Overcoming the odds to help others achieve
By Kristin Barker, CSU Continuing Education
Columbus State University, Continuing Education fitness instructor, Cathy Nail, has always enjoyed music and movement. As a child, activities like dance and exercise seemed very natural to Cathy, and thankfully, her parents encouraged her in both of these areas. She studied piano and dance throughout her youth and was a cheerleader from middle school through college.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Cathy.
She is hearing impaired which requires her to compensate in many ways. Phones are a particular challenge. She finds it difficult to find the right volume during a phone conversation, but thankfully technology is advancing and there are now devices and apps that send conversations directly to a hearing aid.
Cathy also expressed that it can be very difficult to follow a conversation when many people are talking at the same time. When someone is hearing impaired, they must actively work to hear by staying focused and directly involved in the conversation. This can be difficult when there are competing noises or conversations going on.
Teaching in a group can also be challenging.
Cathy always explains that she is hearing impaired during the initial class session and invites her students to “speak loudly” if she doesn’t initially hear them. She believes that people naturally want to avoid individuals with handicaps because they aren’t sure what to say, so Cathy makes every effort to create a comfortable environment for her students.
“Sometimes I believe my hearing impairment makes me a better communicator because I have to maintain eye contact and truly focus on the person I’m speaking with.”
Cathy Nail began teaching fitness classes after her two children were born back-to-back. “I wanted to get back to my ‘normal’ activity level.” Cathy says, “I was so discouraged when doing even one sit-up proved to be a challenge.”
A very good friend who was also a new mother began taking exercise classes. Cathy decided to join her, and she loved it! She loved it so much that she became certified to teach. Cathy has been nationally certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE®) for over 27 years and also has certifications in Body Pump®, Body Attack®, Pilates, Yoga, Reebok Step® and cycling.
Cathy also recently completed a mind-body specialty certification through ACE because, as Cathy states, “I believe the integration of a healthy body and mind serves to enhance a positive lifestyle.”
The best kind of fitness program for you depends on your goals, so what is the BEST type of workout according to Cathy?
- If you want to increase balance, flexibility, and strength without bulking up, Yoga and Pilates are both great workout options for you. Cathy likes to balance resistance training with fluid (Yoga/Pilates) training.
- If you want to tone and gain cardio benefits, one of Cathy’s favorite workouts uses a variety of hand weights and a step to deliver a comprehensive routine that offers resistance training and cardio without high impact.
“The most important concept to embrace is to try many different things,” Cathy advises. “You won’t know what you enjoy until you give it a try.”
Never be shy about trying something new. Olympic athletes didn’t begin with the skills they have during competition. Some people love swimming and others get a thrill from cycling. Your favorite activity might be something that you never dreamed you would love!
Seeing her students smile, laugh, and complete a movement they didn’t believe they could perform gives Cathy the most satisfaction.
“This is the BEST feeling. I find some individuals are intimidated by exercise and believe they have to keep up with the instructor or compete with others in the class. This is simply not true! None of us are exactly the same. I simply invite people to do their best.”
Cathy loves to encourage others. This is one of the reasons that she likes to teach classes with Continuing Education.
“I love the people, the facility, and the staff at CSU’s Continuing Education program,” says Cathy. “It has always been a rewarding experience, and I’ve met some wonderful people along the way. As an older adult, it has become increasingly important to me to be healthy and to share what I know with others.”
With Cathy, it doesn’t matter where you are, there is always an opportunity to start something new, and she knows that CSU’s Continuing Education gives people a chance to do this. Continuing Education offers a variety of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, and we will keep on offering wonderful people like Cathy a place to teach and learn all about health and fitness. According to Cathy, this is what life is about!
Find out more about Columbus State University’s health and fitness classes online.
Kristin Barker has been the Marketing Manager for Columbus State University, Continuing Education since 2004. Kristin is also a mother, grandmother, designer, teacher and blogger. Kristin also enjoys performing in theatre and has appeared in several productions at the Springer Opera House.
Photos by Kristin Barker. Used with Permission.
