Let the Fat Girl Stand by the Fan

Written By: Kim - Mar• 09•11

Most of you know one of my New Year’s Resolutions was to get healthier and back in to shape. I take Zumba classes three times a week; yoga three times a week and family boot camp once a week. For those of us who are mathematically challenged this equals seven days.

I am understanding the routines. Noticing familiar faces. Actually getting the names straight of my instructors. My efforts are working: I’ve lost six pounds, my recovery time after a workout is less than it used to be and I look a little leaner than before. Best of all: my clothes are fitting better.

The Zumba classes at my local gym are packed. My schedule dictates that I go to the last aerobics class of the night, which starts at 7:45 pm. I see the collective head shaking and the “I can’t go that late to the gym” look on your faces. But this works for me and I have been faithful for almost two and a half months.

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The gym has set up six or seven fans in the aerobics room, which can comfortably fit 40+ people in a class. This class is not for the faint of heart: you will work out; you will sweat; you will move until you are almost exhausted. I generally get to class on time, which means I have the pick of where I stand in the room. I position myself by the fans. I drink a ton of water each day and I sweat. A lot. To top it off, I am experiencing signs of perimenopause. I am not one of those lovely ladies at the gym who look like they stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine. It’s not pretty, so I like to be by the fan.

Since opposites attract, the skinny girls always seem to gravitate toward me. Maybe it’s because I smile or maybe it’s because standing by me makes them look just a little thinner. Whatever the reason, when the fan goes on, they will eventually turn to me and say, “Do you mind if I turn this off?” or “Can I point this in another direction?”

Yes, I mind and hell no you can’t turn the fan in another direction. It takes a lot of effort to move this body and the sweating is not pretty.

Go stand somewhere else and let the fat girl stand by the fan. That’s why I am here.

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What Kind of Corporate Cheerleader Are You?

Written By: Kim - Jan• 30•11

Since I am one month in to my fitness commitment for 2011, I have noticed that I prefer to take classes over the treadmill. I am not exactly sure why: It could be that the classes are commitment of 55 minutes and to leave early is the walk of shame. Perhaps I find it more interesting learning a new skill: yoga, zumba, fitness bootcamp or cardio mix. Perhaps it’s because the instructor is encouraging me during the class. Cheerleading goes a long way in the battle of the bulge.

For the most part, all of the instructors I have encountered are extremely outgoing and positive people. They welcome the class; ask for beginners, show options and constantly shout out encouragements such as: “you guys are doing great; we’re halfway there; 30 more seconds” and so on. Trust me: for a middle-aged–I-have-not-worked-out-in -15-years Mom, “30 more seconds” can make you feel like you accomplished something or you failed to finish. It’s good to know where you stand.

The cardio mix instructor I took class from this last Saturday was quite busy directing the class (think the old step classes). Whenever she could, she did shout out an encouraging word. But when I compare her to the other instructors, she seemed lacking. Honestly, I don’t think it was her; I just think the nature of the class requires constant direction.

This made me wonder: What kind of corporate cheerleader am I?

  • Am I the kind of boss who offers regular encouragement?
  • Do I let my staff know I value not only the work they do, but their insights and opinions?
  • Do I communicate clearly so my staff understands my expectations so I provide an atmosphere where they will succeed?
  • Do I give them the glory when things go well and do I accept responsibility for their choices if it does not?
  • Does my staff know me well enough to know how I will react and what choice I would make if I am unavailable?
  • Am I the kind of boss that continually encourages the folks in the room or am I too busy giving directions to remember to motivate them along the way?

Think about it. What kind of boss do you want? What kind of corporate cheerleader do you want to be?

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