To You, From a Student

Zumba instructor Jennifer Gavin received this letter from a hesitant student about two months after she started taking her classes. When I read it, I knew I had to share it with you - in many ways, this letter could be from any student to any of you. It's the kind of feedback we don't often hear. But, I have a hunch that many of our students feel this way. So, here is a letter to you from a student.

It is time to get up and get moving, words I have been telling myself forever now.  I had every excuse in the book as to why I didn’t get it done … not enough time, work too demanding, couldn’t afford a gym membership, didn’t want to go alone, too embarrassed.   This time I made a promise to myself that it would be different; I would take the step forward and follow through. 

I went out and bought running shoes, workout clothes and told myself I could do this – and that it shouldn’t matter what anyone else said.  I went to my first class –trucked through the snow storm, there was me and 1 other person and the instructor, Jennifer Gavin.  And now 9 weeks later I am still going.  Sometimes the class is small (just me) and sometimes we have 3 or 4, but no matter what Jennifer is always there for us.  She has created unique work out sessions, explains and demonstrates how to complete the exercise and works out right alongside us.  The best part of all is that she always encourages us to keep going and that we can do anything we put our minds to.    We Zumba, circuit, tabata and bootcamp each Saturday.  We laugh and enjoy each other’s companionship and encouragement.

There is something you have to remember: Jen works pretty much 2 FT jobs, but she still shows up each week ready to lead us.  Jen starts some mornings as early as 5:30am at the fitness centre and doesn’t get home until well after the dinner hour, but she is always there reminding us to breathe.  She suffers from migraine headaches, but still shows up and teaches class even though it was just her and I.  Jennifer was hosting a large dinner party, but she came to the gym to lead our class and then rushed home to take care of the party.

Jennifer started this initiative to run side by side with the Biggest Winner Challenge.  She approached the Y to work with her; but funds most of the cost herself as we only pay $1 per session we attend.  She creates the plan, she shows up early to set up, and stays behind to tidy up.  Jen has taught us to not be ashamed of what we cannot do but to be proud of what we can do, and Jen always reminds us not to forget to BREATHE!  (Good tool for work as well lol)

Soon our classes will come to an end and I am proud to say that I will be obtaining a membership for the Y so I can still take class with Jen – in gen pop!  All because she has reminded me that I CAN!

Thank you for everything Jennifer – I will never be able to show you how much I appreciate what you have done for me, and for the others that come out to class.