Nah, I’m not referring to the famous Broadway song by Marti Webb…
Last Sunday morning I watched an MMA fight for the very first time – I know, it’s a shame that I haven’t supported the proudly South African sports star, Dricus du Plessis, before, but honestly? The whole cage fighting scenario is simply not my cup of tea! I find all that striking and kicking and grappling just too brutal – if I really must be a witness to vioIence, I would then much rather watch “Yellowstone”. I mean, those MMA fighters contort their bodies in ways that would make a yoga instructor cringe, all while throwing unimaginable punches and kicks. One thing is very clear, what we see is real blood, real bruises, and real blows, unlike those WWE theatrics.
“Coach, coach! I want my flag. I want my flag! This is history! Suid-Afrika, nou weet hulle wat ons weet!”
These words echoed through the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Sunday morning, when du Plessis made history to become the new UFC Middleweight champion. He dethroned Sean Strickland with one point!
One point is one point, tjomma, enough to win the Rugby World Cup, and more than enough to win an MMA fight. And now our very own Dricus is number one in the world, and number 8 in Boksburg!
I know absolutely nothing about MMA fighting, but there was something about du Plessis’s body language and facial expression, that made me believe he had the edge, from the moment he set foot in the arena. It was inspiring! He appeared firm and unshaken, and smiled at the crowd every single time before a new round started. And he displayed great sportsmanship, before, and after the match. You could not help but become acutely aware of his strength of character, his poise, his focus, and his self-belief.
That made me think of the importance of our body language in everyday living. In a sense it’s like a superpower, because it communicates so much without words. Standing tall, making eye contact, smiling – this can influence how others perceive us. It conveys how we feel, but this is also where it sometimes gets complicated, especially when you are a group fitness instructor desiring positive feedback from your class members…
…A few months ago, right after Mariné had presented her very first BASI Pilates mat class in Stellies, she sent me this WhatsApp message: “Mams, ek het dit ge LUV! Nou verstaan ek soo goed waarom Mamma so passievol is oor klasgee!”
I immediately phoned her, and it was so special to hear the excitement in her voice. However, she mentioned the fact that throughout the class it had seemed to her that no one was enjoying it, because their faces were serious and expressionless. Much to her surprise, many class attendees approached her afterwards and complimented her on a great class.
“That’s rule number one of becoming a fitness instructor”, I told her. “You are consumed by the class members’ faces…until you are not.”
Of course, in a fitness class you’ll always get your smilers, your cheerers, and “Whoop Whoopers”, but they are a rare breed. Most women prefer to focus and concentrate on the workout itself, and they view their 45 minutes in class as their sacred me-time, their escape from stress, work, family, and personal issues. They prefer to be fully engaged in their workout, and it should be understood and respected by fitness professionals. Our clients pay for those workouts, after all!
A lack of positive facial expression in class doesn’t necessarily reflect a client’s experience, simply because people also have different communication styles. A frown or a raised eyebrow can simply be a lack of, or too much Botox, and a droopy face might simply be from a l lack of sleep, or exhaustion, not boredom! It should NEVER be taken personally by an instructor…
On the other hand, unfortunately, a smile is a must-have for an aerobics instructor – it is what it is. It’s like a beacon of positivity in a group fitness setting. It creates an uplifting environment, motivates participants, and establishes a connection that goes beyond the physical aspects of the workout. The joy expressed through a smile can make the fitness journey more enjoyable and fulfilling for everyone involved. And it makes everyone feel at home, and at ease.
The legendary comic book writer, Stan Lee, once said: “You don’t have to be rich, you don’t have to be famous, you just have to have the right facial expression…”
There isn’t a right or wrong facial expression in a Power Pump or Step class, but maybe we should remind ourselves today, that the facial expressions we convey wherever we go, are important, because they are the emojis of real life – they help others know what’s going on inside our minds and hearts.
Remember Madonna belting out “Express yourself”? Well, she might have been onto something. Your face is the ultimate billboard of your emotions. It lets the world know how you’re feeling, and it helps you connect with people in a special, non-verbal way. Did you know that a whopping 93% of communication is non-verbal? That means your face is doing most of the talking even before you utter a single word.
Our facial expressions have a direct line to our own emotions as well – the more joy we express, the more joy we feel. Paying more attention to our facial expressions isn’t about vanity; it’s about embracing the power we hold to shape our interactions, relationships, and our own emotional landscape. A genuine smile can always bridge gaps, break barriers, and lift spirits.
The motivational Australian author, Anthony Hicks, recently said: “Your face tells a story, and it shouldn’t be a story about your drive to the doctor’s office…” Or for that matter, a drive to an MMA fight against Dricus du Plessis! So yes, take that look of dismay off your face, deliberately put on a happy Friday face, and let the world wonder why! Wear your happiness proudly, it looks gorgeous on you.
Be bold, brave, and beautifully confident. Stand tall, and strut with self-assurance. And, when in doubt? Smile it out!
Yours in fitness
Mirna
082 779 0507