I once had the pleasure of seeing Anthony Robbins speak. I say “seeing (him) speak” intentionally, as he placed as much emphasis on his enthusiasm and body language, as he did on his words and tone of voice. He was the first, and only speaker that day, who energized the crowd of thousands to their feet in outstanding applause at the BEGINNING of his presentation!
That’s what it’s like to be near someone with contagious energy. When I meet someone like that I want to get involved. I want to be swept up in their adventure. I want to listen to what they have to say, or to engage in what they do.
When an individual is overflowing with positive energy, they seem like they’re bursting forth with life. I feel captivated and engaged and find myself energized too. That one individual can be a flame to fireworks that otherwise sit dormant on the shelf. Get that flame near the wick of a firecracker, and look out world. Suddenly, we’ve got a show!
Grase Woelk is an instructor at my local YMCA. She is the Anthony Robbins of the workout world. When I join one of her classes I feel like I’ve been picked up and transported to a fun loving resort, where everyone is happy, engaging, and full of life. For one hour with Grase, just like on vacation, I am present, and caught up in every life-giving moment.
Grase is not only enthusiastic about what she does, she’s encouraging, motivating, and right on cue. Her workouts are coordinated to the music she picks, and for the first time in my day I feel like I’m in sync; connected to the rhythm of life.
In Group Power she encourages the class to literally raise the bar, to add more weights to our dumbbells and “fight the bite.” She sings out lyrics from the songs she picks, and uses them to empower us. “I’m with you, I’m with you,” the singer sings to the beat, while Grase echoes, “I’m with you, are you with me? Sing along with me.” I can’t help but laugh out loud. My connection to the high-beat rhythm of life is complete.
A level 3 personal trainer, Grase was encouraged to pursue this career by an instructor of a class she attended at the YMCA almost a decade ago.
Like watching Anthony Robbins, I want to jump to my feet and give her an enthusiastic round of applause. Her vivacious appetite for life makes me feel healthier, and I wonder, do I bring energy to others like she brings energy to me? Reaping the rewards of a life-giving exchange, I feel how nurturing it is to be connected to positivity, and hope this contagious energy will flow through me to light the wicks of other. If I’m anything like Grase, oh, what a show we will see!
Are you interested in joining one of Grase Woelk’s classes? Visit the Stork Family YMCA in Waterloo. Grase’s schedule is below:
Wednesdays: Group power/Group strength (they alternate) 9:35am – 10:35am
Thursdays: Spin class 9:35am – 10:20am, Gentle strength 10:25am – 10:55am
Fridays: Group power 5:35pm – 6:35pm
PS – no, I was not paid for this endorsement. Grase Woelk is really this good!
