SPENGA CREW Spotlight: Beth
Join Beth during our March 5th First Friday and she brings all the 90s hits to the studio. Beth is a killer instructor known for her energy, motivation and coaching cues. You can follow her @bethp_groupfit
As that chubby kid hoping not to be picked dead last in gym, along with teenage years full of yo-yo dieting, the thought of becoming a group fitness instructor would have been crazy! Back in my 20s, I had simply accepted that I was genetically of a thicker, “softer,” body type.
Having kids changed that perspective. Now it wasn’t fitting into smaller size jeans that mattered, it was about being a role model for my kids and being fit enough to keep up with them. I joined a gym, took a few classes, and within the year had tried just about every group fitness class available! I met new people at classes and got to know the instructors. I actually LOOKED FORWARD to going to class! Who knew?!?!
After one evening class, when a favorite instructor announced he would be going on vacation, a fellow class member turned to me and said, “Beth, you should sub for those classes.” I laughed, thinking it was a joke. But she was serious. I immediately told her, “No way; I could never TEACH a class.”
But that moment stuck with me, and I started asking myself, “Why not?” So I set a goal, and 4 months short of my 40th birthday I taught my first group fitness class.
I loved being an instructor from day one, but it wasn’t until SPENGA that I found that “fit” that I was looking for. I am fueled by helping others reach new fitness goals, and at SPENGA, no matter your age or fitness experience, SPENGA, with its mix of cardio, strength, and yoga, is accessible to just about everyone. It is a fitness experience that challenges you where you are and will progress along with you.
I’ve been that person who thought they couldn’t run a 5K or do a “real” push up or pick up those 20+lb weights. I’m now the person who can do all that and more. I know the frustration of failure, but I also know the joy of reaching that once unreachable goal. Being part of that journey with others is an honor and a pleasure…
Not long ago I had a member come up to me after a class. Beaming she said, “I just did my first full burpee WITH a pushup. I didn’t think I could do that, but I just did.”
That’s why I SPENGA.
