Ride to get High

Today signifies five weeks since I started teaching spin at Xavier University. I teach once a week, every Friday afternoon, yet every class I leave with the same high I walked out with after teaching for the first time.

(This was after teaching my first spin class. I was so pumped I made a chocolate spinach protein shake and hastagged the photo on instagram "No need for drugs to get this high." ...I at least find my humor amusing)

I specifically wanted to become an instructor at Xavier because it’s a Jesuit school. Just like Gonzaga, where I graduated. If you aren’t familiar, a Jesuit education focuses on cura personalis. It’s education of the mind, body, and spirit. When I teach it’s not just about getting the students to burn a few calories, it’s about finding focus, and teaching them to appreciate themselves. It’s a workout for their body, mind and spirit.

I always thought I would enjoy being a physical fitness instructor, I love cheering people on, (I was in fact a cheerleader) and I love to motivate. However I didn’t imagine I would like it as much as I am.

As an instructor I am in front of the classroom. All eyes are on me. It makes me work harder. I am also more focused because I am in control of the workout. I have to know where we are in the ride, if we are going up a hill, increasing resistance, or doing some jumps. Before I know it, it’s time for a cool down. The hour class flies by.

I don’t want to change careers or anything like that. I am just enjoying the (stationary) ride.

#spin #cycle #xavier #curapersonalis #mindbodyandspirit