Now that I have had a day or so two unwind and deal with a bout of post traumatic stress, I will try and collect my scattered thoughts and tell you how my group exercise instruction class went. You will have to forgive my scattered thoughts because I tend to sort of black out when it comes to extremely nerve racking social situations but...well let's just say it was just like this nice video below.... x100.
Yes, it was just like this, and in no way am I exaggerating. Not only did I expect Richard Simmons to prance into class at any second, the teacher would randomly select students to teach by pulling them up front, stripping them of their dignity, and strapping a michrophone to their head. I was terrified, and was sure I would freeze like a deer in the headlights if I was selected. My head felt like it was being squeezed by a vice, my heart was pounding, and my stomach created a boyscout knot in my intestines. I could feel sweat start to pool in my armpits, and the "flight or fight" response was in overdrive. My eyes remained fixed on the clock, and the glowing exit sign over the doorway. I didn't think the class was ever going to end.
Finally, we took our last awkward dance steps and the world's longest class came to an end. I somehow made it through 4 hours without being selected to teach but I was not out of the woods yet. While the instructor found a way to keep us even longer than 4 hours, she warned us that we would all be teaching the class next Friday and to be prepared. All of us? Me? Teach the class in aerobic dance? Are you freaking kidding me? I would feel dumb doing aerobic dance exercise by myself in a dark room let alone in front of 35 people.
I am trying to think of ways to stay positive. I know that I am not the only one that is afraid of looking like a dumbass...and eventually we will move on to other forms of group exercise...like aqua aerobics..so basically it is dance aerobics only instead of feeling exposed and naked up front teaching a class..you are already pretty much naked...oh yes don't be jealous. The only upside I can think of at this moment is that eventually we will get to learning how to teach spinning. This, I think I can handle...but who knows when that will be. Good Lord what did I get myself into? How am I going to survive the rest of the semester?
That is insane!! I'm glad you survived that grueling class :)
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Yes GOOD LORD...before you go to class pray that God will give you courage, strength and wisdom to get through it. Take your worries to Him and let Him intervene. It works for me. xoxo M.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine how I would feel, especially since I'm not a great dancer, although I can get by. When you perpare for next week, and you should think of what you are going to do, you can figure every other person in that class is terrified too.
ReplyDeleteOne thing to think about is making it fun, and perhaps even a little silly, because that will relax everybody, including you. Think of funny things to say with each step or excercise that you want to direct people to do. If you can relase your terror, you will also help release theirs. For example, have them pretend to be taking a field sobriety test with a music beat. Walk the line, arms out, touch the right finger to the nose, then touch the left finger to the nose, step heal to toes, then back but do it with the rythum of the music. It will help you to have fun, and before you know it, they will all be doing it with you. Sounds silly I know, but it will be something different. Say a prayer for confidence first and just try and have fun. I know you can do it!