Our story begins in 1984 when my friend introduced me to group fitness. We have not finished the book yet.
I have offered a fitness class in our small town (population 600) for 25 years. This is as a volunteer. The nearest fitness facility is 20 miles away, so our local class has lasted because of the loyalty of our group. there are 15 of us that have been exercising together since the start. It is amazing how close we have all become. These women are committed to me so I am committed to giving them a quality workout each time we meet. There are probably 20 people who come to class every now and then. I have been told many times that whether they are a person the is at class 3 times a week or 3 times a year they always feel welcome and always are able to get a good workout and learn something new. There is a free will donation. No records are kept of who pays, or who attends. The donations have enabled us to pay rent for our room and buy some group fitness equipment like steps, weights, etc. The Farmington Community center has been our home for many years.
I discovered Cathe F. many years ago. Her no nonsense, athletic and safe presentations have been a great motivation to me as I put together my own fitness offerings. The variety I have seen her offer over the years has really appealed to what my gals have wanted. No hollywood star fluff. Only current, ever changing, and effective exercise that I can get ideas for my beginners and my advanced gals. Great cueing, great breakdowns of the workouts.
I have been a member of IDEA for many, many years. Of course not profiting, I am unable to attend conventions or things like that, so I rely on my continuing education from many sources that I can access from home. IDEA cec’s , American College of Sports Medicine, local physical therapists, county extension services, etc. Plus, being able to watch and learn from people like Cathe F. have given all of us here a lifelong love of fitness.
(In September 2006, Joy Keller, an editor of the IDEA Fitness Journal, did an article on our group called RURAL REWARDS. You cannot imagine how thrilled we all were to see our story told!)
This is a great story. It’s good to hear a story like this every now and then where an instructor benefits. I’m sure the women treasure you and your class–since it’s the only one miles away. Things tend to mean more. I also love the fact that you use the donations to get equipment and things that make the class better. I know how hard it is to get to a convention, workshop, etc. and I’m in a major metropolian area.
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
This is an awesome story and one I would love to live up to. You are a huge inspiration to all of us.