Give them roots and wings

Today I went for my second Piloxing class. I like it because it has a good mix of aerobic exercise and stretching. I was looking for a way to exercise in this haze weather, and a friend happened to mention it to me.

I learnt two things. Firstly, learning a new thing, especially a class like this (where you stand in front of the mirror, facing 10 other ladies and an instructor who looks gracious in every one of her moves) makes you look stupid, is embarrassing and so is the best way to learn to overcome fear and self-consciousness and shed some pride.

There are two things which my body cannot do. First, I cannot balance on my left leg. Second, I cannot co-ordinate my arms and legs. As I stood there, falling over, and sticking my right arm and legs out at the same time, looking and feeling really stupid, I thought to myself :”I can’t do this!” Immediately another voice replied:”And that is why you are in this class”.

Ok, you can’t argue with that. If I can do it, I would either be standing in front as an instructor, or learning something else.

Secondly, you should keep doing something till you have mastered it. Once you have mastered it, you should move on to something else. I was there, aching at the exercises, and wondering : Why hasn’t it gotten easier? (Ok, this is just my second class. I should be more patient than that). That voice came again :”Once it becomes easy for you, it would be time for you to go sign up for another class.”

Ok, that makes sense too. Unless it challenges me, it will not help me grow.

I noticed that at the micro- level too. By the time my body figured out the steps for a set (left arm left, right arm forward, right leg right, left leg back, then flip! Shuffle!), and is doing them comfortably, she has changed the moves! I find myself playing catch up every minute.

I must say, that I really like our instructor. She is funny and gentle, she pushes us yet encourages us. She is excellent in managing the energy level of the class. She doesn’t know it, but I am secretly learning tips from her about how to lead a group game.

I am glad I am doing this. It is nearly impossible for us to grow without a coach – someone who would push us beyond what we are comfortable with doing, who does not care as much about our comfort as our growth. So piloxing it is, for this season.