That Song
The teachers at the IC get really emotional sometimes. When you ponder the levels of human energy we give and receive in a given day, you can easily see why. Oftentimes, we’re overwhelmed by positive emotion as we get a sense of the excitement and joy you bring with you. Other times we feel a heaviness that arrives with some people as they enter the door.
One of the first ways we try to channel the gamut of emotions swirling around the gym is through music. I was inspired to write about this after witnessing a really sweet Jess moment a couple of weeks ago. That day she spelled out the workout as Danielle demo’d, and then she got back on the microphone and asked, “Now, are you ready for THE song?” After everyone began smiling at each other in awkward anticipation, she added, “It’s Nani’s favorite.” No one looked more surprised than Nani because Jessica’s song choice was hilarious! Laughter erupted from all corners.
…and then it hit me that Jessica does this all the time, except she doesn’t typically announce the moment it happens. The “it” I’m referring to is that one song choice she makes that always has some sort of message she wants to express to you all. Yesterday it was the James Taylor song she played during the stretch phase of class. After that tough workout, it felt like a great big Jess hug. Several months ago, it happened when I jumped into her Core class, except this time her song choice moved me to tears. We play it all the time now (you’re probably sick of it in fact) because the lyrics resonate so strongly for us as teachers. Here’s a line which should explain why:
“…there’s only one question I want to ask: Is it healing when you hear everyone say you’re amazing? Does anyone ask you? …because I know that you’re R E A L – A M A Z I N G.”
- Maya
So true….I love all the music Jess plays…It was always motivating.
I was grooving on Foghat’s “Slow Ride” yesterday…fun to sing while doing the double plank mountain climbers…takes the mind off the pain. Keep those tunes coming, Jessica.
I live for the music at the IC!
There’s nothing like good music during a work out. Love it. Love it. Love it.
I played “THAT SONG” about 6 times this morning and then 10 more times in my car this evening. Music is powerful. Even more so when the message is meaningful. Thank you Maya for the reminder. Thank you Jess for bringing it!
I can do anything when Jessica puts Zeppelin on for me! And the Sade – it came w. a box of tissues courtesy of Jessica – xoxo Jess! BTW – what is “That Song”? That line is so wonderful……
“I can do anything when Jessica puts Zeppelin on for me!”
Wait a sec…Jess puts on Zep for you guys!? Hey Jess, where’s our Get The Led Out for Core Class!?
Gwen Stefani “Now That You Got It” – Steven put it on the video he made when Kim and I did the Bearthlon last year (which still chokes me up to watch) and Jess plays it when I train with her. It’s like a dog treat, and Jess knows how to use it – I’m conditioned to work hard when I hear it. I’d love to hear it more in boot camp.
i feel music is such an important part of the workout experience!
maya thanks for realizing that james taylor is always my way of giving you all a great big jess hug