This past week was launch week at all the local gyms/clubs for the Les Mills programs. I am currently certified in Body Jam only, so my post will reflect the Jam launches I co-instructed. Although it was not during this week, the first launch I participated in was at the Skyline Sport & Health on Oct 9th. Here, I launched with Mindy and Elizabeth. Might I add how privileged I felt to be teaching alongside these two ladies. I used to be a participant in their classes, they have been extremely supportive in getting me through my Body Jam journey, and I see them as amazing mentors. Mindy started us off, I took on the Contemporary Rock block, Elizabeth rocked the French Electro Awesomeness block, and I came in for the groove down. We had a little under 30 participants; all were energetic and seemed to have fun. The only mishap was that the microphone did not like to sit on our heads. Regardless, I had a blast during this launch and we looked good! Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures from any of the launches this quarter. 😦
My next launch was last Monday with Red in her Gold’s Gym Annandale class. Yet another instructor I felt privileged teaching next to due to her awesomeness and continuous support. Prior to any launches, we all ordered Jam shirts that coincided with some lyrics from track 4. The front says “Natural Born Jammer” (should be hustler as in the lyrics but changed for the purpose of launch) and the back says “Certified Freak” (direct quote). We were able to wear them for this launch and they looked amazing!!! We had about 26 participants and they enjoyed themselves just as much as we did. I took first half and Red took second. A few small spots where we flubbed a few steps, but it went unnoticeable and we rocked it out. After class ended, Red surprised everyone with her announcement of “baby Red.” Yep, she’s having a baby! 😀 So excited for her and her husband, congrats to the two of them!!
An hour and half after launching with Red, I headed to the Arlington YMCA to launch in my own class. I know it is crazy to do 2 launches back to back, but it was lined up and I was there! Unfortunately, I was feeling the exhaustion from the earlier launch and it slightly affected my energy levels. I also had to launch by myself; no fun energy bouncing off of another instructor to help out in any way. I had a couple more flubs during this class than at the previous launch and it made me start to feel a bit awkward. Not good. I finished it out, but I felt I was dragging. The 11 participants did not seem to notice or be affected by my lack of energy. I made a note that I would need to make sure my energy level and cuing was up to par for next week’s class.
The next launch for me was on Thursday night with Laura at Gold’s Gym Baileys Crossroads. Typically Mindy would be with us for that class (it’s usually hers), but she had rehearsal dinner for her brother’s wedding. Mindy, you were missed! We decided to wear the Jam tshirts made for the launch and again they looked great! I taught first half and added on the Recovery track. Laura took us through second half and Groove Down. We had 10 participants that remembered to put their dancing shoes on that night. Seems like they had fun and the energy level was high. Again, minor flubs but nothing to stress over.
Every one of the launches I participated in was tons of fun and I can’t wait to do it again. Along those terms, the day after the Thursday launch we did, I received an email from the Les Mills people stating that they are sending out the new DVDs the first week of November. It’s going so fast!
In completely different and sad news, a good friend and former co-worker of mine had passed last week. I will write a short note in his memory. He was riding his motorcycle home Friday night and was struck by a drunk driver. He was a great person and one of the few who consistently encouraged me to not give up on my path. He would help me out as much he could to find out if any openings were available in decent jobs. He would send me texts/BBMs to check up on me. I never really got to say how much I appreciated it, but I believe he knew. I will miss the back breaking hugs, conversations, and great smile that he provided. I truly believe he was taken before his time. Dear Gerald, you will always remain in my heart/thoughts. Thank you for all you gave to me and everyone around you. 
Crossing All the Lines 