The "Body Pump" Leadership Lessons

I go to gym. I've been going for about six months. My teenage son and daughter started going deligently towards the end of last year. As a father of "screenagers" I felt it would be an opportune time to spend "real" time with them doing something together as a family (one has to grab those moments as a mum or dad wherever one can right?). A rather painful, but beneficial byproduct of this regular family outing was shedding some of my "Executive Muscle". Until recently, I have been doing weights in attempt to reverse gravity and raise my chest from around my waist to where it belongs. However, since my son moved out of home to go to university, my 16 year old daughter started doing classes. Now, I have to confess that as much as I have loved the thought of doing aerobics, tae bo, and other choreographed fitness programs I am absolutely terrified of two things in particular. First, the embarrasment of not knowing the "moves" and being the class buffoon. The second, the shame and humiliation of the desperate gasps for air, grunting and horizontal sweating that come with a lack of fitness.

If I wanted to stay in the realms of reasonable expectations of a father trying to stay in touch with his child, I had to "man-up". I had to "become less...to become more". I had to "suck-it-up-princess". I had to do classes.

I am reasonably "well built" with "big bones", so when I was asked by my dear Princess Fitness if I wanted to do classes with her, it was impossible to conjure up any rational excuse. The class I was tee'd up to do with her was (and still is) Body Pump. The assuring comment, "Don't worry Dad, they do light weights!" put my mind at rest. "Hey!" I cheered myself on confidently, "They do light weights!"

After the insane rush into the studio by a wide range of body shapes, sizes and ages. I began the session with my bar...and weights... and mat and...and...in one hit all my fears became reality! I couldn't do the "moves". I was uncoordinated and out of time, and worst of all...the old ladies, and super skinny girls were pumping twice as much weight as I was in the squat track, putting me to shame in the bicep track and sadly made me look like a gym-gear clad walrus in the ab track. I am sure I was trying to convince myself that it was sweat pouring down my cheeks from the corners of eyes. The pain! The humiliation! The wheezing! Perceived glances of pure judgement from the awaiting masochists waiting to rush in to do the next Body Pump class compounded my "tortoise-shell" moments during the obligatory mop-up of sweat-spray. My legs were trying to walk in different directions, my knees were in "fold mode" and my posture was hunched as my "one pack" contracted in the "we-don't-want-to" position.

I staggered...no, wobbled...no, oozed...out of the gym. I couldn't lift my head to acknowledge the "Cheers, see you next time!" from the receptionist. The half empty water bottle would not reach my lips as my lead-filled forearms strained against gravity. However, it is what was said next, that keeps me going back (yes I know!). My darling daughter said this, "Well done daddy! I'm proud of you!" Although my physical body wouldn't be able to catch up for a while, my heart leapt. I went from "zero" to "hero".

So, what then have I learned through my misadventure that I wanted to share with you about "Body Pump" Leadership Lessons? Here goes:

1. Slow is fast. The easiest way to get ahead is to do the hard work. It takes time. Leadership takes time. It come with wisdom learned, and experience earned.
2. Strength is developed. Sure, there are naturally strong people. They have been gifted with physical strength. However, for the rest of us we have to work at it. It takes time and is developed through hard (and smart) work. To be a strong leader you have to develop and hone your strengths, and leade confidently in them.
3. Brains and Brawn. "Healthy body, healthy mind". Not only does the gym take the brunt of our frustration (instead of the dog), but it also helps us sleep better. Thus increasing productivity. Personal and Professional Development are key in keeping in tune.
4. True fruit, is fruit's fruit. Think generationally. The true test of parenthood, is not how well we raise our kids - it's how well they raise theirs. Similarly, the true test of leadership is not how well you develop leaders, but how well the leaders you develop, develop leaders
5. Integrity is EVERYTHING! "Put your money where your mouth is", "walk the talk". People are watching leaders all the time. Demonstrate the kind of leadership you want others to emulate
6. Your name is a precious commodity, do not waste it!
7. Live your Legacy. Don't wait until you're dead to leave a legacy! Start now and live it!
8. Leadership is heavy. It is a responsibility not to be carried lightly. It is a privelege and an honour to lead. Wear it well, and if you can't or won't...well...there nothing wrong with being a follower...