Nili Talis is one of our beloved preschool teachers who had an epiphany about what it might take to truly be at her best.
In January, each preschool teacher at the 14th Street Y was given the opportunity to participate in “the passion project.” The idea behind this project was to motivate, inspire and connect each of us with the feeling of passion. It was up to each individual to define their passion. When we found out that Nili would pursue her passion for health and wellness with us, we asked her to share her workouts with us, in the hopes that it might inspire a passion for health in others.
-14th Street Y
My adrenaline shot up to the sky after this opportunity was presented to me. After the proposal paper was in my hand, my energy dropped to the ground.
Passion!? Oh No, who has time for passion? A list of all of the things I need to accomplish before June raced through my head. I need to pass four different state teacher certification exams, write a thesis, complete 2 more graduate school courses, spend time with my family and teach! How would I ever fit a passion project into my life?
I took a month to ponder the possibilities, I could learn to play the ukulele, scuba dive, speak a different language or even improve upon my mind reading skills. All of these sounded interesting, but nothing ignited the passion within me. Just as I was about to return the form and decide I didn’t have time for this project, it hit me. When do I feel the most passionate? When I am at my best.
That was my aha moment: I needed to focus on me in order to be the best graduate student, educator, wife and Mother. The best way I know how to do this is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Over the years I have gone in and out of focusing on being the best me. And currently with my plate overflowing, working out has been put in the freezer…until now! The focus of my passion project would be to begin a workout routine with a trainer at the Y to ignite my desire for a heathy lifestyle and to be the best me possible.
FIRST WORKOUT: “Oh no here goes something!”
As I slowly make my approach over to my Personal Trainer Glenna and begin what I had been calling a “tuchas whooping”.
I kept telling myself I need this more now than ever. Life has taken over my hours in each day. I love my life and wife, don’t get me wrong, and working out has become a hobby I participate in on occasion.
Glenna was kind, gentle, intelligent, positive and focused. As she conducted her initial physical test on me we started to talk about my goals and vision for our training sessions.
I told her that growing up I was always on a sports team and really never had to worry about working out. I want to bring back that type of training that uses all natural body weight training. I wasn’t interested in treadmills or other large equipment.
Glenna’s knowledge and confidence quickly eased my mind and we jumped into the training session. She opened up a tiny bag filled with a few bands. We used these bands in a variety of way that worked every single muscle in my body. As I was doing the reps I kept thinking, “This isn’t so bad, I’ve got this!”
I also questioned if I was working hard enough? After our first session Glenna and I hugged and said see you next week. I left feeling really good but still asked myself did I work hard enough? I continued on with my busy day and got home around 8pm that night. After I completed our family night-time rituals, I went to sit on the couch to read a book. After about an hour of sitting, I wanted to get a drink and then BOOM it hit me! I COULDNT MOVE A SINGLE MUSCLE! As I stood up half way I started to laugh “I guess I did work hard enough!”
And it felt awesome! This is the feeling I’ve missed. Every inch of my inside and out was physically and mentally challenged and I wanted more!
-Nili Talis
Interested in working out like this? Try Glenna’s FREE Fitness Intensive this Saturday, May 11th at 12:00PM PRIMAL MOVES.
Thoughts + Happenings 