Icing on the cake

This weekend I attended an All Star Presenter Camp in Dallas. Basically this is a camp for instructors to learn how to be better instructors. I knew it would be similar to an adult Cheer leading camp, however that does not do it justice at all. Yes, there's 15 girls learning different class combinations and then being taught on how to present them to class in the most efficient and energetic way. Yes, we smile and cheer and do more than the occasional Woo! But what I took away from camp was far more than warm fuzzies and funky t-shirts.

Miss Melissa McCallister, a Powder Blue Presenter, pointed out to me the importance of icing the cake with the right frosting. Sounds funny, since most of you know me as a sugar addict, however NOW I get it!

We had the pleasure of watching ourselves on video tape. What a humbling, embarrassing and an eye opening experience that was. Constructive criticism, Melissa mastered this. She had an eye for improving our skills and the subtle ways to do it. I am known for my Lulu attire and sneakers. However, the point of this camp was not only to learn how to make each group class an experience, but to establish your brand, who you are as an instructor, and to make yourself stand out as a fitness leader. I love to dress comfy, and I am not one to create flash, unless it's sneakers. What I noticed in the video, though doing the routine better than I thought, I looked like everybody else. Not a problem at all, but as an instructor - as we learned this weekend - it's important to be leading, to stand apart, to be recognized as the instructor rather than a participant.

Melissa had a genuine way about her sincere, positive critiques. She pointed out how my eyes hide behind my glasses. I have worn glasses since the 1st grade so I forget about my actual eyes. Makeup at the gym? Are you crazy? No, not this girl.

However, on Sunday when we performed our final presentation I came alive, not only because of the music and the energy in the room, but because I felt awesome and beautiful! Who knew a little mascara would do that?

Yesterday at work people noticed me. Not that they don't usually, but this time they looked into my eyes........even my boss noticed that there was something different.

I let Melissa know that I was amazed by the response and she said, "It was just about the icing on the cake."

Sweet......