Sometimes quitting is ok…sometimes quitting is even good…but letting go can be hard.
I usually don’t get ultra personal or mushy in my blog posts, but I want to share that sometimes it’s okay to let things in your life go even when it’s hard so you can move forward into new things.
This past week I made the decision to stop teaching my Zumba class after 3-1/2 years. I had been thinking about this for some time now, and had battled the decision for months. But the time came and I knew I needed to make the decision to stop teaching my Zumba class.
Since I got certified in personal training, time became an issue with teaching my Zumba classes. The class itself wasn’t taking up too much time, but between training for my upcoming half-marathon, subbing other fitness classes, personal training, parenting, housekeeping, and writing 2 blogs, I didn’t have the time to do new music and choreography, which is the life-blood of a Zumba class.
Lately, my health has been a BIG problem for me as well. Since spring and summer hit, my energy levels have plummeted due to seasonal allergies and consequently my IBS has worsened by leaps and bounds as well. Some days I have a hard time even wanting to work out, and teaching a fitness class is challenging when I’m feeling icky.
Considering all of these things, I finally made the decision to let go of my Zumba class and focus on my personal training and blogging. I still enjoy Zumba after 7 years as a student and teacher, but it takes a lot of time to keep the class creative and fresh. I still want to create choreography videos for YouTube, and I want to stay connected to my amazing students. And I will take an occassional Zumba class when I have time!
Tomorrow morning I will be teaching my last Zumba class, and it will be bittersweet. Giving up and letting go is hard to do, but necessary sometimes to realize new dreams.
kim says
Thanks for posting, I needed to hear this.
Sarah Jane says
You’re welcome Kim! I’m so glad I can help out 🙂
Sue Z says
Thank you so much for posting this… I became an instructor 2.5 yrs ago and was a student for 2 yrs prior to that. Initially, I taught 3-4 classes per week. Eventually dropped 2 as it was just too demanding combined with my day job as an outreach therapist. Taught 2 classes at a local dance studio for 2 yrs. Owner was not willing to do much advertising and I was tired of teaching to very low student numbers – although, I formed very close relationships with the students I had which made it worth the effort on some level.
Had a class at a fitness studio fall into my lap this past summer. One class turned into 2, I dropped my other 2 classes (Fri & Sun) at the kids dance studio.
I loooooove teaching in the studio I’m at now but my 2nd class has a pretty low attendance.
With a very heavy heart, I’ve decided to drop the Sunday morning class. Will still teach on Friday night. As much as I love Zumba, my bigger goal is to become a motivational speaker. I made a commitment to pursue that goal (which has been a lifelong goal) this year.
I still work as an outreach therapist at a new agency but I work very long hours and am working on getting my licensure to do private practice therapy in the state that I work in (CT). I new when I took the new job, I would be driving much more and it would eventually impact Zumba. Difficult decision but it is my day job that pays my bills.
Reading your post helped me to resolve some of my anguish over dropping a class… thank you!
Good luck in your other endeavors!
Sue Z
Sarah Jane says
It can be so hard sometimes to make changes to fitness classes when we feel like we are letting people down. Some people expressed disappointment in me for not teaching Zumba anymore, but it was what I needed at that {very stressful} time. I might take up one class a week again if it fits, but only if I’m having fun teaching it. I don’t want to teach a class if I feel burdened by it since that will reflect in my class.
I’m so glad I could help you! In the end, your life priorities take precedence over fitness classes. I wish you great blessings in becoming a motivational speaker! That sounds like a great job, you will be great at it 😉
Jody - Fit at 55 says
HUGS!!!!!!!!! I think many of us get this – we have juggling acts plus yes, sometimes our health & well being – do what is best for you always!
FitBetty says
The health thing has definitely been an issue this year, unfortunately. I definitely need to take care of my body ‘cuz no one else is going to take care of it for me. I had some injuries earlier this year and it definitely makes me think twice about over-doing it these days.
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
I have certainly given up a ton… A TON!!!!!!!!!!!! I could write a million pages about it. But honestly, you’re so right, you have to give up some things to make room for the bigger and better! It is definitely hard at first, but it gets easier when you do it more often! But really, who likes change?!
FitBetty says
I am a bit sad, but now very relieved! I think I would get rusted over if I stayed in my comfort zone too long. It definitely takes practice 😉
Pamela Hernandez says
I think it’s important to step back and evaluate our “commitments” every so often. Letting go of those things that no longer help us or make us happy is a good thing.
FitBetty says
Yes, I often have to re-evaluate things I’m doing since I tend to do too much. I keep coming back to “family first” and it makes a big difference for us 🙂
Tamara says
Sarah, I so know where you’re coming from!
My life is similar to yours (except for the Zumba part 😉 ), and over the past few years, I’ve slowly let go of certain classes and work responsibilities. It’s always so difficult, though. Even when I know that it’s what’s best for me, I struggle with the guilt and feeling like I’m letting my students down. Of course, their new instructor is always fabulous and they quickly get used to the change.
I think part of the problem for me, is that my identity is wrapped up in what I do. If I don’t do it anymore, who am I? Great that you’re able to have the time to focus on other things, though, right?
Tracey English says
Tamara – I can completely relate to that sentiment. Before I opted to leave the gym where I had worked for 15 years, I thought – “This is who I am….who will I be if I leave?” It was a hard thing to do – everyone knew me there – I had made many friends and I was a well-liked instructor. Classes were full. I felt great about that.
But it was time. And I quickly became aware that although I was an important part of that organization, it was not all I was. Great, liberating feeling.
Wouldnt go back for anything! 🙂
FitBetty says
I completely agree! I have identified myself as a Zumba instructor so it has became a part of how I identified myself. It does feel weird to say that I am officially done now, but I know it’s best for us right now 🙂
Tracey English says
Hey Sarah – Been there, done that. For me it was BodyPump. Loved the program, but when I started my PT business, I was teaching it in KC (40 miles away) and it became too much. It is the best thing I did for myself and my business.
I still miss teaching it. I loved the energy that participants brought to the class, but I get a lot of fulfillment from training large groups too, so it balances out.
All the best to you in your endeavors!!! 🙂
FitBetty says
Thank you Tracey! I used to take Body Pump classes at my old facility and I miss it, too. After school started I set down some solid rules with my personal training hours so I have more family time. It is hard to make those changes, but I know I won’t regret it 🙂