Ready for Recess

by Analisa Naldi

It is no secret that in a perfect world we would all do what we love. Some of us would workout three times a day, take naps and eat in between. Others would travel the world, taste every type of food, and write a review, or simply write our name on the wall somewhere. And then there are those who’d work, in an office, on a private jet, from a luxurious hotel room, wherever, but they’d work every minute, of every day, getting minimal rest and maximum results. So, why is the statement “Do what you love” plastered everywhere?

After writing the burpee recap last month, I received a lot of funny feedback. Some asked why? Others just asked if we are just a little crazy. The answers were, why not? And, of course, we are. But, I found myself repeatedly answering with the following statement: “Our job is the perfect combination of my favorite class and recess." In my favorite class, I have a fabulous teacher (in this case, co-workers, clients, practical experience), a curriculum that entices me on a regular basis (our ever-changing world of exercises, health, and fitness), and an environment that facilitates me to be myself and be the best person that I can be all at once (FIT). In conjunction, being fortunate enough to play on the best team during recess (our highly qualified staff) enables me to be constantly challenged, play harder, play smarter, with each day being different, fun, and adventurous.

One of the most unique qualities about the environment at FIT is that not only is our staff knowledgeable, passionate, and, dedicated, but we all love to be here. While we have a very positive team dynamic, the fact that we all genuinely enjoy our job is due to the combination of what we do each day and who we do it with. Our clientele is a one-of-a-kind. We have an ex-Olympic water polo player at age 60 doing pull-ups next to a 40-year old housemother doing leg raises. On the platforms behind, we have a couple, married for 15+ years, performing the Olympic-style weightlifting they’ve just learned, focusing on their technique, versus competing with each other. After completion of a set, they high-five each other, ask a question or two of their coach, and continue with their workout.

Does the demographic here really matter? Do their individual levels and years of gym experience really matter? Nope. What really matters is that people come to FIT to learn how to safely and correctly implement functional movements into their daily regimens. They show up and they do their thing.

This is not meant to imply that upon entering the door, each person is overcome with a sense of happiness and peace, ready to sit by the campfire and sing Kumbaya. What this means is that this facility is a place where education, experience, raw emotion, and effort collide to create an unparalleled entity.

Now, taking it back to “doing what you love.” Personally, I love what I do. This is not a secret. I love the physical demands of my day. I love the personal interactions with every type of person you can imagine, day in and day out. I love that I never know how many times I will be cursed at and then thanked within the same hour. But, most of all, I love that not everyone that comes through the doors of FIT loves and wants to workout.

Some walk through those doors because they’ve dedicated their energy to becoming healthier. Some walk through those doors because someone at home threatened to change the locks if they didn’t. Some walk through those doors because they simply need to use the bathroom. Whatever the reason, they walk through the door, which means we are given the chance, even with just a “hello,” to share a bit of us with them.

I’ve finally figured out that is one of the biggest reasons why I love my days at FIT. We never know who is going to walk through that door. Therefore, we are always on point, always ready for what will be thrown into the fire, always ready for that pop quiz, (think: favorite class). At the same time, we all practice what we preach. This not only includes visual cueing, demonstrating the exercise we’re teaching, and doing push-ups every time the bell rings, but also possessing a sense of team, unity, and friendship that is strong and family-like. Now, we’re back to the playground at recess.

So, whatever way you look at it; favorite class, recess, your gym, that dreaded place in which you have to sweat twice or three times per week, the point is you’re here. You are a part of this. And for that, I thank you.