Guest guest Posted November 23, 2011 Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 GO BUCKEYES! Wednesday, 23 November 2011 Last week, I had the most incredible experience I've had in a long time. I was in Columbus, Ohio to teach a big exercise class for the students, faculty and staff of Ohio State University. And, oh...I was so nervous! You're probably wondering why I was nervous so let me explain. A couple of students picked me up at my hotel and drove me to the Ohio State campus. See, I was very concerned how this crowd of college students would take to me and my often zany, off-the-wall antics. And, on top of that, I was also concerned about how many of them would actually show up for my class. (Isn't it "great" being so insecure?) That morning, a couple of students picked me up at my hotel and drove me to the Ohio State campus. We pulled up in front of this magnificent gym where my class was going to be held. (I'd asked the students to get me there a little early so I'd have a better idea of the feel of the setting and the crowd.) And, let me tell you, I was about to discover just how misplaced my insecurities had been! They were all decked in classic 70's garb. As soon as I walked into the gym, dozens of students rushed over to meet me! Right away, they were saying hello, hugging me and wanting to take photos with me. And oh, did they all ever really dress up for our big class. Many of them were all decked-out in classic 70's garb. A lot of the guys had these big, really cute Afros. The girls wore headbands and some of them wore shirts with rips in them for that authentic "Disco Diva" look. LOL. Some of their shirts even had the words, "I Love You !" printed on them. All I can say is WOW! The Ohio State staff and students came in all shapes and sizes. And what a great mix of people they were. I'd say they represented people from countries all over the world. And, no matter where they were from, I was ready to make every one of them...sweat! Not only did they sweat but they seemed to know the words to every song I played. As I always do during my big on-the-road sweatin' classes, I brought a bunch of them on stage to dance with me. We were having so much fun, our 50 minute class seemed to be over way-too-soon! After class was over, they screamed and applauded so loudly, it felt like an out-of-body experience to me. I hadn't had so much fun in a long time. I talked about their health, their eating habits and the importance of working out those incredible bodies of theirs. Now that the sweatin' was over, it was time to get a little serious. I had them all sit down so I could have a heart-to-heart talk with them. I talked about their goals and dreams. I talked about our country's tough economy these days. But I also made sure they know what a blessed country we live in. And of course, I talked about their health, their eating habits and the importance of working out those incredible bodies of theirs. I touched on the problem of obesity in our country and how excess weight can lead to health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. I made sure they knew, this one-hour sweatin' class with me was not the end but the beginning of making exercise and good health the focus of their young lives. I talked to them like I was part of their family, as if I were a father or grandfather. After my talk, I stayed for at least another hour, meeting as many students as I could. A lot of them came up to me crying, telling me how they'd paid close attention to what I had to say. And you know what else they told me? They told me...they loved me! (Okay, they really got to me.) , your work has made this world a better place. It seems most of the students I met had a story to share with me. They'd Sweated to the Oldies when they were kids with their grandmothers. Or they told me they'd use some of my workout videos in their gym classes when they were in grade school. One student came up to me and said, simply..., your work has made this world a better place. (He must have wanted to see me cry!) Those kids really made me feel so special. Hey, I love you right back, Ohio State Buckeyes! After it was all over and I returned to my hotel, I sat on my bed, taking in the wonderful experience I'd just had. And this close to Thanksgiving, all I can think of is... How blessed I am! Love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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