Ups and downs
This mornings workout I started to feel a little like my old self.
Still being careful coming back, but opened up a little today and it felt good. Same problem as yesterday the gym was heaving at 7.30am so had to use the smaller gym and there is less weight.
A1. Shoulder press 14x20, 16x15 18x12, 20x10, 24x8, 26x5
A2. Seated bicep curls 10x20, 12x15 14x12, 16x10, 18x8, 18x5
B1. Front raise (Plate) 10x12, 15x12 15x12, 15x12
B2. Ez curls 7.5 EE x12, 7.5 EE x1, 7.5 EE x12, 7.5 EE x12
C1. Lateral raises 12x12, 12x12 12x12, 12x12
C2. Hammer curls 12x12, 18x12 20x12, 20x12
Loved the workout today. I meant to do a series of 400s and AMRAP but I'm going to move them into tomorrow's cardio session to give my achilles a chance to settle down.
This was definitely one of the up elements of today.
One of the downers happened at lunchtime.
I'm a stickler for people turning up to my classes on time. To me it's an integrity issue. If I'm going to someone's class I arrive 10 minutes early and set myself up. If I've never done the class before it gives me a chance to talk to the instructor and find out if the format will work for my body, and implement any adaptations I might need.
Today I taught a circuit class.
I've never taught circuits in the conventional way where you set up stations round the room. As a particpant it's never worked for me. The weights are invariably set at a level for the class and are always too light to be effective.
So I teach my circuit like a bodypump, everyone has their own station and works with the right weights for their ability. I periodise all my classes so they progress and it very rare that I repeat any class more than once a quarter, because it evolves.
Now the problem comes when new people join.
First they have their own set ideas of what a circuit class should be, and mine doesn't look like that. Even though the exercises are all structured into circuits.
They've also historically told me that I don't warm the class up correctly because I don't do a 'dancey' warmup... again a correct warm up will prepare your body for the exercises you're about to do, so unless we are about to start dancing round the room, that type of warm up is almost worthless in my class. If we are going to do squats, then we use squats as a warmup.
So today the class is set up, 1200 arrives and I start the class as normal; I make a habit of starting exactly on time.
Class participants start drifting in a minute or two late, obviously disrupting the people already working and who know what they are meant to do.
Then more people drift in 3-4 minutes late. We are doing a 3 exercise circuit repeated as many times as possible in 10 minutes, so I'm not too concerned.
Then more people drift in around 5-7 minutes.
Tongue in cheek I tell them that they are disrespecting me, and that they've earned the right to burpees for being late.
At this point a woman approaches me in the middle of the class (the 7 minute late person, and a newcomer), and tells me I'm unprofessional and she is leaving. She arrived 7 minutes late having no idea what to do, then sees that as my fault.
I tell her that her choice, and focus on the rest of the class.
Great class, everyone kicked it hard, lots of banter back and forth for 45 minutes... and I'd like to think people walked out feeling pleased with their effort.
Afterwards I'm standing waiting for my personal training client and the woman that left approaches me...
This is as close as I can remember to the conversation:
"I left your class today."
"That's ok."
"I left your class today because when you had a go at us for being late and said we were disrespecting you I found that highly unprofessional."
"I'm sorry you feel that way. I had no intention of offend you personally. It's my job to get the class motivated and focussed on working out. I've been teaching a very long time and this approach has always worked. It obviously doesn't for you."
"I don't care if it works, you are unprofessional and shouldn't be teaching. I've complained to your manager and you will dealt with. I will never go to any of your classes."
"I'm sorry you feel that way."
.... at which point she continued being an arsehole for at least another couple of minutes.
Now then let's deal with this self important idiot.
Firstly a class starts at a certain time. Before it starts I brief everyone on whats expected, what we are trying to achieve and what today's goal is. Lay the room out safely and screen any injuries or ask if there are any special considerations.
By the time the class starts, it's done.
The class has started. The room is safe and everyone knows what they are doing.
3 people walk in late. They set their stations up. Usually disrupting everyone around them. Getting too close or forcing themselves into spaces that don't exist.
Then they stand there clueless as to what's going on, and I have to brief them separately.
Screen them separately. Taking my focus off the people that have done nothing but turn up on time.
Now repeat that for the next 5 minutes. Over and over.
Who is the inconsiderate one now?
In my karate days I was late once in 2 years. I entered, bowed and knelt by the door until the Sensei acknowledged me and invited me to join the class. I didn't have the right to just walk in, because it was disrespectful to my teacher and the other students.
When I taught at university I locked the door when the lecture started. My students knew they had to be there early and ready to start, no exceptions.
So from a customer service perspective I tried to diffuse the situation. I apologised for unintentionally offending her. Which is the truth. My style is very bootcamp hard ass, if you're too sensitive, go to another class, thats not me (in that context).
Now what do you do if someone continues insulting you... intentionally?
I'm smarting from this a bit.
Luckily I kept quiet although I was seething.
My question to her would have been... I didn't intentionally offend you, but your words are offensive to me, is this your intention?
My background isn't forgiving of idiots, it's rough. If you're insulted you return the favour x100, you go so far beyond reasonable, that people do not search you out because it's not worth it.
Today I smiled. Hoping that karma does the job for me.
Living in a world where you get that angry... I don't live there.
Funnily enough writing it down is my therapy...
Still being careful coming back, but opened up a little today and it felt good. Same problem as yesterday the gym was heaving at 7.30am so had to use the smaller gym and there is less weight.
A1. Shoulder press 14x20, 16x15 18x12, 20x10, 24x8, 26x5
A2. Seated bicep curls 10x20, 12x15 14x12, 16x10, 18x8, 18x5
B1. Front raise (Plate) 10x12, 15x12 15x12, 15x12
B2. Ez curls 7.5 EE x12, 7.5 EE x1, 7.5 EE x12, 7.5 EE x12
C1. Lateral raises 12x12, 12x12 12x12, 12x12
C2. Hammer curls 12x12, 18x12 20x12, 20x12
Loved the workout today. I meant to do a series of 400s and AMRAP but I'm going to move them into tomorrow's cardio session to give my achilles a chance to settle down.
This was definitely one of the up elements of today.
One of the downers happened at lunchtime.
I'm a stickler for people turning up to my classes on time. To me it's an integrity issue. If I'm going to someone's class I arrive 10 minutes early and set myself up. If I've never done the class before it gives me a chance to talk to the instructor and find out if the format will work for my body, and implement any adaptations I might need.
Today I taught a circuit class.
I've never taught circuits in the conventional way where you set up stations round the room. As a particpant it's never worked for me. The weights are invariably set at a level for the class and are always too light to be effective.
So I teach my circuit like a bodypump, everyone has their own station and works with the right weights for their ability. I periodise all my classes so they progress and it very rare that I repeat any class more than once a quarter, because it evolves.
Now the problem comes when new people join.
First they have their own set ideas of what a circuit class should be, and mine doesn't look like that. Even though the exercises are all structured into circuits.
They've also historically told me that I don't warm the class up correctly because I don't do a 'dancey' warmup... again a correct warm up will prepare your body for the exercises you're about to do, so unless we are about to start dancing round the room, that type of warm up is almost worthless in my class. If we are going to do squats, then we use squats as a warmup.
So today the class is set up, 1200 arrives and I start the class as normal; I make a habit of starting exactly on time.
Class participants start drifting in a minute or two late, obviously disrupting the people already working and who know what they are meant to do.
Then more people drift in 3-4 minutes late. We are doing a 3 exercise circuit repeated as many times as possible in 10 minutes, so I'm not too concerned.
Then more people drift in around 5-7 minutes.
Tongue in cheek I tell them that they are disrespecting me, and that they've earned the right to burpees for being late.
At this point a woman approaches me in the middle of the class (the 7 minute late person, and a newcomer), and tells me I'm unprofessional and she is leaving. She arrived 7 minutes late having no idea what to do, then sees that as my fault.
I tell her that her choice, and focus on the rest of the class.
Great class, everyone kicked it hard, lots of banter back and forth for 45 minutes... and I'd like to think people walked out feeling pleased with their effort.
Afterwards I'm standing waiting for my personal training client and the woman that left approaches me...
This is as close as I can remember to the conversation:
"I left your class today."
"That's ok."
"I left your class today because when you had a go at us for being late and said we were disrespecting you I found that highly unprofessional."
"I'm sorry you feel that way. I had no intention of offend you personally. It's my job to get the class motivated and focussed on working out. I've been teaching a very long time and this approach has always worked. It obviously doesn't for you."
"I don't care if it works, you are unprofessional and shouldn't be teaching. I've complained to your manager and you will dealt with. I will never go to any of your classes."
"I'm sorry you feel that way."
.... at which point she continued being an arsehole for at least another couple of minutes.
Now then let's deal with this self important idiot.
Firstly a class starts at a certain time. Before it starts I brief everyone on whats expected, what we are trying to achieve and what today's goal is. Lay the room out safely and screen any injuries or ask if there are any special considerations.
By the time the class starts, it's done.
The class has started. The room is safe and everyone knows what they are doing.
3 people walk in late. They set their stations up. Usually disrupting everyone around them. Getting too close or forcing themselves into spaces that don't exist.
Then they stand there clueless as to what's going on, and I have to brief them separately.
Screen them separately. Taking my focus off the people that have done nothing but turn up on time.
Now repeat that for the next 5 minutes. Over and over.
Who is the inconsiderate one now?
In my karate days I was late once in 2 years. I entered, bowed and knelt by the door until the Sensei acknowledged me and invited me to join the class. I didn't have the right to just walk in, because it was disrespectful to my teacher and the other students.
When I taught at university I locked the door when the lecture started. My students knew they had to be there early and ready to start, no exceptions.
So from a customer service perspective I tried to diffuse the situation. I apologised for unintentionally offending her. Which is the truth. My style is very bootcamp hard ass, if you're too sensitive, go to another class, thats not me (in that context).
Now what do you do if someone continues insulting you... intentionally?
I'm smarting from this a bit.
Luckily I kept quiet although I was seething.
My question to her would have been... I didn't intentionally offend you, but your words are offensive to me, is this your intention?
My background isn't forgiving of idiots, it's rough. If you're insulted you return the favour x100, you go so far beyond reasonable, that people do not search you out because it's not worth it.
Today I smiled. Hoping that karma does the job for me.
Living in a world where you get that angry... I don't live there.
Funnily enough writing it down is my therapy...
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