A few weeks ago I was patiently waiting  for the time to pass during my 2 min post-workout death stretch while I observed Jaime and her crew rocking a Low Intensity Class.  Jump roping was in the workout that day and it reminded me how cool it is that we have people of all different fitness levels “playing” again like they are little kids on a playground.  Just then, two very special women in our gym, snapped me out of my state of enlightenment and said that they wished they could jump rope.  Having worked with them before, and knowing their ability, I said “well you can”.  They both had a look of a bit of shock (and maybe some fear) on their faces when I told them to go grab 2 jump ropes each, but they did as I asked.  Then I said, now holding a rope in each hand, without jumping, I want you to just spin the ropes by rotating your wrists and try to find a rhythm with the ropes.  It took a second to get used to it, but they both quickly succeed at finding that coordination.  Then I told them to start jumping off both feet in rhythm with the ropes…and they easily achieved that.  We rested for a second and then tossed one rope to the side and I simply asked them to do the exact same thing but this time jump over the rope.  Both seemed a little hesitant but did as I asked and fully succeeded without even tripping up on the rope once.

In a matter of 5 minutes or less, these two ladies went from “wishing” they could jump rope to jumping rope like pros.  The point of this story is to first congratulate Gail Cafferata and Leslie Wright for overcoming a fear and accomplishing a task they didn’t think they could do.  I also want to point out that these two women indirectly asked me, one of their coaches, to help them.  If there is something you want to achieve in the gym, please ask us.  That’s why we are here.  Programming for hundreds of people each week, there is NO WAY we are going to hit everyone’s weaknesses or touch on what everyone wants to work on.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t come in before class or stay after class and work on a skill you may want to learn.  Just today I came in the gym and saw Gail and Leslie practicing their jump rope before class like I asked them to.  That is how we get stronger, better, and more confident…by doing what it is we want/need to work on.

Congrats again Gail and Leslie..we are so proud of you.  Next step…double unders!?!?!?!

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Written by Jenny

Jenny LaBaw has been an athlete her entire life. As a 3-sport collegiate athlete, she competed in soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field. Post college she fulfilled her need for competition through endurance races ranging from 5K’s to marathons. Jenny’s athletic emphasis now is focused more on strength challenges, but she continues to be tempted by the occasional running race. Outside of competition, Jenny enjoys many outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, water skiing, snow skiing, and camping with her boyfriend, Marcus and lab, Ziggy. With her love for sport and exercise, Jenny chose a career as a personal trainer so she could share her passion of health and fitness with others. Attending Cornell College, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education: Fitness and Wellness. Prior to Norcal, she has trained in gyms, private training studios, and coached soccer. Jenny has had an amazing opportunity to travel around the country coaching water skiers. Her 7+ years of coaching experience has allowed her to work directly with a wide variety of people; from children trying to discover their coordination to adults wanting to shed a few pounds to professional athletes looking to be the best in the world. No matter what walk of life you are coming from, Jenny’s mission is to help you realize your potential and get you there. She will prove to you that you can be stronger, more fit, and healthier than you think you can be. With her inspiration, motivation and dedication, she will challenge your body, encourage your mind, and help you to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Jenny will help you be your best!

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