. Keep them healthy! Love it! 🙂
Michelle Rogers says
February 15, 2017 at 5:36 amThank you, Mary Beth! 🙂