Some may describe me as having a varied career. I would agree! After 10 years of study to become a Kinesiologist and Rehabilitation Specialist, I have had the privilege of working in various aspects of the clinical world, specifically, working with people with complex and chronic conditions. Helping people overcome challenges is a great passion of mine; especially for those with mental health issues. While satisfying my personal passion for dance and performance, I was led to discover the world of fitness, deciding to “cross over” into prevention rather than continue in rehabilitation. Respecting my need ( yes, need! ) to use my analytical brain, I also kept up with my passion of creating websites and database/content management systems and a variety of other multimedia. While most of my friends and family focused on one line of business/career, I gave myself permission to pursue the desires and passions of my brain. My motto is to bring my best to whatever situation I'm in, and to use my skills and talents however I'm needed. In each case, I have benefited from the variety and uniqueness of many opportunities.
Other passions include singing/performing, especially with my talented and musical family, and running. I am currently training to better my first attempt at the half-marathon Army Run in Ottawa this September. Last year, I struggled to walk for days after the race so this year, my training program includes running for speed, endurance and hills as well as strength and endurance training while teaching my Bellyfit classes!
What do you love about teaching Bellyfit?
When I first read the description of what Bellyfit is, I felt relieved, exclaiming to myself, “This is exactly what I need!”. My first encounter with Alice Bracegirdle was at the CanFitPro Trade Show where I found her to be genuinely interested in meeting me. I signed up for the instructor training program in August 2011 and was so very pleased to find that not only was Alice amazing, but also the entire Bellyfit program and organization. As a Kinesiologist, I was very impressed with the inclusion of correctly performed postural, core and stretching components in the program. As a lover of dance and movement, the cardio section was thrilling and challenging, yet simple. Knowing that my clients would also love this program, I was fuelled with motivation to fulfil my instructor requirements quickly and was up and running classes within a few weeks. I admit that a large part of my love of teaching Bellyfit remains in the joy I feel when doing the class! The cohesion between the music and choreography inspires passion, joy, love, and allows a deep, personal expression. Of course, I also love experiencing the expressions of my participants during the class as they experience the same things. My favourite expression is the calm amongst my participants when they finish the class. I truly believe that for some of them, the final meditation is the only time of the day they have just for themselves; I encourage them to feel comfortable with that peace knowing that they deserve it.
What is the most common feedback you receive from your participants about Bellyfit?
Aside from the look of joy on their faces as they participate in the class, participants have told me that they sleep better, are stronger, have more endurance, have increased flexibility and coordination, and “love the class”. The most impressive feedback was one woman who passed a kidney stone after doing the hip thrusts for the first time! She also commented that her incontinence improved. Those are significant changes that indicate the design of the program for the woman's body is true to its promises.
How do you feel that Bellyfit supports your lifestyle?
My personal commitment to living a healthy lifestyle includes staying in great physical, mental, spiritual, social and financial condition. Bellyfit allows me to excel in each of these areas. I love teaching and helping others to achieve the same so I appreciate that the Bellyfit program includes all areas of fitness/health.
What do you think are the qualities that make a great Bellyfit Instructor?
The most important quality of a great instructor is to CARE about the participants. To me, this means to Communicate well, be Available, show Respect and give them Energy! For example, communication within a class could mean noticing that a participant is struggling with performing a move; because I'm attentive to their performance, and respect their need to feel confident and get the most of the class, I will adapt what I am doing to ensure that the participant gets the move; this may be simply turning around and slowing down the tempo. Understanding that there are many levels of performance and personality in the class is another way of respecting and responding to their needs. Some like to go high on cardio and some get intense with low levels; I demonstrate each level and continually encourage them to work at their own level. In this way, everyone feels confident and experiences a great workout. No woman is left behind in a Bellyfit class!
What is the #1 thing women need to do to stay healthy and fit? (other than Bellyfit)
To borrow from Charles R. Swindoll, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.” The mind is a powerful tool that can be used to empower, or defeat. Yes, there may be challenges to overcome; yet the struggle is precisely what helps us to gain a healthy positive attitude. So, take courage in knowing that the best thing you can do for yourself is to put yourself in a positive attitude – posture and mind!
Anything else you would like to add.
I love Bellyfit!
Click here to read about Lucy's results of calories burnt and heart rates in her various classes - although the "cardio" section of the Bellyfit class is much less in terms of duration than the other formats, there a high level of calorie burn over the total class - proving that the burn continues into the floor work. Check out the Soul Circuit website and schedule.