A Mentors Love Will Change Your Life in the Most Positive Way

TODAY

Today I received a notification on my b.PILATES & FITNESS Facebook page from my first “business” mentor, Barb Dales.

HOW I FIRST MET BARB

I remember this lady in long leggings and a turtleneck (in the days of thong body suits) attending a Hi-Lo aerobics class in front of me at my gym. She began showing up in all the classes. This woman was strong and focused. Who was this mystery woman? Next thing you know, she became the manager of the gym, started teaching classes and changing things up. In the best of ways! Barb quickly gained the respect of the gym members. My best friend and I went to her for help with our routine for the Canadian National Aerobics Championships. Barb came in early some mornings prior to her workday, came to our competition, aligned us with costume makers, and attended our competition. All of which was not expected but greatly appreciated and never forgotten.

HOW I GOT MY START IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY

I secretly kept thinking that becoming an aerobics instructor would be fun. Barb approached me one day, asking if I’d be interested in getting trained to teach. One little yes and soon after she was pulling me up onto the stage (no warning) to teach segments of her classes. Always nervous and quiet, I was studious and wanted to get it perfect. With guidance from Barb, I got my education and had a great job teaching classes at the gym while I went to school.

CONTINUED MENTORING AND LEADERSHIP

Over the years, Barb has trained me to teach spin classes and strength training classes. She has videoed me (scary but SO good) and Personal trained me.  Guiding me, encouraging me (sometimes a bit forcefully but heck I need that).  Eventually, Barb moved on from the gym to open a Pilates and Personal Training studio, similar to what I do today. She did come back to the gym through the years to teach workshops. Plus she led up a huge change over in class schedule, design, the website and so much more several years ago. I’m am so grateful that she included me as one of the leaders and contributors in making these changes occur.

I have since moved on from teaching at “our gym” and Barb has retired and moved further away. She is fairly quiet on social media, yet every so often she will take a moment to make a comment. I know that she is still watching from afar and cheering me on!

FOREVER LEARNING 

What did I learn from Barb over the years? There are the obvious things, like how to turn on the mic, music selection and how to teach a creative class. Even better, I learned to always keep learning, to care for my clients and to be loyal. Barb is always learning and seeking knowledgeable industry leaders.

GRATITUDE

I have had other amazing mentors in my life. The reason Barb stands out for me is that she really is the reason why I am doing what I do today. Had she not asked me to teach for 5 minutes in front of 25 people back in 1993, I may have never taken the leap to get training. Look at me now 25 years later and still learning!

Thanks, Barb!