Just A Coincidence?

My upper body is aching. It was a good workout at California Fitness. Though the music wasn’t to my liking because it was just slow; I managed to gather enough motivation to run 25 min on the treadmill, before working out my shoulders, chest, biceps, triceps and abdominals. Still, I must say… it was rather fulfilling!

A thought struck me when I was chatting with Rebecca before I went for my workout. It suddenly dawned upon me that many jobs out there cause much harm to our bodies, due to stress, improper eating times, indigestion, lack of appetite, etc. Leaving the subjective nature of job fulfillment aside, almost all that’s left is about money.

But do we need to put ourselves into one of these crazy jobs outside, just to earn money? Of course there is a better way! And a much better way, with much better benefits to the body!

And the answer is – join the sports / fitness industry! Why? While tons of other jobs give stress of all kinds, producing harmful chemicals in our bodies, establishing oneself in the sports / fitness industry allows us to inject good chemicals into our bodies! Endorphins; for example, is very important for us to stay happy, rejuvenated & nimble to a ripe old age! At the moment, I seriously can’t think of any other job that would do so.

This leads on to the main highlight of this Blog entry - Something happened today which has put me in much amazement & wonder. Could all these be a sign or hint from God? Or could it just be a coincidence?

Here is a brief excerpt of the story…

Upon entering California Fitness gym, I ran into Raymond again. He’s the guy that I recently met at Suhaimi’s Body Combat class last Saturday. Just like almost every other participant, both of us think that Suhaimi is just damn ‘power!’ There is no other Body Combat instructor like him! Master Su… He’s the man…

Anyway, Raymond & I chatted much more today. He shared with me a lot about his interest in Taekwondo & I was stunned to hear that he is actually working at California Fitness! Ahhh!!! I didn’t know! He didn’t look like the sort! But well, he is… not an instructor, but an IT professional at California Fitness!

Wah, even IT staff can get to workout at the gym right after office hours. Why? Coz the gym office is his workplace! How envious I am…

While sharing about his interest in exercise & especially Taekwondo, Raymond suddenly brought up this topic, telling me that if I’m interested, I can apply to be a Fitness Professional at California Fitness!

When I heard that I was truly stunned. Huh? I didn’t mention anything about my intention to enter into the sports industry. How did he know? Did he guess? Or did he just say ‘out-of-the-blue’? Or is God trying to hint something to me?

So I stayed stunned for a few more seconds before asking whether I need qualifications to apply for this position. Raymond said no need, as long as I know how to present myself at the interview, possess experience in knowing how to use the gym machines & I have an interest in fitness.

Well, of coz I do! Come on! Perhaps joining California Fitness wasn’t a mistake afterall! Through this experience, I have discovered my passion in life! And my dearest girlfriend Rebecca was the one who stunned me some weeks ago, when she told me that actually most of my ECAs are sports-related!

Just yesterday I was praying & telling God that if this is the path that is good for me, please open doors & opportunities for me… please… please…

And just today I met a friend who turned out to be a staff at California Fitness! And ‘out-of-the-blue’ he mentioned that I could apply to be a Fitness Professional! He even mentioned that California Fitness will also consider training their Fitness Professionals to become Personal Trainers in the long run! Wow! That’s like a dream to me! Amazing! =)

What happened next was equally stunning to me. Before this, I didn’t notice that I have very slowly begun talking to people in the gym. From fellow gym goers, to gym instructors, towel attendants & even found out the one of the most senior instructor Reza, is actually my BMT instructor at Nee Soon Camp! I didn’t really realize this until today!

Coming out of the changing room, Raymond introduced me to the Group X studio manager, who turned out to be Deborah! Ahhh!!! She’s the aerobics instructor at the first Body Pump class that Rebecca & I attended! And I remember that we arrived late for the class...

Three of us chatted for a little while before Deborah walked off. I was surprised that Deborah recognized me! And I went for her class only once…

As if these occurrences weren’t enough, I ran into Redzuan (another Personal Trainer) in the lift, while leaving the gym! We chatted for a very short while before he gave me a firm hand-shake & we parted. During the short few minutes chat, I learnt that he has been in this line for several years, working in other clubs, doing freelance, before moving onto California Fitness Orchard club & now, Bugis club.

From all these incidents much earlier, as well as today, I slowly began to realize that there is some sort of similar pattern that’s taking place in my life.

When I was a temp staff working at StarHub Cuppage Centre, I saw a familiar face on the first day on the job! The person was Rebecca’s father. I didn’t know anything, but Uncle John was kind enough to bring me around, introducing me to quite a lot of colleagues at StarHub. Soon, I managed to get a permanent job in the company.

This time, it’s the same too. I didn’t initiate or mention anything. I’m just a regular gym go-er. Then I began to meet fellow club members, then towel attendants, gym instructors & even a staff who suddenly mentioned to me about trying out as a Fitness Professional! Is it all a sign? I’m really not sure, but I have shared this with Rebecca & she’s amazed & supportive of this career move too.

Perhaps this could be a sign from God that He’s giving me a chance to explore a career in the sports industry, because I believe that He took me out of StarHub & out of Gladys’ clutches for a reason… a good reason. But I have prayed & asked God for further confirmation, before I determine this as my next career path.

All in all, I’m just utterly amazed & pleasantly surprised! Especially when I don’t have any interest in any other industry, at the meantime… God, please confirm & show me if this is the path for me… please… Thank you… Amen!