I really like being outside this time of year. Sure, you have the unpredictable spring rain and allergies if that applies to you…but training outside is pretty cool. It’s nice to see teams competing on nearby fields (hopefully keeping score versus making sure that everybody wins), walking pets, playing with kids and doing something that keeps them off the couch and away from the desk. Shark Fitness was one of first “boot camps” in St. Louis nineteen years ago and is the last to truly earn the title. Our style of training has become archaic to many. Sharks work hard, lead by example, don’t make excuses, take responsibility for failures and can mentally handle being told that they need to do a better job with training and nutrition. I don’t sugar coat things because people would likely eat it and don’t need unhealthy calories. Do you want someone who is more interested in making you FEEL good…or actually get you to a place where you ARE good?
The next sessions of Clayton and Francis Park start next Monday and Tuesday with Meramec kicking off the following week. All of the details are below with registration information included. Clients need to be on the roster prior to the first day. As always, clients may use other locations to make up missed classes. If you have a challenging schedule, contact us and we’ll find a solution to get you on board.
I had a very interesting conversation with a long-time vendor about how the industry has changed since Shark Fitness began nearly two decades ago. Her company supplies the elastic tubes that we use in class and offers a multitude of resistance levels from heavy to extremely light that are used for rehabilitation and stretching. Among several of her observations, one really got my attention. Over the last few years, some companies are ordering the tubes based on appearance…not training value. They want their equipment to match their company logo or studio décor. I should be surprised but sadly I’m not. The fitness industry is becoming saturated with programs and instructors that focus more on social media content, ineffective or ever-changing movements and lavish compliments for doing little more than strolling in the door. On the other side of the coin, trainees are becoming too focused on having their egos stroked by frequent online posts of them in the mirror at the gym…all with the purpose of getting mostly ill-deserved, “You’re amazing!” comments. I checked Webster’s definition of ‘amazing’ and it confirmed my perception of the word. Curing cancer would be amazing. Being the first to walk on the moon is an amazing feat. Climbing Mount Everest would be an amazing experience. Walking in the door to a program that does booty shakes while holding your toes then takes group shots of your ass afterwards doesn’t exactly earn the same accolade. Those programs attract weak minded clients who need and crave praise more than actual results or REAL mental toughness. After the conversation, it occurred to me that I don’t ever recall seeing a Shark post “look at me” praise seeking selfies in 19 years of teaching classes. Sharks don’t want or need the “you look amazing” nonsense. We have a guy who is a 10-year survivor of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and trains hard even when in treatment. He started a cycling team to raise money for the cause and volunteers his time in support of many endeavors. There’s a mom who joined the program many years ago to strengthen her ability to take care of her daughter who has special needs. A young woman trained with us before leaving to give her best to become the first female Air Force Special Operations Combat Controller. A 74-year-old guy who never read the rule that life slows down at that age. A 51-year-old mother of two with a doctorate who researches the cure to cancer and often outperforms our military trainees. A parent who receives unthinkable news yet remains positive and inspires all with his strength. Not one of these examples wants or needs the Facebook hordes to tell them how “amazing” they are. Truly strong people don’t need to be told how great they are. We are Moms, Dads, couples, parents, corporate and community leaders, physicians, attorneys, business owners, the military and police. Our Sharks have an age range of 57 years and come from most walks of life and fitness levels. What creates the tight bond between them is genuine hard work. Our newest client emailed to say, “I am so glad to have stumbled upon your class while working out at the (training facility). I finally found a challenging class with hard working people!” That sums us up perfectly. Do you have what it takes to be a Shark?
MAY/JUNE PROGRAMS
M/W/F 5:45am-STL Community College-Meramec/Kirkwood
M/W/F 6:00am-Shaw Park/Clayton
M/W/F 6:00am-Francis Park/St. Gabriel-St. Louis Hills
T/Th 5:45am-STL Community College-Meramec/Kirkwood
T/Th 9:30am-STL Community College-Meramec/Kirkwood
T/Th 5:30pm-Shaw Park-Clayton
Sat 8:00-9:30am-Whitecliff Park-Crestwood
UPCOMING PROGRAMS (in order of start date)
WHITECLIFF PARK-CRESTWOOD-SATURDAY MORNING (8:00-9:30am)-This is an ongoing program. You may take a single class for $25 or buy a 2019 5 class punch card for $90 ($18 per class). To register, please email keath@sharkfitness.net for a release form and details. Do not contact the community center. The class meets near the sand volleyball court. Class cancellation info may be found on the front page of our website or on Facebook. Instructor: Keath Hausher, CMFT.
SHAW PARK-CLAYTON-MON/WED/FRI MORNING (6:00-7:00am)-Class begins Monday, 20 May 2019. Class costs $234 members/residents/$252 nonresidents (Code 22295) for the six-week program. You must register with the Center of Clayton in person, call 314-290-8500 or online at: https://www.claytonmo.gov/government/parks-recreation/recreation-programs to pay with credit card. Participants may use the locker and shower facilities. Class meets at the south end of Shaw Park near Forest Park Parkway and can move inside the Center of Clayton gymnasium in the event of severe weather. Instructors: Keath Hausher, CMFT/Lindsay Wiggins.
FRANCIS PARK -STL HILLS -MON/WED/FRI MORNING (6:00-7:00am)-Class begins Monday, 20 May 2019. Class costs $221 for the 17-class program. Please register with dale@sharkfitness.net before to the start of the program. Outdoor classes start on Donovan near the playground and can go inside St. Gabriel’s gym when the weather is extreme. This program CAN BE JOINED MIDSESSION. Instructor: Dale Bauer, CFT.
SHAW PARK-CLAYTON-TUE/THU EVENING (5:30-6:30pm)-Class begins Tuesday, 21 May 2019. Class costs $156 members/residents/$168 nonresidents (Code 22312) for the six-week program. You must register with the Center of Clayton in person, call 314-290-8500 or online at: https://www.claytonmo.gov/government/parks-recreation/recreation-programs to pay with credit card. Participants may use the locker and shower facilities. Class meets at the south end of Shaw Park near Forest Park Parkway. Instructors: Keath Hausher, CMFT.
ST. LOUIS COM. COLLEGE-MERAMEC-TUE/THU MORNING (5:45-6:45am)-Session begins Tuesday, 28 May 2019. Register by calling the Continuing Education Dept. at 314-984-7777(PEDU 755 S03). Class fee is $159 for the 12-class program. Participants may use the locker and shower facilities. Please park in lots “P” and “O” off Geyer Rd and meet near the gym entrance. Instructor: Keath Hausher, CMFT. Note: The class may inside outside if weather is severe.
ST. LOUIS COM. COLLEGE-MERAMEC-TUE/THU MID-MORNING (9:30-10:30am)-Session begins Tuesday, 28 May 2019. Register by calling the Continuing Education Dept. at 314-984-7777(PEDU 755 S04). Class fee is $159 for the 12-class program. Participants may use the locker and shower facilities. Please park in lots “P” and “O” off Geyer Rd and meet by the softball field. Instructor: Keath Hausher, CMFT. Note: The class may train inside if weather is severe.
ST. LOUIS COM. COLLEGE-MERAMEC-MON/WED/FRI MORNING (5:45-6:45am)-Session begins Wednesday, 29 May 2019. Register by calling the Continuing Education Dept. at 314-984-7777 PEDU 755 SO2). Class fee is $199 for the 15-class program. Participants may use the locker and shower facilities. Please park in lots “P” and “O” off Geyer Rd., the gym entrance faces those lots. Instructor: Sarah Jaskiewicz, CFT. Note: The class may train inside if weather is severe.