#RIPPEDFamily, it is our pleasure to introduce you to our December 2018 RUMBLE MVP Jenny Kanieski. Now we have to admit, before speaking with Jenny extensively, we knew she loved RUMBLE and the #RIPPEDFamily, but what we didn’t know was how hard she goes for the program. After reading our interview with her you will not only see that Jenny holds RUMBLE near and dear to her heart, but you’ll understand why. She shared a touching story about her sister that reminded us of the magnitude of power that the #RIPPEDFamily holds.
Get to know the incredible Jenny Kanieski below:
R.I.P.P.E.D.: What or who got you to your first RUMBLE/R.I.P.P.E.D. class and when did you join the family?
My friend Kaonou actually tried to get me to a R.I.P.P.E.D. class for months, but the name scared me a bit. She knew I’d love it, though, so I finally went to a Master Class in April of 2016 and immediately knew I wanted to start teaching it. I’ve been teaching classes since I was 19 but I knew this was different. It was just so much fun. I became certified as a R.I.P.P.E.D. instructor in June 2016 and became a RUMBLE certified instructor in October 2017. I started teaching R.I.P.P.E.D. in August 2016 and we launched the RUMBLE program at our YMCA on New Year’s Day January 2018.
R.I.P.P.E.D.: What do you enjoy most about RUMBLE?
I’ve always been a huge kickboxing fan; that has forever been my favorite type of workout, so I knew I’d love RUMBLE when I first heard about it. I love the fast-paced energy. You don’t have time to think. And I love the constant motion you’re in. The music is so fun and just fits perfectly with the routines. Plus I’m a visual type of person, so I find it super easy to learn the routines because I can picture my imaginary opponent and know just where to land my punches & kicks. I think RUMBLE is an amazing stress-fighter. It gets out any aggression I have in a positive way. Kicking & punching imaginary people is a great way to fight stress!
R.I.P.P.E.D.: How has R.I.P.P.E.D./RUMBLE impacted your life? What changes do you see?
R.I.P.P.E.D. and RUMBLE haveimpacted my life so much. I feel like I have a new family—both with our national R.I.P.P.E.D./RUMBLE family,and at the YMCA where I teach. I lost my sister, who I was very close to a few months after I discovered R.I.P.P.E.D, and I realized that everything happens for a reason. The R.I.P.P.E.D./RUMBLE family came into my life at that time to help me through my grief. Learning routines and having a reason to get up each morning to go teach pushed me through what was a very dark time. And the support from my R.I.P.P.E.D./RUMBLE family was incredible. I got hugs during class while we were working out and that feeling of not being alone is something that’s constantly there with these programs. Whether you’re grieving or happy you know you have people there to support you. Besides the emotional support, I am much stronger than I was. When I first started, I could barely do a push-up and now I feel like I can conquer anything!
R.I.P.P.E.D.: How does it feel to be chosen as an MVP? How have you grown as an instructor this year?
I am incredibly honored to be an MVP, and especially to be chosen as a RUMBLE MVP, because I feel this program is my soul-mate workout.I could literally do two full hours of RUMBLE and still be sad that it’s done when I’m done. It just makes me so happy that I smile through the whole class. I feel that in the past year, I’ve gained confidence as an instructor and I hope my love for the program shines through and helps to inspire others. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone, and that’s a great thing. I may have a few butterflies in my stomach before teaching a large class but once the music starts, my confidence kicks in because I know I can do this in my sleep…and with a smilebecause it’s just THAT fun!
R.I.P.P.E.D.: Do you have any inspiration for people who have a desire to live a healthier lifestyle but think it’s too hard?
Take one small step towards that goal each week. Try one fitness class. Go a bit early so the instructor has a chance to say hi and help you feel welcomed. If you try a few, one of them will click. If you want to eat healthier, try one swap a week; instead of a donut, eat an apple. Instead of soda, drink water. Once that new habit sticks, you can add a new one the next week. You don’t have to go “all or nothing” right away. The most important part is finding a support system. Get a friend orfamilymember on board with you or at least aware of your goals and that way if you need encouragement or in moments of weakness, you have someone to turn to. That’s where a fitness family comes in handy; whether it’s in a class, a gym or even online. Just find some support.
RUMBLE is our simple to master martial arts-inspired format.Get to know more about our RUMBLE certifications and why your students will love it.