Recently I have been asking the “why” question.
Why do I continue to teach classes when I have a demanding career?
The answer I keep coming back to is why not! It is my toastmasters, my EQ multiplier, my discipline, and it has massive positive effects on my emotional and physical well-being.
Group Fitness is one of the main ways people can build connections. Connection to themselves and to others. In some ways classes are a leveller.
This is a shoutout to the men that come to my classes. Actually, it’s a shoutout to all the men that go to any group fitness class.
Gentlemen I salute you!
A wee story….
Last Tuesday, Fitness First Mosman, Body Pump 5.30pm class
Warm-up track over, I press play on my iPhone, track 2,squat track and the song is DOA by the FooFighters (killer track), I turn up the volume, turn to the class and it hits me. There are around 15 men in the class. WOW 15 GUYS!
To put it in perspective, there are around 35 women which is significantly higher, you may be thinking that’s a lot of women but, to me, that is a lot of men and they are here to work hard, I can see it in their eyes and I can feel it from the energy in the room.
That moment sparked my intention for this post.
Over the past 12 months I have noticed a fairly consistent ratio of men to women in my classes and I have got to say RESPECT fellas!
Here are some of the reasons these guys deserve a high-five.
1. They see women as worthy opponents
Why shouldn’t men be in classes? We spend so much time talking about equality and this, in my opinion, is a small step towards what all feminists are on about. Classes are not for girls, they are really challenging and they also unite people in a world that is becoming more and more disconnected.
2. They respect and see how strong and determined women can be
These men come to classes, they work hard, sweat, keep going, even when they see women around them lifting heavier weights, running faster, pushing their limits.This actually inspires and challenges them to keep coming back without letting ego’s get in the way.
3. They go against the Status Quo
Spin it any way you want but there is still a stigma attached to group fitness that classes are for girls and men should be in the weights room working chest and biceps. I want to put this to the ladies out there, if you want equality in the workplace then make sure your taking note of your unconscious bias and the way they show up. Encourage men too!
The men that walk into classes go out of their comfort zone and for that I love them.
Maybe, just maybe, this is a small step towards putting men and women on an even playing field in society.
and finally
4. They see the results
I still get a WTF moment when I talk to people and they insinuate that classes are lame, too easy, for women. That is just not true and I have seen the positive impact that they have on health and mental well-being.
The men that come to classes usually end up as committed regulars!
Why you ask?
They do it because it works, they get motivated and share positive energy and in gym clothes often the corporate masks come off and connections form organically.
“without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible”
Frank Zappa
To the group fitness men of the world, please keep doing what you are doing. You are helping, even if just a wee bit, make a positive shift in the world.
Namaste,
Laura