Hi guys! How are ya? I love reading your entries for the Ani Phyo cookbook giveaway! Quite a few of ya’ll have a thing for B-Flizzle 
He’s delicious. So is his food 
(I think I’m going to make a 3-course Mesa Grill meal for the pilot and I on Saturday night- goat cheese queso, here we come)
Keep those giveaway entries coming! Winner will be posted tomorrow morning 
Yesterday, while driving home, I had an Indian Lentil soup. I didn’t take a pic since I was driving, so here’s a KathEats-style illustration:
I picked up Vieserton at the kennel:
and then went down to the base gym with Jeni and Lauren.
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So, you’re probably wondering what the heck today’s post title means.
“No Zumba, No Cry”
Well, that’s a lie. Because there was a lot of crying this weekend.
I’m no longer teaching at the base gym.
Here’s what happened, for my Zumbies I didn’t get to see and for those of you who would like to know the story:
-I asked for 2 months (July and August) off to chill with the pilot. He’s been gone a LOT this year –way more than I’ve mentioned on the bloggy- and since things are starting to wind down, I figured it would be nice to hang out with my husband, since I’m usually teaching or training when he’s home in the evening.
-I was told to take the end of June off as well, even though I didn’t ask for it off, because they hired new teachers that would be starting in July. I was also told that when I came back in September, I would be on the sub list and would most likely not get my classes back
-The kicker? The decision-maker for this is the one I hired to replace me as lead fitness instructor since I’m very busy with my other two jobs (personal training and the blog). Her first step was to hire a replacement for me, even though my classes consistently have higher participation (by a landslide) than any of the other classes
-The other kicker? It’s a BASE gym. You think they would be more considerate about family time, which is rare and treasured :/
So last night, I went to the gym to tell my Zumbies what happened because quite a few of them were there. Zumbies, I didn’t flake out on you- I love you guys and I’m sorry 
The plan for now is to enjoy hanging out with my husband as planned, get some of my certs updated –they expire in July- and find a job teaching at another gym. I really love teaching this class and it has absolutely nada to do with the dinero- I actually made negative dollars working at the base gym since it’s so far from my house.
Hopefully I can get back to doing this again very soon….
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Jeni, Lauren and I did the elliptical for a while, and then I came home and had a smoothie for dinner, since I was still pretty stuffed from the soup but needed a little sumthin’ sumthin’.
-1 C almond milk
-1/2 C frozen organic peaches
-1 banana
-1 scoop vanilla Sun Warrior (I’m working on getting a promo for you guys!)
- Stevia and cinnamon
-Vanilla and a pinch of sea salt
All slurped up with a glass straw
Well I’m off to my car to a potential buyer (I hope he likes it! I should be getting the keys to the new one tomorrow or Thursday) and then running errands with Jeni before heading to work.
Have a wonderful day <3
xoxo,
Gina
Note: I added all of the links to the Summer Shape Up workouts to the workout page – this way they’ll be easier to find
Something to think: Everything happens for a reason… even when we don’t know what it is yet.
Hi, I'm Gina. Welcome to The Fitnessista! I love blogging about my adventures as a new mom, military wife and fitness instructor, as well as sharing new workouts and recipes. Check out the About page for more info - thanks for stopping by!
That’s a shame what happened with your Zumbies.
I totally feel how attached you can get to your students. I think this lady probably felt threatened by how much people loved you and she wants you you out of there so there’s no competition (and so people don’t beg you to come back!). Let the h8rz have their drama, students will still seek you out for your positive energy.
I’m sorry that happened to you; YES things happen for a reason, I truly believe that (and have had to tell myself the same thing recently – in regards to my spa job and many employees I had become very attached to)… perhaps there’s something BETTER coming along, that you would have missed out on if otherwise engaged.
Yuck what a crappy situation! Don’t you hate it when just feel like you ARE NOT being treated the way you deserve to be in a professional working situation? I’m sure that this door closes but different windows open right up for you.
Girl, I here you with the base gyms! I had to deal with my own problems with them a few months back! They NEED to put the family first. They don’t realize how much we contribute!! Good for you for sticking to your guns!
http://geekturnedathlete.com/2010/04/01/military-fitness/
I am so sorry to hear about your job, but I am now finally a believer in everything happens for a reason. I didn’t end up in a sorority last year when I rushed, which meant my sophomore year I moved into an apartment instead of the sorority house. Well that lead me to find how to live healthy, and to recognize my body’s need for real foods. Now I love cooking for myself and find it so rewarding when I see new muscles pop outta me
Ugh that sucks!! I know if that happened to one of my favorite teachers I’d be really dissapointed. I’m kind of surprised that lady did that to you!
I’m sure you’ll find an awesome job after you get to enjoy some time with the hubs!
I’m sorry to hear your news, but you’ll either go on to something else as fun or even better; or they may just come begging to have you back!
Either way, at least you get to hang out with the Pilot!
I’m so tempted to invest in the new Ani book. Have you your own copy/made much from it, enough to do a review?
So sorry to hear about this – I would be hurt, too. But, as you said, things do happen for a reason, even if we aren’t sure what that reason is at the time! And you will certainly have a blast with the pilot during your down-time
so that is something to look forward to! xoxo
confession time…… ive never tried zumba. it’s always intimidated me! plus i cant dance
I’m sorry to hear that the base gym has shafted you!
What a shame… I bet the peeps who take the class will have something to say about all that. Family time is way more important, they should totally understand that!
Gina,
Take this Xtra time to do something outside your comfort zone or maybe go see your parents in Tucson…I live here it’s pretty toasty right now. I can get you some Zumba classes at my gym (to sub) if you come:)
that would be AWESOME :0 i’m hoping for a tucson vacay this summer!
Which almond milk do you like best? My hubby is having issues with too much dairy. Neither of us dig soy. If you have a tip, I’d appreciate it!
Thanks!
almond breeze and silk almond are both really good
Gina, can I ask a question that may sound snarky but it truly genuine? Is there a reason you always make the “duck face” when posing for pictures? http://antiduckface.com/page/2 . I never understood the reason why girls do this? Is it some kind of inside joke or something?
it’s just a goofy thing i do sometimes
I’m going to Vegas in July. Besides MESA, do you have other favorites? Thank you so much if you get a chance to reply!
canyon ranch grill! 4th floor of the venetian
also, yellowtail in the bellagio is fantastic
Wow, I’m so sorry about your job! It sounds like your replacement really screwed you over. But you sound like you’re an amazing instructor and I’m sure you’ll find a wicked job at another gym! And the upside is that now you can spend more time with the Pilot like you wanted. I hope everything works out for you girl!
Oh no! That really stinks, so sorry Gina. I’m sure you will have a wonderful time with the pilot- enjoy it! And I’m sure you will have amazing opportunities in the future, this is just a bump in the road.
Gina, don’t you worry… you’ll go on to bigger and better things!! Everything happens for a reason!
Ugh, so sorry to hear about that!! It must be so frustrating to be removed from a position that you love. But like you said…everything happens for a reason. Enjoy your time with the pilot in the meantime, and I’m sure something fabulous will come along for you!!
Man, that really sucks…nothing worse than feeling like you were stabbed in the back! I really do believe, however, that things happen for a reason and I’m sure there are going to be really great things in your future. Plus, NOTHING beats family time!
You made the right decision for yourself and the Pilot and that is what is important. The rest of it will fall into place. Sounds like maybe little miss new director was intimidated by you….her loss and I’m positive it will be your gain. After all, you are awesome! On that note, my husband who is 42 and well set in his ways actually ate a breakfast cookie for breakfast yesterday and LIKED it! If that’s not a true testiment to your awesomeness…I don’t know what is!
thanks girl!
i’m so glad he liked it!!!
that’s AWESOME
Boo hiss on your gym! Like you said you’d think they of all people would be understanding of wanting to spend time with the pilot since they’re a base gym. Crazy. I’m sure you won’t have any problem finding a gym to teach at when the time comes
Wish you could teach at my gym!! haha But that’d be a pretty long commute (How far is VA from GA?). Everything will work out for ya! No worries 
I love the “something to think about” at the end. It’s just what I needed to hear today!
Sorry to hear about this whole mess, babe. I know your girls really loved your classes. I’m sure something else is right around the corner. Love you
I’m so sorry that happened to you. I hate to say it but she probably felt threatened by you. And yay, I got to comment under The Pilot. How sweet is your lover?
I feel bad that you feel bad, but really what did you expect when you asked for 2 months off? In what other job could someone do that? It’s not fair to your students who have to deal with a new teacher, and its not fair to the gym who has to now find coverage for your classes. Its also probably not easy to find a temp teacher. I think its nice that you are able to spend time with your hubby, but there are a LOT of people in the world that would love to be able to just up and take 2 months off to spend time with their loved ones and go back to their job like everything was normal. Life just isn’t like that.
Sucks that you aren’t teaching Zumba anymore. Some people get promoted and get big heads. But if I understand you’ll be leaving soon enough, right?
So sorry it’s a challenging situation. I’m sure there are little details here that haven’t been shared which is fine. At any of the base gyms we’ve been at, I can’t see them letting an instructor take a 2 month hiatus but keep their classes upon return. Most of ours bust their hump to find subs if they can’t make a single class. But I don’t know how it is in the AF world. I know your MWR programs get a lot more money than the Navy’s do. (we keep getting programs cut left and right for lack of funds, and our yoga class was only added back after the SEALS ICE’d the cut). It’s wonderful that you can put your husband first and not be forced to keep the job. I own my own business and I know once my husband returns home soon from a 6 month deployment, I’m going to have to keep working but balance that with time spent with him. (sending 2 kids to private school in the fall we DO need the money!)
Good luck in moving past it and hopefully finding an opportunity to teach elsewhere!
Well that sucks! Part of the reason I enjoyed Zumba so much was because I thought you were so awesome! I’m not so sure I’ll go now. You will definitely be missed by your Zumbies, G$!!
Sorry to hear that the gym did that. They will eventually see/feel the loss, that is just so lame. Good for you for taking time off, it is important to get that time together and they should understand it. Enjoy your time with the Pilot, everything will fall into place
That’s really too bad! The goal should be to keep quality instructors, not push them away. I’ve had trainers for my company (outdoor bootcamp in CA) leave for 4 months at a time, 6 weeks, whatever. If they are good, they ALWAYS have a place when they come back!
that’s the way it should be!
It’s a small town – your zumbies will find you! Good luck – the new gym will be lucky to have you.
Oh that’s not cool.
I’m sure you’ll find a new gym to teach at soon! If I lived around your way I would totally take your class! 
oh, g i’m sorry–i had something similar happen to me at an old gym…it SUCKS. i’m glad that to read you have options and were able to tell everyone the situation–and that in the end you get to be with the pilot as you wanted. enjoy your downtime! i’m sure you well know, and other commenters have said, their loss for sure.
Oh Gina I’m so sorry, that’s terrible.
Honestly, if it’s worth it to you, I would escalate this. Someone over there is mistaking your kindness for weakness. Don’t let them do that:(
the gym i go to is going through a HUGE “restructure” and they are firing all the favorite teachers-
We (Zumbies) are so upset!!!!! We love your class…You are an awesome instructor and so many people came because of you. If you do go to another gym (and I hope you will) I know many of us will pay just so we can do your Zumba class. Please keep us updated on your plans and enjoy your time with your husband!
thank you, heather <3 i'll definitely keep you all updated!
i miss teaching
xoxo
Miss Gina, I would kill to be in that Zumba class! Just watching the FLIP vid. hyped me up… their loss, your gain. Kudos to you for handling the situation professionally. Your following will come with you, trust me. When you find a good dance/workout teacher, you go where they go… you know how it is!!!
Your energy is fantastic!
So smile, be happy and work it like you always do, you’re awesome and inspirational as usual!!!
thank you <3
I’m sorry to hear about the instructor situation. It sounds like she was threatened by you.
Hope you find somewhere else to teach soon.
I’m just now getting a chance to pop over from twitter to read the whole story (in more than 140 characters!) of what happened. That really stinks, but you (and all the other) commentors are totally right, there is something way more awesome on the horizon for you. Your Zumba peppes will follow you if you find another locale nearby. Half the fun of Zumba is the instructor and it sounds like they heart you!