What does a fitness instructor look like?

Toned.  Skinny.  Teeny tiny waist.  Size 0-4.  6 pack abs.  Defined muscles.  Bulging biceps.  Is this what you'd say?

(We certainly give respect and applause to the fitness instructors who embody the physical definition of "in shape" -- we know some inspiring women with equally inspiring physiques!)

But what if we told you our REFIT® instructors might not look like the description above?  Would that comfort you or concern you?  Let me share a few thoughts...

We often receive emails from people interested in becoming a REFIT® instructor, but they have concerns:  I'm not fit enough.  I still have 20 pounds to lose.  I'm worried I'm too old.  I'm still on my own fitness journey.  I'm not a professional dancer.  

We love that in the midst of these shared concerns, we also hear their stories of passion and purpose.  And as most of us know, passion and purpose can really kick concerns, insecurities and doubt in the bootie.  Praise God.

When you build a fitness program on the foundation of "community", it has to be an all-inclusive program for any size, any shape, any fitness level, any heart, any soul....any BODY because everybody needs community.  Many individuals have responded to the stirring in their hearts to teach REFIT®, pushing past their own fears and concerns for the bigger goal of inspiring others to live lives of impact.  Their passion typically comes from a place of pain, trial or experience, and they want to help others overcome their own trials.

We never tire of receiving emails from instructors like Michelle, who shares her experience about teaching for the first time  

She goes on to say "I have a heart for people and I have a heart for fitness. This is why REFIT is so awesome!!!! People are real just like me!!  I'm told after every class 'thank you so much for doing this!! You inspire me!!'  Oh, those are the words  I have taken so long to accept, and I feel I have now accepted the fact that I am inspiring others.  I am not looking in the rearview mirror...I am only looking forward."

I remember meeting Michelle for the first time at our instructor training in North Carolina.  She was shy with a beautiful smile, and she was quick to share that she wasn't actually planning on teaching--it was more of a personal goal.  Well, God has bigger plans.

Far past our own doubts and unspoken dreams, Jesus is weaving a journey that not only includes us...but requires us.

The fitness journey can be an overwhelming and often isolating experience paved with many failures.  REFIT® desires to give anyone a place to try, and struggle, and learn, and love...in a community of REAL. We believe that fitness isn't just for the fittest...it's also for the willing.  Each time we read a success story, like Michelle's, we know that we're on to something...and that something is changing the shape of fitness, one "real" instructor at a time.

[caption id="attachment_4082" align="alignnone" width="806"] Michelle and her REFIT® class in North Carolina[/caption]