My Outdated "About Me"

A few weeks ago, I took a look at my "About Me" page and was shocked by how out of date it was. Tasks over here in blogland have fallen to the bottom of the to-do list, haven't they? I had written the original about three years ago and, well, a lot has changed in that seemingly short amount of time.

Below I've taken a look at the outdated information to see what's changed, provided a few updates, and documented some of those changes via the very posts on this blog. Let's take a look.

"Put simply, I'm a young professional (writing, editing, and publication design) striving to find a balance between my full-time job, side projects (Zumba and freelance), personal goals, friends, family, and sleeping!"

Is 30 still considered young? I think so, but I'm gonna nix that description because I don't feel new to the field and typically work in management positions. I also quit working a traditional full-time job shortly after originally writing this (I wrote about the decision to quit working full time here) and made the side projects mentioned my main sources of income.

"Sometimes I don't think my inadequate self will ever be able to accomplish everything I want to, but I'm learning to focus on the little things and rejoice in small victories. Some of my dreams? I want to start my own business." 

I started Annesali Communications shortly after this to encompass my freelance work and additional clientele after quitting my full-time job. (See my post "Introducing Annesali Communications".)

"I want to find the love of my life." 

Wow. Check. I think I met Jake two, maybe three months after writing this. My first and only slight mention of him on the blog while we were dating was in my October Instagram recap where I show flowers he gave me. But I did write up our proposal story!

We have now been married for a bit over two years. And he is definitely the love of my life. My best friend. The one I want to do anything and everything with. My biggest supporter. And I'm completely heads over heels for him.

"I want to have a family of my own." 

Jake and I were extremely blessed to welcome our son Emerson this past January. He is a happy, chunky little guy and the perfect addition to our lives. Emerson hasn't officially appeared on the blog, but I did share his and her reactions to finding out I was pregnant.

"I want to live free and embrace happiness."

Happiness intrigues me apparently. I can't seem to stop writing about it.

Happiness Comes in the Little Things—Dec. 2013
A Happy Happy Life + 2 Goals - May 2016

I think my post "3 Things I Love About Life Without a Full-time Job" reflects what I mean about wanting to live free. 

"When I'm not writing, editing, or designing, you might find me teaching a Zumba Fitness class. I also hope to soon earn my group fitness instructor certification and explore the fitness world more from the instructing side."

I have definitely dived more into the fitness instruction world. I did earn my group fitness certification through AFAA (find my tips here). I also certified in and have taught U-Jam Fitness (my certification experience) and Piyo, and added in multiple Zumba trainings including Gold (seniors), Kids, Sentao,  and Pro Skills. Next on my list is barre!

If you made it this far, thanks for joining me on this little flashback through the past few years. I'm writing up a new description of me and this blog, so hopefully that will debut soon.

How Dance Prepared Me to be a Fitness Instructor

I often reflect back to my days spent in various dance studios after school when I was younger. As much as I loved dancing (I even pursued a dance minor in college), I don't think I ever imagined myself doing something related to dance later in life. I had no plans to be a prima ballerina or dance with a professional team. I danced because I loved it and was kinda good at it (it's all relative :P).

I continued taking classes in college and got to participate in a variety of new styles of dance I hadn't done before. Hello ballroom. Hello clogging. Hello Irish dance. I had dozens of classes available to me at any time of the day and I took advantage of that opportunity.

When I graduated college, I no longer had that access to dance. I joined a local gym and started attending various fitness classes. Kickboxing, yoga, pump, and more. Eventually Zumba came along, and the format was a perfect fit for me. And here I am, years later, teaching Zumba and U-Jam, and plans to continue to expand into other formats in the future.

I recognize several things I learned through my dance training that transfer over to the world of fitness—both as an instructor and a participant.

Exercising in Groups is Fun & Motivating
Sure you can dance or workout alone. But when you do it with others, you will likely accomplish more and work harder. Make your workout an enjoyable experience. Let yourself learn from others. And let their strengths push you. If others can do those last 5 reps, so can you!

Mirroring can be Tricky (no concept of right left)
As an instructor I face the class and instruct via the concept of mirroring. So when I move my left arm, the class is moving their right arms. My first time mirroring was as a junior in high school on my new dance team after my family moved across the country. None of my teachers had used it before. I kept trying to switch the choreography and do exactly what the leader was doing. (When they did right, I wanted to do right too). Once I realized what I was expected to do, I understood, but it still took some getting used to to forget my left and right or the instructors left and right. Several of my students struggle with that, so I always share my experience so they relate.

Picking Up Choreography is a Learned Skill
I can't say how many routines I've learned in my lifetime, but the process of learning choreography is something that allows me to more quickly pick up new routines. When I attend a class as a student, I'm usually able to guess what they next move might be and recognize patterns when they appear in the moves. I encourage my students to recognize that this is a skill and takes practice, but that they will get better and better as they do it more. (And they do!)

Music Makes All the Difference
Music can speak to the soul. My most natural form of expression (along with writing) is dance, and music drives that expression. Sometimes music hypes us up and gives us the energy we thought we were lacking. It can motivate us to work harder and stay longer. It can inspire us and leave us leaving a workout happy and excited about life. Embrace that influence and use it for good.

Form Matters
"Tail down, stomach up." That's what one of my dance teachers always said. I'm thankful for my training in dance form to help me correct positions I see regularly in my students. A plie squat is foreign to many, as is the idea of opening the chest and reaching for the ceiling with the top of ones head, while relaxing the shoulder and neck. Some people have not had any exposure to these types of things, and they struggle with form a lot. Again, all it takes to improve is a little educational and instruction.

"Perfection" comes through Practice
You'll never come in and have a routine perfect the first time you learn it. Come to class again. You'll get better and better, and that routine will become easier and easier for you. As an instructor, the first time I teach a routine is never the best. I gauge my students to see what kind of instruction and cueing they best respond to, and I get better and better at teaching that routine. It's a two-way street. We all need practice.

There is Always More to Learn
This speaks for itself but is so true.

My Decision to Quit My Full-Time Job—Part 3

Recap: I left off after deciding that I would make the leap out on my own in April. For full details, check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this series. 

I'm the kind of person who needs to process all the different aspects of a decision (especially a big decision) to mentally prepare for it. I'm not an impulsive person. I like thinking things through and taking my time to kinda ease my way into things.

So when I decided on April, I needed that time to process everything. As I mentioned in Part 2, I was slightly worried this would be too long. But I set to work preparing. (And honestly, I didn't do as much preparation as I wanted.) The next several months included getting my finances in line (I didn't have any debt but wanted to save some more money and get some big purchases out of the way), strengthening my Zumba business/income, exploring other career opportunities, and increasing my focus on my own business.

If you have read my blog over the last several years (previously at skariann.blogspot.com), you've probably read me mention Ramit Sethi of "I Will Teach You to be Rich." About 3 years ago I purchased his online course called Earn 1K that focuses on helping you building a side income. I started working on several of the exercises through that program to help put me in the right mindset for going out on my own. This included organizing and recognizing exactly what my business service is and who my target audience is. I reached out to potential clients and started building my network of leads.

A major aspect of my final decision to quit dealt with my Zumba business. I love teaching Zumba, and these classes are always the highlight of my day. When I first got started, I had a hard time actually making money from this, and honestly that wasn't my focus. Zumba was a side hobby for me and I never even looked at what it was bringing in financially. As long as I wasn't in the negative, I was fine. But the past year had opened up more and more opportunities that lead me to making money with this fun, little hobby of mine.

During the months leading up to my decision to quit my job, I started weening out the Zumba opportunities that didn't pay out enough to be worth my time. I even started teaching at a new place but had to leave that behind when I didn't get enough support from the owner who brought me on. I had to develop the mindset of being aware of my time and its worth. I also started working at the fantastic new facility in Provo.

I even interviewed for several other positions with various organizations. I knew that I didn't really WANT to postpone my desire to start my own business, but I went through a couple days where I just sent my resume for a dozen job listings. And I was surprised at how big of a response I got. I turned down a couple requests for interviews. I turned down a job offer. Part of me wondered why I had even looked at job listings, but this part of the process was another confirmation that even if everything failed miserably, I could always get another job. The option to go back to a traditional job is always there. 

Then, April came. I mentally pushed my deadline back to the end of April.

May came. May continued. And the end of the month approached. Those I had asked to follow up with me for accountability gently inquired about my plans.

I started feeling the pressure. I NEEDED to do this.

An opportunity came up to sub a Zumba class during the day for a couple weeks. I took it. Another opportunity to sub someone's class starting in a month
during their maternity leave for a couple months came up. I took it. And finally, the opportunity to start teaching Zumba Kids (which I had certified in but never taught) opened. I knew I wanted to do it. Taking on this class would require me to teach 1-2 classes during the day twice a week. This, combined with the other opportunities and my desire to have some resemblance of a life outside of work, was the final push for me to take initiative and move forward on my decision.

I went to talk to my supervisor. This was right around the end of May/beginning of June. I told her about these opportunities and that I felt that I had to take advantage of them. We discussed some options and decided to potential move toward me working part time and bring on someone else part time to eventually take completely over. In my head, I knew this option was a baby step for me to go completely on my own. At this point I was fine with the slow transition. However—and I told her this—if things didn't work out, I knew the alternative was just the kick in the bum I'd need to MAKE me move forward. My supervisor took this part-time option to her boss and a couple days later told me that he didn't think the part-time option would work for my position. I said OK, and we set my last day two weeks out.

Over those two weeks I saw multiple confirmations that I had made the right decision. Opportunities I had previously pursued suddenly showed up in my life again. I was reminded that jobs are jobs. That I am talented, hard-working, and have great experience under my belt. Those types of confirmations are incredibly beneficial in times like this.

I worked hard those last couple weeks to get everything order and leave everything in the best order possible for the next communications director to come along. I helped review resumes and provide feedback after the interviews. I got all my materials together and, while I was sad to leave that great work environment behind, knew that I was making a good decision for me. Even though I was closing a door and jumping out a window, I knew there was a parachute waiting for me. A parachute I had made and prepared for just this scenario. It was waiting for me and all I needed to do was summon some courage, take the leap, and pull the string.

Next came Annesali.

A Look Into My Zumba Kids Class

One of the perks of teaching a kid's class is that, well, this kids LOVE you. They see me in the halls and run up and hug my legs. They talk my ear off if I give them a chance. They ALL insist on hugging me when we play Red Light, Green Light (Zumba style of course)….even if they are the 20th kid to reach me. **And to be clear, touching me in any way is not a requirement of the game.**

And this week, they drew me pictures and brought them to class—"I'm sorry" pictures to be exact. 

I mainly teach the 4-7 year olds, so these kids are young. Sometimes they are hard to handle. Sometimes they won't listen. Sometimes they won't dance. Sometimes they hid from you in the corners of the room. Sometimes they do exactly what you ask them not to do…time and time again. Sometimes half the class acts this way. (Little kids can be quite strategic in splitting your attention.)

The Zumba Kids program is taking off at the Provo Recreation Center, so we've recently brought on some more instructors to help manage the chaos fun. The instructor who was helping me this week is also the mother of two girls who are new to the class and weren't exactly the best behaved children that day. :P But the next class I got their "I'm sorry" pictures, and they behaved much better.

I was actually very impressed with the very detailed and accurate drawing of one of our classes. Especially since they had only come to class once and had only BEEN in that room once. They definitely remembered a lot.

** Speaking of kids remembering a lot, I think it's awesome when I have music playing before class and they all start doing the choreography to a dance we've learned.

Conquering Choreography

Perhaps the toughest (maybe "time-consuming" is better) aspect of teaching fitness classes (at least some formats) is mastering the choreography. Before you see a new routine or round in a class, your instructor has likely listened to the song on repeat, practiced the moves, and rehearsed the whole thing several times. 

I've often heard of instructors who are actually sick of a song before it ever becomes "public" (to their classes of course).

I also think everyone has their own process of learning choreo. Sometimes it clicks quickly. Sometimes it takes fooorrreeeevvveeer. 

What's my process for learning choreography? (Not create my own.)

First, I find a choreography I like/need to learn. I either watch a video of it or maybe I do it full out with the video. 

Then I listen to the music. My goal is to be able to picture exactly what the choreo is with each part of the song. I listen. I listen. I listen some more. If there are parts that I can not remember the choreography to, I go back to the video of choreography.

I watch the video and make sure to memorize the parts I couldn't previously remember. 

I listen to the music again. And again. And again. I do this until I am spot on about visualizing the moves with the music. 

Then I mark the choreography (do it half energy) with the song. Depending on how I do, I'll do it in class. If I need some work, I continue working with the music. 

Usually if I'm able to visualize the movements, I have a pretty easy time actually doing them. Sometimes there are elements of a song that are tricky, so I'll make sure to do those portions full out. 

Please share your tips and tricks for mastery pre-choreographed steps. Sometimes I feel like my head is going to explode! 

Say Hello to Karianne's Embarrassing Video Interview

I have yet to share this video because I think it's the most embarrassing thing ever. Wait, that's not true—the most embarrassing thing ever happened to me two weeks ago and I'm not ready to share. ( :P )

But the video, filmed during Provo's Dance Day celebration, has officially been shared with the masses, so there is nothing left to do but embrace all my awkward glory. Ah, I just tried watching it again and couldn't bear to go past the 30 second mark.


You'll see me speaking a couple times with a voiceover as well. And I'm teaching a couple times too: pink top, black capris (surprise?), and pink high tops. 
Now I'm just torturing myself:

P.S. I'm certifying to teach U-Jam (mentioned in the video) this weekend, so stay tuned for some updates on that. 

CPR Training for AFAA—Check!

Today I completed the last step required for my AFAA certification—passing the CPR training. If I had had the opportunity to do this BEFORE my AFAA workshop, I would have. I just didn't have the time and couldn't find one with a date that worked for my schedule. But AFAA allows you to send in a copy of your CPR card after the fact. (You just have to provide this before anything is finalized.) Remember that AFAA does not accept ANY online CPR programs.

Do you notice the change?

I had a great experience and would definitely recommend the route of attending a small training, if the option is available.

Here in Utah, we have a Facebook group for all the Zumba instructors in the state. One instructor has a sister who hosts CPR trainings and has just started offering the class every month with a special discount for fitness professionals.

Only two of us attended today, so we received a lot of individual attention, a relaxed atmosphere, ability to ask any questions we want, and were able to finish up in about an hour.

Typical classes are 3-4 hours, so I love the time-saving option. AFAA provides a list of classes through large organizations, but I'd definitely check with your facility or local organizations to find classes.

You'll cover a set of material and at the end you do a test demonstration to show that you understand the information.

During this test, we needed to make sure the scene is safe, check to see if you can wake them (i.e. that they actually do need CPR), assign someone to call 9-1-1, preform 30 chest compressions while counting aloud (in the right spot, with enough force, at a quick speed), adjust victim's airway and indicate 2 breaths (by counting), and preform 5 more chest compressions.

<-- Oh, hey that's me! Just kidding. But it could be. The practice mannequins we used would make a clicking sound when we pressed deep enough (about 2 inches for an average-sized person) and click after the recoil to indicate the expansion.

I had to press fairly hard and can actually feel a little soreness in my hand. I can only image how exhausting CPR is when you have to do it for an extended period of time. I hope to never find myself in that situation.

Click for article about AEDs.

In the course, we learned how to place our hands, where to place them, how quickly to go (sing along to Stayin' Alive), the cycle CAB (compression, airway, breath, repeat), how to have two people and/or three people preforming CPR, the adjustments need for CPR on an infant, how to take charge and be the leader in an emergency situation, and how to use an AED machine.

Since only two of us were at this training, we made great time and got great feedback as we were learning and going through the information. After we both successfully preformed our demonstration (or test), we summed up everything again and got our cards! The process was simple, and I came away with great information I'm glad to now have. Again, I just hope I never have to use it.

Challenge: Talk to Your Fitness Instructor

I've always been a fan of fitness classes at the gym. When I joined a gym during college, I felt right at home in those classes after spending years in dance studios and dance classes. However, my introverted self typically wants to go in, keep to myself, have a great workout, and leave. I don't want to be "noticed," make gym friends, or draw any particular attention to myself.

This image is from RateYourBurn.com from the article listed below.

My perspective has changed a little bit since becoming an instructor myself. Yes, I see those people who come in obviously ready to just do their thing. And that's fine. (My favorites are the people who make sure to keep a straight face no matter what's going on.)

I didn't teach any classes today so after working on some projects this morning, I attended a Zumba Sentao (Zumba flavor + chair) class and then a yoga class. I know both of these instructors, and it's fun taking a class from someone you know and chatting with the instructors before and after class.

The nice thing is that I know these instructors outside of the fitness class. Then when I go to class, the atmosphere is even more comfortable. It's fun. It's exercise. It's socializing in disguise. And heaven knows I need to disguise my socializing.

I'm not saying that I will always go out of my way to become buddy buddy with instructors when I go to a new facility (one I don't teach at). But I can even more relate to this excerpt from the article "31 Ways to Win at Group Fitness." And, yes, this is listed as No. 1.

1. Acknowledge the person up there.
...because she is a human, not a fitness robot. Say hello (and mean it!) and if you're a newbie, definitely introduce yourself. When you leave, "bye" and "thank you" are a nice touch too.

Anyways, just a thought. Try it and see how it feels. :)

My Last Zumba Class in Lindon

Yesterday was my last day teaching at the Lindon Community Center.

Gathering my fans I've stored at the Lindon Center.

Since I no longer live or work very close to that location, I had decided that I would let my classes there go as I transitioned to teaching more at the Provo Recreation Center, which happens to be less than 2 minutes from my home. I had already cut down to one class a week at Lindon and said goodbye to my Thursday class there a few months ago. We brought on another instructor for that class, and I hoped I could "pass on" the program to her and still offer a couple classes for those students to attend. She lives close to the location and knows lots of people around there, so it seemed like a great fit.

My trunk is a Zumba storage space.

A few weeks ago, I told Lindon I had to move on but that I'd stay around until they worked out something else. Why? I didn't want to pull the rug out from under the regular students.

Well, things weren't working and the people at Lindon didn't feel that they had a reliable situation with everything else. So with me leaving, they are canceling the Zumba program there.

I'm sad to see this program go completely. Lindon Community Center is the first place that hired me to teach classes. The program has had its ups and downs, but it's been super fun there. I've worked with two coordinators at the facility and received some kind words as we coordinated closing the program.

Thanks so much for teaching here. I know that we don’t have a packed house by all means, but I have really appreciated your consistency. You’ve never hung me out to dry! You are by far the most loyal, professional, and personable fitness instructor I’ve been able to work with since I started here. Thanks again for all of your efforts!

I really appreciate her words. And dangit, I am loyal, professional, and personable—and proud of it.

Happy National Dance Day

Today, July 27, is National Dance Day! The day is put on by the Dizzy Feet Foundation, which is run by the people behind a little reality TV show called So You Think You Can Dance.

This year the dance fitness team at the Provo Recreation Center organized an event to showcase all of the different programs we offer and the different instructor styles. We started and ended by learning and then doing the official National Dance Day line dance for this year.

Check out the video and and learn the dance yourself.

Oh and I was also interviewed about the Zumba program for a little promotional video Provo is doing. I am not good on camera, I can tell you that now.

A Small Gesture That Made My Holiday

Today in Utah—July 24—is a state holiday, Pioneer Day to be exact. It's a celebration of the pioneers settling in the Salt Lake Valley back in 1847. Essentially the whole month of July is themed around parades, fireworks, BBQs, and summer festivals. So if you missed something on July 4, you can make sure to catch it 20 days later.

I don't celebrate this holiday in any particular way. Maybe because I've only enjoyed the holiday a few years I've lived in Utah during the summer...and don't really have any family traditions or nostalgia associated with it.

The best thing about the holiday this year for me actually happened YESTERDAY. In my Zumba class. With some of my favorite students.

You see, due to this holiday, a lot of businesses are closed or have limited hours. Which means the Central Utah Clinic, where I teach a class on Wednesday evenings, is closed, and as a result my class is cancelled.

Usually this sort of thing doesn't phase me at all. It's common, and all of there other locations I teach also cancelled classes today.

But my CUC students would not have it! I have 3 absolute regulars in that small class. They are the first ones there and the last ones to leave. They are there every week and are the ones telling all of their coworkers to join us at this free class offered in their workplace. They asked if I could come another night but my schedule doesn't allow it.

So they all decided to come to my class last night at the Provo Rec. They tell me every week how much they love the class and how much it has helped them. They didn't want to get out of their routine so they decided to stalk my other classes (haha their words). It was so fun to have them come to a different class in a different facility, just because they like it so much. And yea, it made my (holi)day.

Info I've Gathered About the AFAA Certification

I just finished teaching my morning Zumba class that started at 8 a.m. this morning. Can I just say that I love teaching morning classes? Actually I love morning workouts, but teaching is a sure motivation for me to make sure I'm there and ready to work first thing in the morning. I finish at 9 a.m. with my workout checked off my list and the whole day ahead of me.

I'll be honest. There are times I come home and fall asleep on my couch.

But I have that luxury and then don't feel TOO lazy.

I am now one week away from my AFAA certification date. For those of you who don't know, earning my AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) Group Exercise Certification offers me the next level of expertise in teaching classes and makes me a more qualified and marketable candidate for jobs. Plus it's a great way to open the door to teaching other formats.

There are a ton of great resources online to help prepare you for this certification. AFAA offers a study guide plus the opportunity to purchase a textbook, practice test, and DVD. I purchased only the textbook because I thought I'd like to keep it for reference. And I've heard that the all-day workshop (9 am - 6 pm) very thoroughly covers the material.

Since I have obviously not yet attended the workshop, here's what I've heard to expect:

The day will consist of a lot of note taking and demonstrations with the instructors clearly going over material we will be tested on. While some people arrive having done no previous study, AFAA STRONGLY recommends about a month of study for someone working full time.

Near the end of the day, the group will be tested together on our individual abilities to perform proper warm ups and cool downs. (I believe we'll have numbers and may be doing something completely different from our neighbor as we all do this at the same time.) We will also be individually tested on our ability to perform some basic fitness element in three levels.

For example, if I choose to demonstrate a squat, I instruct how to get start having your feet hip distance apart, abs engaged with a neutral spine, shoulders relaxed and back. As you bend your knees push your glutes back while keeping the weight in your heels and making sure your knees are behind your toes. That's level 1.

I'd then have to instruct how to move to level 2, perhaps by lifting the heel of your left foot and continue to squat to create a more centralized workout for the right foot. To move to level 3, we'd lift the left foot off completely for a single leg squat.

The other demonstration portion will likely include the instructor calling out a muscle and everyone (together again) performing an exercise that targets that muscle. If they say biceps, maybe we do curls. If they say hamstrings, maybe we do lunges. You get the idea.

The day will finish with a 100 question, multiple choice test. That's the part I'm most concerned about. Often I get into my head with this sort of thing and select very obviously wrong questions. These are the sections that are included in the study guide:

1. Essentials of Exercise (energy production, aerobic fitness, the cardiorespiratory system, the musculoskeletal system)
2. Essentials of Nutrition (general nutritional needs, dietary guidelines)
3. Safety Guidelines (common injuries in group exercise, how to evaluate risk, emergency response, how to take care of yourself as an instructor)
4. How to Teach (role as an instructor, monitoring intensity, building group choreography)
5. How to Teach—Multitrainings (basics for aqua, cycle, resistance, mat, and step classes)
6. Special Populations (how to adapt for those with chronic disease, large sizes, older adults, pregnant women, youth)
7. Business Skills & Legal Responsibilities 

Anyways, this is just an overview of what I think I know right now. I'll be studying a lot more this week in preparation and will for sure update you on my experience (and I'm hoping I pass!) Stay tuned on Monday for the study tools I recommend.