Teaching & Bodybuilding: They have more in common than you think!

Teaching is a profession that requires dedication and passion. Teachers have a unique skill-set that is constantly developing and changing. A great teacher is consistently training to stay in top shape in the classroom. 

Teaching and Bodybuilding require commitment, a clear focus, goals and expectations. Both professions can be broken down into 3 sections; Training, Nutrition and Supplementation. I know you're intrigued so pay attention as I take you through it.

Training

Training programs are precise, well-planned and have a clear focus. Bodybuilders lift weights repetitively to stimulate muscle growth - lift bigger weights, grow bigger muscles! They train hard and consistently each session to achieve their results. 

Much like bodybuilder's, teachers should have a training program. Teachers need to expand their skill-set to develop and grow in their profession. Try some of these options to fill your training schedule! 

• Kahn Academy
  Kahn Academy is a non-profit educational organization created in 2006 by educator Salman Kahn to provide "a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere".
• Codecademy
  Interactive courses on how to program. Courses are created by community and cover CSS, Java, HTML. 
• Microsoft Educator Network - Courses
  Microsoft provides professional development to government policymakers, school leaders, and educators around the world to take new approaches to teaching and learning, using technology to help students develop 21st century skills.

Nutrition

Bodybuilders need to eat big to be big! Recently The Rock shared his Hercules diet with the world, consuming nearly 5000 calories a day! Bodybuilders eat super clean and healthy food which is critical fuel for training in the gym. 

A teacher's diet needs to sustain their energy in the classroom but most of all fuel their passion for teaching. Some teachers are not getting the right nutrition and we see them becoming negative, uninspiring and frustrated in their positions. New teachers always seem motivated and bursting with fresh ideas. New teachers want to be innovative in the classroom and are always looking for ways to inspire their students. Get your nutrition right! Fuel up on things that motivate and inspire you. Feed on the brilliant ideas of other teachers! Here's some ways to fill up your plate:

• Pinterest
  Pinterest is a visual discovery tool that you can use to find ideas for all your projects and interests.
• Twitter
  Get in-the-moment updates on the things that interest you and participate in TweetMeets. Try starting with these #aussieED and #edchat
• TED Talks
  Ideas worth spreading. TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading - through TED.com and annual conferences.

Supplementation 

Bodybuilders take supplements to get an extra edge when their diet reaches it's maximum effectiveness. Supplements don't replace food, but they do assist in the overall end product. 

Teachers also need to use supplements to stay in peak shape. Supplement your teaching practice with a hobby. Find something that you absolutely enjoy and do it. Paint, dance, run, sing, garden, code, ride or fly. It doesn't matter what you do, I guarantee you it will supplement and enhance your skill-set in the classroom. 

The Gym & The Classroom

This is your dojo, your place of growth and renewal. Both the gym and the classroom is home to your vocation. Treat it with respect and always do your best to work as hard as you can while you're there. Don't slacken off or get lazy, be totally present and you will see the rewards. 

Do you think bodybuilding and teaching have something in common? Let me know what you think!