The start of a new chapter
I think the best way to sum up what’s happening in my life right now is to go with a song lyric from the great 90s band Semisonic. Their tune, “Closing time” from the movie Can’t Hardly Wait seems to say it best:
With every beginning comes some other beginning’s end.
Yesterday, I taught my last early morning BODYPUMP class at Bay Club.
Yesterday, the brand new Equinox in the Marina neighborhood opened its doors to the public.
Over the past few months, since leaving my corporate job in March, I’ve been in transition mode. Taking my part-time fitness hobby into a full-time fitness career. I got certified to be a personal trainer. I got the job on the training team at Equinox. Then I spent the last month training to be a trainer in the Equinox way, leading up to the opening of the new gym.
Throughout this time, I’ve basically kept up my Les Mills group fitness teaching schedule, (which I absolutely love), but have slowly gotten rid of classes one-by-one. I’ve gone from six classes-a-week down to three to clear my schedule. I’ll remain at three for now, including two BODYPUMP and one BODYATTACK for as long as I can. And I’m hoping to teach a few different formats at Equinox one day soon as well.
Saying goodbye to downtime
During these past few months, I’ve had a schedule that allowed me some extra free time on weekdays here and there. That time was spent blogging and getting all those things done that people need to do in their life. You know, like cleaning, chores, taking care of business and the occasional DVR-daytime-delight. It’s been pretty nice.
I won’t see much of that free time for a while. In fact, my new chapter is going to include a very rigorous work schedule. For the next few weeks, I’ll be working seven-days-a-week, including six days training at Equinox and one day teaching at 24 Hour Fitness. Some days will include both places, spanning 12 to 14 hours-a-day.
While I know I’m in for some challenging times, I’m so ready for it. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices to get where you want to be, and I want to be the best personal trainer I possibly can and work with as many good clients as I can.
Let’s face it: After moving across the country, I’m pretty used to change at this point in my life. And something tells me this change is for the better.
With that, it’s about time to head out for the night. I’ve got my backpack stuffed with a day’s worth of healthy food, a change of sneakers, my training programs and a swanky black Equinox top.
I’ll be around as much as I can for you, friends. Wish me luck!
Questions of the day
What’s keeping you busy these days? What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time?
Hi Ashley,
I had asked this question a few days ago, but it was on an older post. It is regarding the new BodyPump releases: Do the clubs you work for pay for the new release downloads, or is that on each individual Bodypump instructor? What is the approximate cost for each new release? Thanks!
Hi Liz,
Thanks for reading. Yes, I replied to your comment on that post. In order to see my comments, you have to click the box to “follow comments.”
Here was my reply:
Hi Liz,
Each program release (one comes out every three months) currently costs about $35 for the digital download of choreography notes, education and music. It used to be a physical kit with a DVD and CD and notes, but now it’s digital. Most gyms require the instructor to pay for the releases each time, but 24 Hour Fitness actually reimburses its instructors. I’d not experienced that until now and it’s great.
Let me know if you have other questions.
Best,
Ashley
Ash,
I’m so happy for you! It’s so inspiring to see how you’ve accomplished your goals! I know you will be the best Personal Trainer because that’s who you are! Love your blog. The kids are keeping me busy, but now that work is over it’s nice not having to split my time. Missing you!
Love ya
Summer break for you! That’s awesome. Thank you so much for reading my blog and stopping by the comment. I’m so excited about my new chapter. As soon as I get settled into it and can find time for a getaway … next stop: Ohio! Love ya!
Congrats on the new job! That’s so exciting! I can totally relate on the translation mode and having random free time, but am also looking forward to the day when my schedule gets back to a consistent busy. Have fun today!
Thanks, Heather! Busy is definitely good. But too busy can be stressful. I’m hoping I fall into the good busy with this job. 🙂
Ashley,
So proud of you! Good luck on the new adventure. I know you’ll be great!
I”ll call you after my trip to Cabo. 🙂
Miss you tons,
Sandra D
Thanks, Sandra D. Have fun in Cabo:)
Remember to breathe! 🙂 You are going to be one busy lady- good for you though!
Thanks, Katie. Busy is good! So excited for my new path … 🙂
I recently just moved from my work-camp to town so on top of working 58 hours a week, I now have a long commmute. I’m going from the house 12 hours a day five days a week and ten hours on Saturday. It’s crazy trying to meal prep, workout, blog, and still enjoy downtime. I’m still getting used to it, but I’m hoping next week to get to bed a little earlier and be a bit more organized!
Good luck with your transition.
Hi Katie, Wow! That’s a tough schedule. Good luck to you too. 🙂
How exciting to be following your dreams and making it happen! Best of luck in your new endeavors.
I’ve changed jobs twice in the past two years, and the first time was to leave my first job out of college, where I worked for over five years. It was so bittersweet to leave, and I definitely get the sentiment of a “new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” Now, go and conquer!
Thanks, Emily! Change is good! 🙂
Oh, and I nominated you for the Liebster Award! Feel free to play along if you’ve got the time 🙂 https://emilyrockstheroad.wordpress.com/2014/06/13/liebster-award
So proud of you Ash! Congratulations on this new exciting step, I know you’ll be killing it as a personal trainer bc you always put 100%+ effort in all that you do.