Because change can be good

ByAshley Hours
Comments 113 Comments

This week has been a busy one in my neck of the woods already. With learning and teaching the latest round of Les Mills BODYATTACK and BODYPUMP releases, I’ve been knee-deep in choreography for several days. This morning, I’m finally teaching BODYPUMP for the first time, so I’ll have them both under my belt one time each, which is always a good feeling every quarter. I’m also teaching my last couple of classes at Orangetheory Fitness Walnut Creek today … more on that below.

As I eluded to in Monday’s post, change, my friends, change is good. 

24 Hour Fitness job by A Lady Goes West blog

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been evaluating all of the many things that I do on a daily basis, i.e., teaching Les Mills classes at 24 Hour Fitness, coaching classes at Orangetheory Fitness, writing and managing A Lady Goes West and writing freelance pieces for various websites. While I absolutely love everything that I’ve been doing — it’s been a lot — in various directions. Recently, I started to think I wanted to add an element or make a change, but just couldn’t figure out which parts needed to be eliminated in order to move things around. And wouldn’t you know, a great opportunity presented itself to me, helping to answer my questions.

Starting next week, I’m super excited that I’m going to be working full time for 24 Hour Fitness as a content manager, writer and … wait for it … blogger. That’s right. Taking my blogging talents to the corporate fitness world. While I wasn’t exactly planning to take on a job that was full time, it’s absolutely perfect for me, with a company that I already love, so I’m going with it. The headquarters are here in the East Bay, so it’s a great location.

What does that mean for this blog and everything else I do? Well, naturally, a few things had to go. I couldn’t possibly keep up all of my work as a trainer and instructor, blogger and writer. That’s why this week is my last one coaching at Orangetheory Fitness (sadly, I won’t be taking classes either, since that benefit goes away). I’ve also pulled back on all of my regular freelance writing responsibilities. I will continue to teach Les Mills classes at 24 Hour Fitness (just a couple a week for now), and I will most definitely continue to write A Lady Goes West regularly. That being said, I don’t foresee maintaining my five-times-a-week posting schedule any longer. While I’d love to write several posts a day, with my new job, to be realistic, I plan to post Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week.  

This blog is incredibly important to me, as are all of you who are reading this, so I promise to keep it up. Of course, I’ll be sure to check in on Instagram and Facebook a lot more frequently throughout the week, especially on days when no new posts go up.

I’m open and ready for something new. I really do believe that it’s good to make changes in your life every now and again. Just like it’s best to seek variety when creating a strong fitness program for yourself, the same can be said when it comes to your career path. Am I right? And yes, big changes are ahead. Next week, after spending my first day in the office, I’ll be traveling to L.A. for the remainder of the week to learn the ropes, flex some new career muscles and attend some production shoots for 24 Hour Fitness. While I won’t let my “day job” soak up too much time on here, I do expect to get plenty of new content ideas that you’ll see from time to time. And that my friends, is the news. 

Change is good. Don't be scared to try something new! #Fitness #FitFluential #SweatPink #BGBCommunity Click To Tweet

Questions of the day

When was the last time you made a change?

Have you ever thought about doing something different?

, ,

113 Comments

    1. Thanks so much, Megan! Sometimes you can just tell you’re ready to do something different, and this is that time for me. I appreciate it! 🙂

      Reply

  2. This is all so exciting! I’m looking forward to reading more about your new career path. Change is definitely good. This school year I moved to teaching at a different middle school, but even after that change I still feel like I want to pursue a career in health and fitness one day.

    Reply

    1. Hi Patricia! Totally! There’s no reason you shouldn’t pursue your passion and see if it works out. You’ve only got one life to get it all done! 🙂

      Reply

  3. Congratulations! I’ve noticed a couple days where you didn’t post and figured changes were coming for the blog 😉 I hope you love your new job!

    Reply

    1. Hi Amy!! Of course, you figured I would be telling you something soon, right? It wasn’t like me to miss a few weekdays, but that will be the new normal. Please forgive me!! 🙂

      Reply

  5. Ashley I’m so excited for you! This sounds like a really amazing job and an absolute perfect fit for you. Congrats on branching out and finding this new opportunity!! It’s truly so inspiring to watch you do what you love and continue to work towards finding great opportunities. Xoxo.

    Reply

    1. Hi Courtney! Yes, as much as I loved EVERYTHING that I’ve been doing — part of me knew it was time to streamline a bit. 🙂 Thanks for all of your support, lady! I guess I am a prime example to show people you can always make change.

      Reply

      1. Not only are you a prime example that people can always make a change, but you are SUCH an inspiring example to show people that going after what you love, doing what makes you happy and finding a career in something you are passionate about is totally possible–that even if you don’t get it ALL right away, there are lots of little steps that can eventually add up. I am super motivated by you and really in awe of all you’ve achieved in your life. You’ve got QUITE the resume! I shall look forward to my Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning ALGW posts. Xo.

        Reply

    1. Thanks, Susie. Sometimes blogging and writing from home can get a little lonely … right? 🙂 I look forward to having real coworkers hhhee!

      Reply

  7. Phew – I was nervous ALGW was leaving. Congrats! Blogging and a full time gig is a tough combo. And, when necessary, I definitely post something like I did today. I do my best, but doing it all can be impossible.

    Looking forward to hearing more about your new job!

    Reply

  8. Congratulations!!! You go girl! As much as I”ll miss seeing your blog emails pop up every day you’ve gotta do what you love and it’s so nice to be able to be in ONE place and love what you do ! So awesome for you!

    Reply

  9. Congratulations on what sounds like an exciting job and the perfect fit for you! I definitely commend you for keeping up with blogging while working full time, as well as your positive outlook on change 🙂

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Ashley! It’s never easy to make big decisions and leave things behind, but it feels right for me:) I appreciate your understanding!

      Reply

  10. Congrats! That is exciting stuff 🙂 I figured something was on the horizon, when I didn’t see posts some days.

    Reply

    1. You figured right, Jessie! I’m sorry to miss a few weekdays without saying anything, but now you know. 🙂 You can’t totally get rid of me hhehee

      Reply

  11. Congratulations Ashley – very exciting news!! This job sounds like it was made just for you 🙂 I’d rather 3 great post a week vs. 5 lackluster ones because of time constraints/lack of good content.

    The last time I made a big change was about 8 years ago. I was working in a demanding job in downtown Toronto and decided to quit it and move back to my home province (approx. 900 miles away). I had no job and was living with my brother and his wife while I got my feet on the ground. Fast forward a few years, and I’ve got a job that I absolutely love, an amazing husband, the best girlfriends and a home that I’d never be able to afford if I continued living in Toronto.

    Change can be scary but lots of good things can come out of it! Best of luck at your new job and I’m looking forward to following along.

    Reply

    1. You made a big jump with that move, Catherine! Props to you! You’ll never know what’s right until you make some changes. And that’s what I’m doing too. Thank you so much, lady! 🙂

      Reply

  13. YAYYYYYYY!!!!!!! Happiness = novelty and challenge. FANTASTIC move Ashley, I am so incredibly excited for you! I know this will bring you so much satisfaction and purpose. Plus, another element I love is that you’re going to be reaching and positively influencing a whole new population of people with your fab content. I can’t think of a better person for the job! I think you will multiply the impact that you have on the world with this decision. Two thumbs up! Can’t wait to read all about it <3

    Reply

  14. So exciting Ashley!! It’s so tough to work for multiple companies and be pulled in different directions all the time. I think that’ll be a good change for you and you’ll do awesome! How fun, congrats! 😉

    Reply

  16. Congrats! And fully support the move to 3 posts, you gotta do what works for you. Glad you’re keeping it going – always find you inspiring!

    Reply

  25. Ashley, congratulations! What an amazing opportunity for you!!
    There’s a chance a change will be coming my way work-wise as well. Sometimes I feel like the change that is thrust upon you is for the best 🙂

    Reply

  33. Congratulations on the new job! That’s so exciting and one that I think you will be really great at. I know how hard it is to choose your priorities and tell yourself to give things up. I think you made the right decision for you! hope all goes well for you 🙂

    Reply

  34. yayyy! that is so great Ashley, i’m glad to hear that great things are coming your way. Would love to read the blog that you put together for the gym as well!
    I’ve recently made a big change that i will probably blog about sometime soon, which is changing gyms! seems like not a big deal to some, but for us fitness lovers – Its HUGE!

    Reply

  40. What absolutely incredible news, Ashley! I’m so happy for you. Such a great example of how a personal lifestyle blog can land you a dream job in corporate America (see mom, it’s not just a silly very time intensive hobby lol!).

    Reply

  42. Congratulations darling – I’m so excited for you! Best of luck with PROFESSIONAL BLOGGINF!! Woot woot

    Reply

  44. Well that is super duper exciting!! Congrats to you my friend! Changes all the time happening around here 🙂 I think the biggest change is getting ready for my ACSM test in May. It’s been a very long time since I’ve had to study or take a class. So, having a class once a week for ACSM and studying regularly is a big change for me. I like it though! Just one request…please don’t get rid of What I ate Wednesday! I love it! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Lady! I was just about to email you that my package arrived! YAY!!! Haven’t dug into it yet! Can’t wait. 🙂 heheheh soooooo awesome!!! And that’s totally cool you’ve got your ACSM coming up!! Studying is not easy, but it’s so fun to learn new things.

      Reply

      1. Yay! Like I said….it’s a little different 😉 I hope you like them! I noticed that inner wrapper sometimes sticks to the candy. At first I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to eat it, so I was just eating it because it would dissolve once I put it in my mouth. Well, then I had some pieces where that wrapper came off just fine – so I don’t think you’re supposed to eat the inner wrapper – haha!! So interesting the stuff around here 😉

        Reply

  45. This is amazing news! Congratulations. As someone who just changed up her whole life for her career (including moving 3,000 miles), I totally get it. Do you, girl! Can’t wait to read about this new, exciting adventure of yours.

    Reply

  47. Congratulations! Such an exciting time for you and change is definitely good. I made a big job change last May and it has been the best decision! Wishing you the best of luck in your new adventures!

    Reply

  48. It’s so inspiring to see you taking control of your life and really making your days become what YOU feel its best. That does mean prioritizing and that’s not always easy, but you’ve done it and the 24 Hour Fitness position sounds like it will be an amazing opportunity for you. Proud to know you and be A Lady Goes West reader!

    Reply

  49. Congrats on the new gig, Ashley! That sounds like an incredible opportunity and tons of fun! Cheers to the new adventure!! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Arman! I really needed a change of pace! Sitting behind the computer at home can be totally lonely. hahaha! You wouldn’t know anything about that though you social butterfly. How’s LA?

      Reply

  52. Yay congrats!! This sounds like it will be a great change for you. I recently had to make some big changes. I’m trying to get into grad school and I’m scrambling to get my application together and take the GRE so I had to cut back significantly on my blog. I’ve cut down to once a week right now until I can get it all done. It’s for a good reason, but sad to be missing part of this awesome community. That’s why i’ve been MIA!

    Reply
  53. Pingback: Firsts, the weekend and my weekly workouts report - A Lady Goes West

  54. This is awesome!! (Can you tell I’m finally catching up on posts I missed over the last week?) Hopefully now you can see why I was confused when I was texting you. 😉 This sounds like the perfect job for you! I’m really excited to see how it pans out. Congratulations!

    Reply

  55. Congratulations! I’m in a bit of a “calm before the storm” kind of figuring out what changes my husband and I may be making for careers, etc in the near future. It’s scary and exciting! Cant wait to hear all about the new job!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.