Exam Completed!!

Thank the Heavens above, my exam wait is finally over and done with! I went to the Los Angeles Athletic Club yesterday morning and spent the entire day reviewing and testing. Holy Cow! Longest day of my life! I left my house at 7 am and got home at 9 pm. I was a little nervous about the drive, I'm really uneasy about driving to places on my own that I've never been before. I had the gps thing but once I got in to the LA district of tiny streets everywhere and builidings stacked on buildings even the gps was having a hard time keeping up. So I went in circles a couple times and just decided I'd trust my own judgement and park in this one structure close to the address bracket I needed and walk from there to find the club. Thankfully the van that pulled next to me in the parking area had two women who were wearing workout attire and I asked if they knew where the club was, they were going to the same place! Yesss! Thank you....what a relief! So I got there safe and sound, and didn't have to walk through the scary LA ghetto of downtown alone.

Now I figured there would be a decent amount of people at this thing but there were at least 100 people. It was crowded and loud! We got right down to it and the nerves were definitely setting in. The morning started with review of our study guides and reading comprehension, then we moved onto what was required in the day, and review of all that we would need to show them during our exams. My nerves settled when I realized that the practical wouldn't be as difficult as I had imagined. It was fun all in all, but sooooo very long. I got to a point where I was just thinking can we do this already and stop the review! Aaaahhh! The facility was not providing food or drinks so we had to pack ourselves snacks and food. I had packed a good amount but man was I starving by the time I left there. I had only packed one bottle of water so very thirsty too!

When it came time for the exams, we started with the practical which is the physical exam. We were split into groups of about 25-30 and each group had 3 judges. They started music and we had to display a proper warm up (including rhythmic limbering, static stretches, movement rehearsal, etc.) then they had us display a bell curve cardio workout (gradual increase of hrt rt to a steady intermed to advance workout) w/ a variety of movements, then a cool down. Next they called out muscle groupings such as chest and upper back, we had to display at least 2 strength training exercises and a stretch for each muscle that was called upon. Then it came time for the individual evaluation in which we had to teach the group an exercise and show them the variations for beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Their were so many people doing the exam at one time it was impossible to hear what most people were saying! I told myself when I go up there I'm going to make sure I am nice and loud (bring that Shillig voice out...LOL). So they call my number 54...aahhh shoot! It's do or die time! In a clear loud voice I say, "Hi everyone my name is Amy and we'll be learning a tricep press, so we can get those sexy arms and wear those strapless dresses." (yes I know...strapless?? It was for the sake of the group) I then began cueing what to do, how to do it, and body alignment. I showed the variations, kept them laughing, and it went great! I feel super confident that I did well in that category. I made a promise to myself that even though I will be incredibly nervous and shaking on the inside I am going to sound like a pro and make everyone think I am super confident.

Next it was time for the written (100 q & A's), all in all I think I did pretty well. Too bad I don't get my results for 4-6 weeks. Whatever happens, happens. And if I didn't pass then we'll just try, try again! I am just grateful the main wait is over! I was so beat when I got home, cardio training and studying all day long puts quite a strain on the body and mind. I could barely keep my eyes open on the drive back and my head was going to explode at any given second! I hit the sack and zonked out, probably the best sleep I've ever had.