I
am sure when I mention “ELLEN” you immediately think of “Ellen
Degeneres” -the comedian and talk show host, who I admire and find
highly entertaining! But at the top of MY admiration list, you will
find ELLEN “W”. Who I must say is highly entertaining, and like
Ellen D is really a life changer for so many people, helping them to
reach for their potential.
She
works full time and then teaches zumba and boot camp for the employee
wellness program, after work, 4 days a week. Her zumba classes are a
unique and choreographed routines that she has worked on to express
her enthusiasm for dance and music. She is energetic and motivating
and keeps her classes entertaining and positive. It is an excellent
way to get rid of the stress and pressure of our jobs while getting
and staying FIT!!
So for years I went
to the gym regularly, but didn't really have a
definite program to follow. In my employee email, there was always
emails almost daily from the “EMPLOYEE LIVE WELL,BE WELL
UNIVERSITY”. This is a program for employees designed to help
employees adopt healthy behaviors to improve life and reduce health
risks. (The bottom line is that it benefits the organization by
lowering health costs!) There were Pilates, boot camp, yoga, Zumba
classes and more, that were free to us. I decided to try out one of
classes after work at my facility. It was a good workout geared to
whatever our level of flexibility was and the teacher, Jen was so
cheerful and motivating. The group was friendly and encouraged me to
come back, that I could do it!! Then they wanted me to join their
run club! That was just the beginning! I ran a total of 10 races that
year, even placing in a couple small races in my age group. (Yes, as
I get older, the crowd thins!!)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_SNDV3UXOGxcTV_IEezDfOUs5nL3Ljgd1snYhZDetUx1Pu_Oti5BpGr-Py85WCYpTEYXwT8ewhbHO5_B0npviCvdLfHT4pXhYHJxXxo5mVvQk8OtJo2B4HXg_eCZK5DKkQGE1MKDF7DO/s200/change.jpg)
In 2014, a 6
week fitness challenge-- “A SIZZLING SUMMER CHALLENGE” was
coming up at another facility led by Ellen. I persuaded one of my
fitness buddies, that I would try it if she would do it with
me. The “challenge” involved a theme and not only an exercise
program every day, but a balanced nutritional plan to follow,if desired. We were divided into
teams. We got a calendar with
the themes for the day or week and accumulate points by attendance
and coming in “theme” of the day and doing bonus workouts. Ellen kept us motivated and the challenge fun and intense! Her class reminders include inspirational quotes. My friend and I worked our
buns off and were rewarded by finishing 1st
(her) and 2nd
(me) minus a little “bum” to boot! What a rush! We were
winners!! And so completed the first challenge of many to follow.
Ellen uses her
creativity to come up with challenges especially at strategic times
of the year when we usually slack off the exercise and make excuses
for eating more and exercising less. Most of all, it is amazing to
see the change in people as they exercise regularly and gain
confidence and better health. Over the past years, there are many
success stories of lifestyle behavior changes and improved health, they will list
Ellen as the turning point for sparking their transformation.
I am so
grateful for Ellen and her leadership and influence in my life.
She knows how to "make it happen!"
A
leader is one who knows the way,
goes the way,
and shows the way.
2 comments:
Good tribute and I am sure Ellen will appreciate hearing!
So true that excuses are just that...excuses...the only things that count are what someone actually 'does'. Do something more than just talk about doing something -- that is what counts in life.
Actions, not wishes, or hopes, or even, prayers but, actions.
cheers.
Words cannot express my feelings of how Ellen has helped me...since I've been unable to be a part of her classes I've missed her soooooo much and look forward to being a part of her classes again
Ellen you are an inspiration to all Theresa
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