I already know that I’m going to be all sorts of confused about what day it is today. I started the day by teaching my first Tuesday morning class, and it will be my first week without Two A Day Tuesday classes to look forward to tonight because last week was my final Tuesday night class!
I created a special good-bye playlist, and it was a huge hit:
I also told my regulars they could request whatever they wanted for the last class. I received requests for circuits, typical “Athena-esque” cardio blasts, partner moves, my favorite exercises, and as many awkward exercises as I could think of. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to squeeze all of this into only an hour, but somehow I did. After our warmup, I taught two mini circuits that consisted of some of my favorite moves to teach in a group exercise setting:
Circuit 1
- Chest press with leg lifts (12)
- Squats with halos (12 total)
- Straight leg dumbbell crunch to toes (15)
Circuit 2
- Wide grip bent over rows (3 pulses + 1 row = 1 rep, 12 times)
- Lying stability ball hamstring curls (15)
- Weighted standing windmills (10 each side)
We did three sets of these, and I put two minutes of fast feet, jumping jacks, and jump rope in between. If you are looking for a 30 minute workout, this took us right to our halfway point and may be a good one to try.
I then moved on to some partner work:
One of my favorite ways to incorporate partner work in classes is to have one partner squat while holding an exercise band around their partner’s waist. The partner with the band around them then does moves like jabs, hook punches, upper cuts, high knees, and burpees for a designated amount of time, working against the resistance of the band. I also had the members do high five pushups together. You didn’t think I’d teach my last class without any burpees or pushups, did you?!
After the partner work, we had about 15 minutes left, so we busted through my ten favorite awkward exercises that I’ve dubbed “awk move of the night” in past classes. Everyone was laughing a LOT during this part of class, so we got an extra ab workout! I plan to dedicate a whole separate post to these awk moves, so you’ll have to stay tuned until my next Awk Spot post. Any guesses on what the awkward exercises were?!
I ended class with a plank hold, obviously.
The best part of the night was after class though. I said my last good-bye, thanked everyone, and put my weights away, only to turn back and find a setup of presents just sitting in my spot. I was very surprised to see a giant pinata in the shape of a two (for Two A Day), a thank you balloon, and two bottles of wine waiting for me. My gym friends sure are quick and sneaky!
How amazing is it that the two was accidentally backwards? Makes it even more fantastic. My friends also had as many class members as they could pull aside sign a goodbye/thank you card for me before class started. I couldn’t read this in person without getting sappy, but I felt so happy and appreciated after reading these notes at home.
These class members are so AWESOME AND NICE. Things like this are why I teach and do what I do.
When I got home, I posted the following Facebook status:
And I really meant every word of it! Two A Day is where I met all my gym friends, and I couldn’t be more thankful for them.
Liz, who has taught Kickboxing before my Interval class for years, brought me a separate goodbye gift that consisted of TWO to do lists (because we are both neurotic and Type A), TWO pieces of fruit, an iTunes gift card for new class music, and the playlist that she created especially for me that night in Kickboxing. So sweet!
Thank you to everyone who made my last class so special! I feel so loved. You’re all awesome.
–Let’s chat–
When’s the last time someone or a group of people did something really nice for you?
I’m off to work! Today is an exciting day because it’s our first farm share delivery. I can’t wait to see what produce gets delivered right to my desk. Have a good one!
Aww I can imagine you are a huge motivator during your classes! They will surely miss you! Maybe they will switch to the morning 🙂
Thanks so much, Heather. I did get a few already who made the switch. Great feeling!
I was happy to sneak in a workout with you this am! Sweaty and fun! Thanks!
You’re welcome, Liz!
I think it’s awesome that you have been surrounded by such wonderful people. It’s truly great to see their generosity and how much they enjoyed your classes. I just had a going away part from my job and got a few fun gifts as well. It’s a great feeling to know people care about you!
The Y crowd is definitely wonderful. I love the community there!
All that kindness must mean you were doing a GREAT job! Congrats on a good Tuesday night run, you definitely made a difference in those students’ lives 🙂
Thanks so much, Alison!
That is SO sweet and I love your final playlist. Too cute!! I feel the same way about my regulars in my BODYPUMP class on Monday and Wednesday!
The playlist was fun. Bye Bye Bye was a crowd favorite! I bet your regulars love you too. 🙂
Aww that’s all so cute!! I’m sure they’ll miss you tons…I would love to take one of your classes some day!
I would love to have you in class, Steph! Let me know – I can snag you a free pass anytime. 🙂
What a fun way to say farewell to teaching a class – I’m sure that any class you teach is super amazing and fun!! Sweet of your class to leave you some gifts!!!
It was just the best night. 🙂
A great group of gym friends! You are all so lucky to have each other!
Definitely!
That is so sweet!!! You’ve got such a nice group of followers (and friends) there- I love that Y so much! And I love the workouts- you’re so lucky to have so much equipment!
Thanks, Monique! I agree I am very lucky! Can’t wait for the gym get togethers this weekend.