The Journey of Firsts Firsts are a constant part of our early lives. Our first breath, our first cry, our first meal. Then come our first smile, first step, and first word. As we grow, we accumulate hundreds, if not thousands, of first experiences. Our first friend,...
Marietta Mehanni
Mindset
Embracing Worthiness
Acknowledging Success: A Journey of Worthiness I'm honoured to share my recent induction into the AUSactive Roll of Honour. While this recognition holds immense significance, I must admit that acknowledging what this award truly means to me has been a challenging but...
Why do you really teach group fitness?
Have you ever really asked yourself why you teach group fitness? Why did you decide that this would be the career (or part-time pursuit) that you would follow over so many other options? This article was published in the Network magazine. Finding your Why People often...
Confessions Of A Lazy Instructor
Tips on how to stay motivated with exercise Have you ever started doing something with the best intentions, only to lose motivation and give up halfway through? Maybe you started a new exercise program and quit after a few weeks (or days). All along, you know that if...
The One Word Someone Said To Me That Reframed The Way I Think Forever
When we learn something new, we open the door to opportunity. To grow in this industry, you must keep continual learning at the core of everything you do, writes industry educator and group fitness guru Marietta Mehanni. When a comment on one of my recent social media...
Which stage of the 4-step Group Ex journey are you in?
I have always enjoyed passing on things that I have learnt. I’m hardwired for it. I remember in school that I would often help other students understand homework and provide assistance during recess and lunchtime in the library. It gave me purpose, and sharing what I...
The social media rabbit hole
Unveiling the Impact of Lockdown on Fitness Professionals Changes in our operations during lockdown have exposed many fitness professionals to social media-induced self-doubt. You’re worth so much more than fleeting clicks, writes group fitness guru Marietta Mehanni....
Self Care
Take care of yourself - no one else will do a better job. Reflecting on 2020's Impact For the majority of people on this planet, the world went sideways in 2020. The new normal became a concept, and words like pivoting and virtual became popular business words. Even...
The elephant in the room
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The big one with its backside in your face. The one that you can’t miss but trying to avoid looking at. GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR MENTAL HEALTH It is an interesting conundrum because, as an instructor, you are not physically...
My Inner Demon
Reflecting on Life BC (Before Covid) and Beyond Like most people around the globe, everything completely changed for me when Covid-19 lockdown came in. My usual daily routine evolved to a new rhythm. It has now been long enough for me to have looked at my life BC...
My secret
I received an email asking about my secret to maintaining positivity and showing up on Facebook daily. So, I'm going to share my answer with you all. I feel that mental health is very similar to physical health. If we think about physical health, we ensure that our...
Mind your language
Remember when you were younger, and you were told to 'mind your language'? It usually refers to avoiding bad words or having the right tone with elders. Fast forward to today, and I find myself reflecting on this old-fashioned phrase in a whole new context. The Power...
Instructor Mental Health
Let’s talk about an elephant in the room. The big one with its backside in your face. The one that you can’t miss, but trying to avoid looking at. Group Exercise Instructor Mental Health. It is an interesting situation because as an instructor, you are not physically...
Can you remember a name?
The most challenging group fitness skill ever: can you remember a name? Did you often find yourself using the excuse, 'I can never remember people's names'? It's a common struggle, especially when dealing with a group of 10 to 50 individuals. However, relying on this...
Is freestyle coming back?
Recently I asked myself, "is freestyle coming back into style?" When I first started in the fitness industry I was an aerobics instructor. Yes, I learned how to teach an aerobics class, which required music, space and my mind, to create an exercise experience. There...
POY
Over the past week my mSwing business partner, Mark Davis has been signing off emails with POY. It also appeared in text messages and I had figured (Mark being a man with a very well-developed sense of humour), he had somehow formed a word that I didn’t have a clue...
Should you be eating that?
Navigating the Grocery Aisles As I strolled through the supermarket several years ago, a familiar face from my fitness classes emerged down an aisle. In that split second, a silent interrogation began: Were my groceries "healthy" enough? Would I face judgment for my...
A life full of achievements!
Have you ever had the experience of meeting someone and you can't put a finger on what makes such an impact, but there you are, thinking about who they are and what they have achieved? Sylvia Rice is one of those people to me. Even though I had met Sylvia before 2015,...
The truth about websites and social media
Start the year in the right direction It always seems appropriate to write a January blog about intentions and new resolutions to start the year in the right direction, whatever ‘right’ means for you. Well, this is blog is a recommendation from last year’s resolution....
Mentor or role model – is there a difference?
Two interesting things happened a few years ago that helped me understand that there is a big difference between having a mentor and a role model. The first was when an instructor commented to a friend that I was her mentor. It was interesting because, at that time, I...
The LIST
Back in 2013, I attended FILEX and was captivated by Sebastian Terry's keynote address. His journey of ticking off 100 things sparked an idea that resurfaced on New Year's Eve 2014. Creating An Adventure List Inspired by Sebastian's adventure, my friends and I started...
Do something today for your future self
A time for reflection I decided to use a quote for the title of this blog as it really resonates with me at this time of year. December/January each year is when I reflect on the past year, then plan and look forward to the new year ahead. Of course, this can only be...
Professional Behaviour
Interpreting the words 'Professional Behaviour' My Aqua Mentoring group recently discussed professional behaviour within the aquatic fitness industry and how to manage this expectation. It was refreshing to engage with other instructors and hear about their challenges...
Right out of my comfort zone
Embracing the Unknown Stepping out of your comfort zone is like embarking on a journey into the unknown, where uncertainty and unfamiliarity await. It's not always about facing your deepest fears or taking drastic measures like skydiving (seriously, why jump out of a...
Getting still
Are you tired of being 'BUSY' and suffering from overload? A conversation with a friend once opened a dialogue that I was all too familiar with. That conversation of being so flat out that you are suffering from overload and stress and everything you do seems to bring...
Healthy relationships
In the rhythm of daily life, health extends beyond the physical realm, encompassing emotional and relationship well-being. Just as exercise and nutrition nurture the body, cultivating healthy connections nurtures the soul. Practices like meditation, journaling, and...
Connect & Follow
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Beginning Again
The Journey of Firsts Firsts are a constant part...
Embracing Worthiness
Acknowledging Success: A Journey of Worthiness...
Why do you really teach group fitness?
Have you ever really asked yourself why you...