Love the Work and the Results Will Follow
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Research shows that we can find reward in forms other than goals like weight loss that don’t happen overnight. Angela Duckworth, Ph.D., best-selling author of “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” (Scribner, 2016) and founder of the Character Lab, calls it bundling: combining something you love with, well, the chore of going to the gym (or anything else)—and her colleagues have studied and found that it’s an effective approach.
At the gym, you might call it loving the work—in contrast to obsessing over the outcome. It’s a phenomenon that 24 Hour Fitness GX24 instructors and personal trainers embrace wholeheartedly. They know there will be times when people doubt themselves, suffer setbacks or get discouraged with what they perceive as a lack of progress. That’s the time to find something to love other than the goal.
So if you’re lucky, you’ve got a new playlist that you can’t wait to hear again (if not, check out Derek Beres’ 24Life playlists). Or you’ve discovered that you actually love barbell squats because there’s something about rising up under that much weight that brings out your inner grrrrl or Incredible Hulk.
If you’re at a loss, though, not to worry. We asked GX24 instructors and some of the members who take their classes why or how they came to love the work. Their responses below will show you how to discover the joy of movement for movement’s sake and bonds that will sustain you. The weight they’ve lost and health and vitality they’ve found are just the perks.
Lourdes Vanessa Flores, GX24 instructor, 24 Hour Fitness Glendora Sport (Glendora, California)
I get to touch many lives and contribute to make their day bright and productive. It also keeps me on my toes and young at heart. I met Manny Lazarit when I subbed a Zumba class at our Chino (California) club. What’s inspired me the most is being part of his weight-loss journey and [watching] him drop from a 5XL into a size XL. He sure proves that anything is possible.
Manuel Lazarit, member
GX24 instructor Lourdes Vanessa Flores says, “After I met Manny in that Zumba class, I asked for his name and invited him to join my regular STRONG by Zumba on Saturdays. It took him a couple of weeks to come to class and then he participated consistently and would share fitness goals after class. His passion to succeed is impressive.”
Victoria Varney, GX24 instructor, 24 Hour Fitness Taylorsville Sport (Taylorsville, Utah)
As a teenager, I took my first step class with my mom and became hooked. I love the power of working out in a group. Betty Reed has been taking my classes for 10 years. On the rare occasion that she isn’t in class, people ask where she is and it isn’t the same without her.
Betty Reed, member
I grew up on a farm, so I’ve always felt the need to be physically active. I take Zumba, Les Mills BODYCOMBAT and BODYPUMP, and I’ll try something at least once.
Carolle Liu, GX24 instructor, 24 Hour Fitness Allen Sport (Allen, Texas)
Group exercise helped me lose weight and gain confidence. I found my calling to give back and change lives; I became a Les Mills BODYCOMBAT instructor. A few months into my class, Reggie Turner told me he'd lost over 30 pounds. The smile on his face was priceless.
Reginald Turner, member
I was a Division 1 football prospect and had to quit due to injury. I wanted to get back to the old Reggie. ... I decided to try BODYCOMBAT. ... Seven months later, everyone sees the change in me.
Alex Kattar, GX24 instructor, 24 Hour Fitness Expressway Sport (Dallas)
I love to hear of the things members do to make it to our classes (make arrangements with management or even escape early from work). I love when I see them sweat, smile, grind their teeth, laugh ... and they keep coming back. Joni Sakamoto has followed me to take my classes at multiple clubs, and that's quite some mileage and traffic time invested. I always love when she shows up because I know she will be present and invested the whole time.
Joni Sakamoto, member
The first time I met Alex at the 24 hour Fitness in Addison (Texas) was in 2013. … He is strong, kind and, most of all, he genuinely cares for others. … I knew he is the person I wanted to be. [My] job transferred me to New York, but I came back to his classes in Dallas whenever I could get away from New York—I even came to his class after I had my Achilles tendon rupture. Instructors and participants have told me that I inspire them to come to class and work out even harder and stronger. No matter how old I get, I know that exercise and helping people are the best passion for my life.
May Li, GX24 instructor, 24 Hour Fitness Sunnyvale Sport (Sunnyvale, California)
After three of my co-workers had heart attacks, it was time to quit that job and do what I truly love—teach GX classes. Tony Sanchez has been taking my Les Mills Turbo Kick class for years, and now, BODYCOMBAT and POP Pilates.
Tony Sanchez, member
In my early 40s, my young daughter commented on my nice “table” (stomach). Back then, there was only women’s aerobics at the Y and I was one of three men in class. I started taking classes at 24 Hour Fitness in 1984.
Susan Annunziata, GX24 instructor, 24 Hour Fitness Greenacres Active (Greenacres, Florida)
I love seeing daily how GX24 programs physically and mentally change lives.
Jodi McMasters, member
Suzi creates a fun class while watching everyone to make sure they’re safe and doing the exercise properly. … Due to my disability, I was not able to get [down] or get up from the floor unassisted. But the more I took [Suzi's] class, the less help I needed ... until, one day, I did it on my own!
Tyson Peltz, GX24 instructor, 24 Hour Fitness Santa Teresa Sport (San Jose, California)
I came to love the work first as a member who was going through tremendous struggles in my personal life. I was inspired to become a certified instructor … because I felt I had a lot to give and I wanted to be of service to others. Phoenix Nguyen was always early to set up for BODYPUMP and … even during some of the toughest tracks, she is in the front working hard with a huge smile! … I’m impressed that with her busy and sometimes stressful life, she finds time to invest in herself and with joy and determination. She is a role model for her kids and the community.
Phoenix Nguyen, member
I love to dance, but I like something with more structure like BODYPUMP. … After nine months, I can see the change in my body: defined biceps and triceps, stronger and leaner legs, firm glutes and tight core. [And the] cool music helps motivate my workout and release stress for me, personally. Taking BODYPUMP regularly not only gives me more confidence about life … I like to say I am addicted to BODYPUMP, but I am so proud that it is a healthy addiction!
Maria Alejandra Jara, GX24 instructor, 24 Hour Fitness Jersey City Sport (Jersey City, New Jersey)
I started teaching Zumba to stay active, lose weight and earn extra money. Now I teach 15 classes a week. Manik Khanna is an IT professional in New York but was part of [the Singapore TV programs] “X Factor” and “Dance Singapore Dance.” When he walked into my class, I could tell that he was a professional Bollywood dancer. [I’m a certified BollyX instructor, and] I was a little intimidated but it also encouraged me. … Now we practice Bollywood choreography together.
Manik Khanna, member
I started to dance when I was a teenager … and got to be a part of two reality shows when I was working in Singapore. I placed in the top seven finalists for one show. The other reality show was also a great learning experience and left me with cherished memories as I was the winner for it. After coming to the U.S., I was in dire need to stay in touch with dance. That’s when I joined the classes at 24 Hour Fitness. Maria is a blessing to the class and I learn so much from her. The energy that Maria exchanges with the members is splendid.
Christine McCown, GX24 instructor, 24 Hour Fitness Hancock Sport (Dallas)
The “buzz” you feel from the people in the room … is [like] being at a concert with a bunch of friends who also love that band. … Adriana and William Tran took my Turbo Kick class over 10 years ago and have been part of my GX family ever since.
William and Adriana Tran, members
Once I experienced Christine’s Turbo Kick class, I was hooked. I had William try it with me. ... I worked out with Turbo Kick through my 39th week of pregnancy. We all call our daughter a Turbo baby.
Kim Moore, GX24 instructor, 24 Hour Fitness La Cienega Sport (Los Angeles)
I have always been very athletic, played team sports and danced. I came to love the work by working at various parks, recreational centers and gyms as a Group X instructor. I met John Spencer around 2010 in my Zumba class, and he is our front row DIVO! John is the person who I will take to a Zumba master class because I know he likes to have fun and everyone in attendance will have fun! He loves Zumba more than anyone that I know. I am grateful for our friendship, and Zumba would not be the same without John.
John Spencer, member
GX24 instructor Kim Moore says, “I met John Spencer around 2010 in my Zumba class. John is our front row DIVO! What impresses me most about John is he always gives 100 percent. In 2017, I took John to a Zumba master class in La Puente, California and the instructors tried to steal him from me! He is always present—rain or shine—and he is always smiling. (Sometimes I think he is happier to see me than my husband!) I am grateful for our friendship and class would not be the same without John.
Colin Gregory, GX24 instructor, 24 Hour Fitness Broadmoor Sport (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
In 2011, I suffered a closed traumatic brain injury, severe cervical spine and lumbar/sacral spine injuries due to a work-related accident. I was physically, emotionally and spiritually defeated. When my doctors released me to begin yoga classes again, I had to learn to use my entire body all over again. Jenny Hilbert was a regular in the classes I took, and then began taking my classes when I started teaching here. Even in dark times in her life, she has continued to be a fighter a beacon of light for others.
Jenny Hilbert, member
Fitness saved my life. Losing 75 pounds was the best thing I ever did for myself. I am 11 years strong in having kept that weight off. As the weight came off, I discovered how good fitness makes me feel. I love how that release of endorphins and that adrenaline rush gives me a powerful boost of energy—both mentally and physically. There is such a sense of community between the staff, the instructors and the members. Everyone is always so friendly, welcoming and supportive of one another.
George Velazquez GX24 instructor, 24 Hour Fitness Saddle Brook Sport (Saddle Brook, New Jersey)
I came to love the work because of the results that I was seeing in myself and the members. I began working with Pat Christian more than eight years ago. She always pushes herself to the next level and has and continues to motivate others. She’s Wonder Woman for real.
Pat Christian, member
I started seriously exercising many years ago, but it still feels new every time. I get excited to see if I can challenge myself and push beyond old limits. I regularly lift weights, take BODYCOMBAT classes, boot camp and of course cycle with my amazing instructor George Velasquez. And I recently got certified to teach Zumba! Working out brings me so much satisfaction and makes me proud of myself for doing the work. I love that I feel strong and full of energy when I’m done. And I love hearing my doctor say, “You’ve got the heart of a much younger person! Keep on doing what you’re doing!” You can bet on it!
The GX24 Team
Photo credit: Courtesy of GX24 instructors and members featured