Something you may not know about me... I am shy.
Camera shy that is.
Since I was a little girl, I have been terrified of video cameras.
I vividly remember being 8 years old, playing in the pool, and splashing water on a dear family friend’s brand new video camera to dodge being on film. Now keep in mind, in 1982 people couldn’t just whip out their phones to capture a moment. Buddy, our family friend, was the only dad on the block with a camera. Thankfully his camera was ok after he sat in the kitchen for an hour blow drying all the components, but I felt horrible and soon realized how being afraid of something can make you do crazy things and sometimes, do nothing at all.
Sure...I could stand in front of a regular camera and say “cheese” with the biggest smile ever. But the moment I hear “say something for the camera” I FREAK OUT. And yes, capital letters are necessary here. That’s how bad it is.
So you are probably wondering “how the heck have you been making workout videos for JBird Fitness?”
Great question!
The answer: I force myself to do the uncomfortable.
For years I visualized myself creating & making fitness videos, but when it came time to do it, I’d find every excuse in the book to not do it.
Until...enough was enough.
I didn’t want to get to the end of my years and say “I wish I had...” So when I got the idea for JBird, I worked through my fears.
Why am I sharing this story today? ...a couple of reason.
1. I'm Now Sharing My Thoughts & JBird Inspiration on YouTube!
A few weeks ago I decided to start turning this newsletter into a Vlog on YouTube. Now I need you to understand something. Making fitness videos has been the best way for me to work through my fears because I can rely on my longtime experience with teaching to help my confidence. But sitting still, speaking directly to the camera is a whole new ball game.
So once again I’m working through it because I want us to have another way of connecting.
Picture: A screenshot from last week's Vlog.
2. Working On Our Weaknesses, Undeniably Gives Us Strength Inside & Out.
When I was teaching Barre class this past week, it occurred to me that I ask you to be uncomfortable all the time. Whether you are in class with me, doing a JBird video or trying one of the workouts I’ve passed along in this newsletter, I ask you to amp up your fitness level by pushing yourself to a challenging place so you can connect to your body more effectively and build your self-confidence.
So next time I'm in front of the camera I am going to think of you and say to myself, “If they are willing to be uncomfortable for the sake of becoming stronger than so can I.” As well, I want you to know that not only do I feel the intensity in the exercises we do togther but I am also willing to take it to that uncomfortable place to make a positive change, on camera and off.
Picture: Me, taking it to the "uncomfortable" in the JBird Fitness Workout Video "Transform: Hips & Butt".
3. I Want You To Get Out There And Have FUN!
Tis the season to play. I want to encourage you to really have FUN, not only when you are working out, but even more so when you are enjoying time with family, friends and even during the times you get to explore on your own. I often hear myself telling clients “the reason I am asking you to work hard is so you have the ability to play harder”.
There is no better feeling than racing my daughter Sierra to the end of the hiking path and laughing our way to see who will make it to the end faster. Or taking a casual bike ride into town with my whole family to get pizza & ice cream on a Friday night. This ties into last week’s newsletter of Happiness + Fitness = Longevity. It’s not about having 6 pack abs or a tight ass. It’s about having the ability to move when you want to move and enjoying all that life has to offer. So, go enjoy your summer, fly free and be HAPPY!
Picture: Ryan & the girls "flying" on the ground of Ashford Castle in Ireland (2016)
Be inspired, explore new places and keep smiling!
With Love,
Janine
P.S. I will be posting my new Vlog every Monday on YouTube. Click HERE to subscribe.
What's Happening with JBird Fitness:
More...Dance Fitness Workouts
Don't worry my friend, I am not replacing my dance workout videos with the new Vlog. Every Wednesday I will still be posting a new dance workout as well, simply because we all need more dancing in our lives!
This week's routine was inspired by "Natural" from Imagine Dragons. The choreography will bring out the strength you already possess, so get moving!
The Moves:
- Sweep the Arm Up then Circle Over & Around - Stand Strong as Fist Moves Down
- Repeat Other Side
- Walking Lunges 4x - Running in Place/Turn Around
- Step Touches (add: Flexed Palm High Diagonal Reach)
- (wide stance) 3 Fist Pumps Moving Up - Slap Thighs
- Deep Squat Jumps 2x
- (wide stance) Alternating Punches Forward 4x - 1 Squat Jump - Fist Pump 2x
- Alternating Crescent Knee 4x
- Slow Crescent Pivot Step Back - Lunge Forward
(click on the video below to watch the demo)
Class Day/Time:
Ballet Barre Burn
Wednesday
11:00am-11:55am
Central Bucks Family YMCA
Next week I will be on vacation, so this Wednesday is the day, don't delay. And P.S. bring a towel, it's going to get sweeeatyyy :)