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Teaching Again!

October 20, 2014 by Julie 89 Comments

Good afternoon! I have some exciting news to share today.

Beginning in November, I’ll officially be teaching group exercise classes again!

Water Fitness Teacher

(The above photo was snapped right after I taught my first group exercise class. Shout out to water fitness!)

I had my final interview at a local gym today and will be on the group exercise schedule when the next one comes out on the first of November. I am thrilled to be getting back into the swing of things! I’ll be teaching a variety of classes (hopefully adding PiYo to the mix in December) and can’t wait!

The atmosphere at my new gym is rather different from the gym where I taught and trained clients before in Ocala. I previously worked at the YMCA in Ocala and really love everything the Y does for the community and its members. It was a large gym and I miss it!

My new gym is not nearly as large as the Y. It’s not part of a national chain and is much smaller than a big community gym. It’s a private club gym and I really hope I can add to the group exercise program when I begin next month. I’m definitely looking forward to it!

But let’s back up a bit…

Workout + Breakfast

Today began with a 6 a.m. Pure Barre workout followed immediately by breakfast and blogging.

On the menu for today was a bowl of egg white oatmeal topped with cinnamon and served with a hot tumbler of Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice tea.

egg white oatmeal

After breakfast, I had a freelance article to write, so I spent most of my morning on the computer until Sadie’s level of annoying skyrocketed and she needed some attention. We headed out on a mid-morning walk just before lunch and it felt good to get some fresh air!

Lunch + Interview

For lunch, I drove Salsaritas before my interview at the gym. I ordered a burrito bowl and enjoyed it outside on the patio with a side of chips and queso.

salsaritas

photo (1)

After lunch, it was interview time… And now we’re all up to date! Hope you’re having a great Monday!

Questions of the Afternoon

  • If you were going to teach a group exercise class, what class would you want to teach?
  • Fitness instructors: What is your favorite group exercise class to teach?

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I'd love to connect with you! I am always so grateful when you let me know you tried one of my recipes or workouts and tag me in your photos or updates. Thank you so much!!!

Filed Under: Breakfast Tagged With: breakfast, group exercise, lunch, teaching

About Julie

My name is Julie and I am a full-time blogger, new mama, fitness enthusiast (certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor) and food fanatic (mostly healthy... but also not-so-healthy) living in North Carolina with my husband, dog and baby boy. Thank you for visiting Peanut Butter Fingers! I hope you enjoy little glimpses into my life and have fun trying the sweaty workouts I frequently share and making some of my favorite recipes along the way!

« Lake Norman State Park
Homemade Starbucks Spinach Feta Wrap Recipe »

Comments

  1. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:11 pm

    Congrats on the new teaching job, Julie! I am sure you will be great. They are lucky to have you!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      October 20, 2014 at 4:16 pm

      Thank you very much, Lauren! I’m excited to be back at it!

      Reply
  2. Lila says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:19 pm

    Congratulations! That is so exciting!! If my schedule allowed for it I would love to teach bodypump!

    Reply
    • marla-deen says

      October 20, 2014 at 5:02 pm

      Body Sculpt and HEAT (which is a cardio, interval, weight combo class) are my favorites! I also teach at our YMCA and love all the Y does. I also have taught at smaller gyms and while the atmosphere is a little more intimate and maybe not so large, it’s usually a little more efficient than the Y as far as equipment, space, technology, etc. I’ll be interested to see how you think they compare!

      Reply
  3. Alex says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:20 pm

    O my, what exciting news! Congratulations!! I love Y’s as well, but I hope you find this gym to be everything you want! Such a silly questions-but what do you wear for a gym interview? I would think you would want to dress the part in work-out clothes but was wondering if that was acceptable? Would it be weird to dress up?

    Reply
    • Julie says

      October 20, 2014 at 4:22 pm

      I always dress up at first, but for a second interview I’ve had gyms tell me to wear workout clothes (which I definitely do if I’m auditioning/demoing workouts)!

      Reply
  4. Kaitlyn says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:21 pm

    Yay! Congrats! Do you think you’d ever consider teaching BodyPump in the future?? I know how much you love that format!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      October 20, 2014 at 4:23 pm

      I would LOVE to. It’s on my fitness bucket list! I will be teaching group strength classes though, so I’m excited to be teaching some strength training classes in the future!

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        October 20, 2014 at 8:15 pm

        Where are you teaching!? I live in charlotte!

        Reply
  5. Jasmine @ a cupcake for my thoughts says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:21 pm

    Congrats on the new job, that’s super exciting!! That burrito bowl looks so yummy 🙂

    Reply
  6. Michele says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:22 pm

    I would definitely teach BodyPump! Looked at PiYo after your blog this morning, that could be a good one to add to the line-up at the gym where I work.

    Reply
  7. Brittany says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:22 pm

    Things are really falling into place for you in Charlotte! Congrats on the new teaching job 🙂
    Ps. That queso looks de-lish!!

    Reply
  8. Alexa @ simpleeatsfood.com says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:24 pm

    Congrats! Must feel great to get back into the teaching game 🙂

    Reply
  9. Catie says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    Congrats on your upcoming teaching gig! I love group x and teach BodyFlow and BodyPump here in Gainesville Florida. I have the home PiYo program and would love to bring PiYo live to our club. I’ll look forward to any reviews and experience you can share!

    Reply
  10. Carrie (This Fit Chick) says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:31 pm

    YAY! thats awesome Julie! You should look into doing ‘online webinar’ classes with your readers. I think that would be a hit!

    Reply
  11. Sam says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:37 pm

    LOVE PiYo!! I did the at home videos this summer and loved it! Such a good balance to typical slower paced pilates/yoga

    Reply
  12. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:41 pm

    So exciting! Congrats! I am so jealous 😛 I would love to teach some kind of fitness class!

    Reply
  13. tara says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:41 pm

    Congrats!! Did you get PiYo certified? I LOVE PiYo and have been doing the dvds since July & waNt to get certified. Not sure there are any more classes in my area to get certified. Best of luck!

    Reply
  14. Brynn says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:42 pm

    Congratulations! Have you ever thought about teaching Pure Barre?

    Reply
  15. tara says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:43 pm

    Duh..clearly not reading posts in in correct order. CongrTs on the certification! Piyo people! !!!

    Reply
  16. Sarah @ Sweet Miles says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    GO YOU!!! Congrats! So glad you’re back in the groove!! I wish I could take one of your classes!

    Reply
  17. Leah (goodnight cheese) says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:20 pm

    Congratulations, that’s great! I would teach Zumba, but first I’d have to stop looking ridiculous doing it.

    Reply
  18. Abby says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:26 pm

    Congrats Julie! That’s exciting! Hope this new gym adventure works out for you! I’m sure it will!

    Reply
  19. Julie @ A Better Life with Burgers says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:33 pm

    Congratulations on the new job! How exciting. I’m eager to hear more about PiYo–honestly I have no idea what it is! Enjoy your last week or two of funemployment! 🙂

    Reply
  20. Natalie @ Never Serious Blog says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:34 pm

    Congrats! Wish I was local so I could take one of those classes! 🙂 I don’t do a whole lot of group fitness (and rarely ever now that I canceled my gym membership) but when I was, I enjoyed BodyPump and Yoga the most.

    PS – I can’t help but think of Britney Spears circa 1999 when I see your headset mic, lol!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      October 21, 2014 at 7:34 am

      Ha! It’s SO Britney! 🙂

      Reply
  21. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:51 pm

    Congratulations!!! That’s very exciting news! You know my favorite class to teach… BodyPump! 😉 I think you need to get certified in that next!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      October 21, 2014 at 7:34 am

      Me too!! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Michelle Hunt (@PeachyPalate) says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:52 pm

    I LOVE spinning! We’re also doing new strong man classes in the gym…intense circuit classes…10 minutes with no break * 4 stations including things like prowler pushes and battle ropes…great class!

    Reply
  23. Kelley says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:52 pm

    Congrats! Quick question about your 6am classes – do you eat or drink anything before?

    Reply
    • Julie says

      October 21, 2014 at 7:33 am

      Yes! I have been eating a banana, small apple or a handful of almonds. I used to never eat anything before my workouts, but feel like even a little something makes me a feel more energetic.

      Reply
      • Kelley Fernbacher says

        October 21, 2014 at 10:05 am

        Thanks Julie! I found a great bar class near me and really want to start going before work. Right now I have been going after work and I end up getting home so late.

        Reply
  24. Clare @ Happy Eater says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:53 pm

    I think I would like to teach boot camp / HIIT classes. With the right equipment, group trainers create really fun circuit classes. I love trying out new “boot camps” because it keeps things interesting!
    Congrats on the new job!

    Reply
  25. Rachel says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:53 pm

    I think that I would like to teach spin, other than the fact that I’m not sure I could explain what to do, spin, and breathe at the same time 😉

    Reply
  26. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:57 pm

    Congrats! I have recently quit my job bc my husband and I are moving to Chicago in a few weeks and I have been thinking about ways to supplement my blogging as a source of income. Teaching fitness classes is one of those options. so I may start looking into that. I’m hoping that I can find as many people to buy my almond butter too so that I don’t have to always venture outside during those Chicago winters!!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      October 21, 2014 at 7:32 am

      I hope you LOVE Chicago! It’s my all-time favorite city! 🙂

      Reply
  27. Kristen @ Glitter and Dust says

    October 20, 2014 at 6:06 pm

    Congratulations – that is exciting! If I could teach a group exercise class, it would be spin. I have always loved taking spin classes and think it would be fun setting up the different segments and pairing it with music!

    Reply
  28. Cara's Healthy Cravings says

    October 20, 2014 at 6:06 pm

    Must feel nice to be able to get back into the swing of teaching. If I taught a class, which I am hoping to do in the new year, it would be BodyPump or Body Shred, I love them both!

    Reply
  29. Kathy Bruno says

    October 20, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    Copngrats! Your classes will surely benefit from your positive energy and boundless enthusiasm. I teach 7 fitness classes a week ( I am 54 yikes!) teaching HITT, Strength, Core and Kettlebells. Its so hard to pick a favorite, I love them all! But strength is my true love-especially complex moves, combining upper body and lower body-and kettlebells ROCK- its so empowering slinging cast iron! Good luck to you!!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      October 21, 2014 at 7:32 am

      You are a rockstar!!! So glad you love teaching so much!

      Reply
  30. Ashley Pitt @ A Lady Goes West says

    October 20, 2014 at 6:12 pm

    That’s great you’ll be teaching again. Congrats! I teach several Les Mills programs, and BODYATTACK is my favorite. Hope you have a nice evening:)

    Reply
  31. Skinny Fitalicious says

    October 20, 2014 at 6:13 pm

    Congrats on teaching again girl! That’s so exciting! I signed on to start teaching at the Y this summer but my injury has forced me to put things on hold.

    Reply
  32. Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says

    October 20, 2014 at 6:24 pm

    Hmm teaching a class…u think I would pick spin or zumba. I love them both but to be honest I don’t think I would be coordinated enough to pair songs with a workout. Lol. I’ll keep my day job and leave that to the professionals. Although I did used to teach 15 minute ab classes at a work gym.

    Reply
  33. Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy says

    October 20, 2014 at 6:28 pm

    I’d love to teach anything cardio. Maybe dance cardio. 🙂

    Reply
  34. Breanne says

    October 20, 2014 at 6:43 pm

    Congrats!! My favorite to teach is BodyFlow. Does your new gym have BodyPump? I know how you love it and could totally see you adding that to your repertoire. 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie says

      October 21, 2014 at 7:30 am

      They do not which is a big-time bummer!

      Reply
  35. maryea {happy healthy mama} says

    October 20, 2014 at 6:54 pm

    Congrats on the new gig!

    Reply
  36. Sky @ Blonde Freedom says

    October 20, 2014 at 7:17 pm

    Congrats on your new job at the gym!! I wish I could take a class from you!

    Reply
  37. Libby Harmon says

    October 20, 2014 at 7:39 pm

    That is so exciting!! I love to teach spinning classes because you really sweat it out with the class. But I’d say my close second is a cardio kickboxing class because I love working with the bags!

    Reply
  38. mary beth says

    October 20, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    Random question–how do you put your workouts in picture form like you do? I’ve been trying to find apps that do that, but can’t find any! wondering if you use an app or some special design format?thanks! and BIG Congrats on your job!! 😉

    Reply
    • Julie says

      October 21, 2014 at 7:29 am

      picmonkey.com! 🙂

      Reply
  39. Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes says

    October 20, 2014 at 8:08 pm

    Congrats on your new job! That’s so exciting! I was scheduled to take spin training last weekend through AFAA, but the class was canceled last minute due to low attendance numbers. Now I either have to wait for them to schedule another training class in my area (which looks like it could be a long wait) or find another organization to go through. Any recommendations?

    Reply
    • Julie says

      October 21, 2014 at 7:28 am

      I’m having the SAME issues!! My new gym wants me to teach spinning and I am trying hard to find a certification I can get ASAP! I am surprised to find them harder to come by than I anticipated. I was hoping to get my certification through Spinning, but there isn’t one until December in my area…

      Reply
      • Stacy says

        October 21, 2014 at 9:13 am

        Julie I teach spinning and certified in SPINNING.com (maddog athletics) next mth I’m getting certified by SCHWINN. I wouldn’t recommend doing a spin cert thru AFAA or regular ‘group exericse’ certs as they are not 100% geared towards Spin. There are so many things to learn and doing it by Maddogg, Schwinn, RealRyder, Keiser , is better. they are the TOP certifications.

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          October 21, 2014 at 9:15 am

          ALSO, the certification process is like this: 9 hr day, and you take the course ONLINE and then you get the actual certification, in the mail. Its a learning process to make your own profiles/playlist. if you need anything let me know. been doing it for YEARS. 🙂

          Reply
          • Julie says

            October 21, 2014 at 9:17 am

            Thank you!! 🙂

            Reply
        • Julie says

          October 21, 2014 at 9:17 am

          Thank you for the recommendation! I actually looked for a SCHWINN cert but cannot find any in my area. Still searching!!

          Reply
          • Tricia says

            October 21, 2014 at 9:55 am

            Thanks everyone for the tips! I’m going to check out these today and see what is available in my area,

            Reply
  40. pieceofcaitlin says

    October 20, 2014 at 9:35 pm

    YAY! Congrats.. how exciting ! 🙂

    Reply
  41. sandy says

    October 20, 2014 at 10:06 pm

    Wow…getting up at 4am to marathon train and then working from 8 to 5 pm makes your schedule look luxurious! I leave the house at 7 and return at 6pm and never have time to eat lunch out! Is blogging and soon teaching classes your entire job?

    Reply
    • Julie says

      October 21, 2014 at 7:25 am

      Yep — I left my full-time job in 2011 when the blog picked up and now it’s my primary source of income. I was personal training and teaching right up until we moved to NC this summer, so I’m excited to get back into it!! Good luck with your marathon training!

      Reply
  42. Maureen says

    October 20, 2014 at 10:21 pm

    That’s great news! Congratulations!

    Reply
  43. Rachel @ Blonde with a Chanse says

    October 20, 2014 at 10:22 pm

    Yay!! I’m so excited for you!!! You will do amazing!!

    Reply
  44. Annette Perkins (@FitnessPerks) says

    October 20, 2014 at 11:08 pm

    Wahoo!! That’s always such a relief after moving to a new place to be on the schedule again. way to go!! Now…… a Les Mills training needs to happen!!! Right?! Right 🙂

    Reply
  45. Cheryl says

    October 21, 2014 at 12:37 am

    because of my severe back pain, i’d been limited to walking and decided to try a water fitness class at the Y just over a year ago. for the most part, the class is seniors…one woman in her 40s but the majority in their 70s (a few men too). while i was an outlier age-wise, my body is really more akin to a 70-something than another 36yo woman, there are three water classes available (it is a YMCA too): mine, and one that is more akin to a typical aerobics audience.

    back in may, i got an email asking if i’d help teach a bit….first it was just some days to allow the main instructor to take some trips, but b/w the emailing and my first class, she’d left entirely. i am not trained in any way, but i knew what worked was a reader of several fitness-oriented mags (my cardio section always includes intervals) and had been a gym-rat pre-injury. i also spent a lot of time online learning what i could.

    i LOVE it and turns out, i am pretty darn good if i do say so myself!! i’ve had students who’ve been doing water aerobics for over a decade tell me i’m one of the best instructors they’ve seen and beat anyone that’s taught this class recently (like in the past 5 years!). i can’t see teaching anything else…it is a very different feel than any regular class i ever tried. the class knows when i’m having a high-pain day and “gets it” in a way no one who hasn’t been there can…though i think i often overcompensate and push the class a little harder those days (always have lots of room for students to take it up or down a notch).

    Reply
    • Cheryl says

      October 21, 2014 at 12:38 am

      sorry for writing a freakin’ novel!!!

      Reply
  46. Abi@AbsofSteel says

    October 21, 2014 at 6:26 am

    Congrats on the new job! I’m actually trying to get Body Pump Certified in the near future, my gym does a lot of LesMills so it seemed like the way to go. I’d love to be able to invest in a yoga certification one day though.

    Reply
  47. Mary Beth Richardson says

    October 21, 2014 at 7:59 am

    Congratulations on the job! I would LOVE to teach a class …. I just don’t have the confidence to just do it. Last night I was giving myself a spin class, because my gym doesn’t offer one. (SHAMEFUL, right?!) Unfortunately, I’ve heard rumors that the manager doesn’t offer payment to instructors and then turns around and charges paying members for classes like spin. I fully intend to drop the dirty gym as soon as my contract is up!
    Anyway, as I was coaching myself, I was thinking “I could do this….it would be FUN! I just don’t know where to start…” Towards the end of my workout, I saw two young kids trying to learn how to hit a heavy bag. I took a boxing (nothing to do with kicks), and offered some advance at how to stand and throw a safe punch with lots of power. That’s another class I would LOVE to teach! So …. how could I go about opening a spinning/boxing studio? HAHA! That’s like opening a deli that has tacos and spaghetti! HAHA!

    Reply
  48. Erin says

    October 21, 2014 at 8:50 am

    Congrats! I’m a group instructor and will be getting married next month and then moving to Scotland to live with my husband and I’m so nervous about trying to get a gig at a new gym. I’m sure you’ll be well liked by your new “students” 🙂

    Reply
  49. Brandy H. says

    October 21, 2014 at 8:54 am

    Congrats! I am sure you will be an amazing addition to their gym team! I am a personal trainer at the YMCA and LOVE it!!!

    Reply
  50. Emily @ Sweet Summer Smiles says

    October 21, 2014 at 9:04 am

    Yay! That’s so exciting! PiYo is something great to add to your workout classes too! I know the gym will be happy to have you! You will do great!

    Reply
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Hi! I’m Julie and I am a mom to three energetic boys and a personal trainer and blogger living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome to my blog! Peanut Butter Fingers follows my life and my interests in food, fitness, family, travel and (mostly) healthy living.
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