TMOD theme titled “Commitment to fitness”

Commitment to fitness

There are two types of people in this world. The first type is committed to fitness through their life. They play a sport, go swimming or have a lifetime membership of Gym. The second type are those who commit to fitness only when they realize their seat belts don’t fit as easily or perhaps their belts need a new hole.

As you can guess, I am in the second category. After a rather funny incident with a flying shirt button, I took a trip to the nearest gym. It’s been about a week now. Let me tell you my experience as a first time gym member.

The movements I witnessed the first day baffled me. I couldn’t believe that legs could be stretched as much and for such periods of time. This was further validated by my legs too coz when I tried doing them, they wouldn’t move. The instructor told me my entire body was too stiff due to extended period of low movements but of course I knew that well in advance. It sounded as if I needed to grease the body but all that reminded me of was a cheesy burger. So I quickly changed my thoughts.

As you would expect, the only thing I gained after my first day in gym was body pain. During the entire day, I walked, moved and turned in slow mode all the while justifying my decision to not go to the gym the next day.

We will continue with my story but first lets understand how a Toastmasters meeting works. Every Toastmasters meeting is divided into three parts. The first part is the prepared speech section where members prepare a speech in advance, get it mentored and deliver the same. The second part is the impromptu session where anyone including the guest can participate. And the third part is the most important evaluation session where we will all learn how to improve ourself. Let me now invite the General Evaluator to explain his role. Please help me welcome TM Name with a big round of applause.

Once the General Evaluator has explained his role, start the prepared speech section. After this session, continue with the theme as under.

Fellow Toastmasters, I feel immense pride in sharing with you that despite all the pain, I was at the gym the next day. And the day after as well. In fact I haven’t missed a day yet. Thankfully the pain subsided over the last few days. In the same time, I have also been able to stretch my body a little more than before. My instructor has set a target for me now. The day I am able to run on a treadmill for 15 minutes straight, I should pat myself on the back for some real achievement.

Let’s move to the second session of the meeting now, the table topic session.

Once the table topic session is over, continue with the theme as under.

I find that there is a lot of similarity between Toastmasters and gym. One is exercise for the brain, the other for body. You have to commit time and effort to both. Expecting immediate results is only setting yourself up for disappointment. And most importantly, you need guidance. Imagine Toastmasters without our mentors. Wouldn’t we feel lost? How would a new joinee know how to perform roles, improve our scripts and what’s acceptable what’s not. It’s the same in a gym as well. Without the instructor, you may feel at a loss as to where to begin and how. This really underlines the importance of a mentor in our lives.

Let us now move to the third session of the day. Please help me welcome the GE TM Name.

Once the evaluation session is over, conclude the theme as under.

Fellow Toastmasters, just as you joined this club to exercise your brain, remember your body is equally important. I know some of us already are a member in some gym or play sport regularly. And that’s a good thing. But in case you aren’t or of late have been missing your sessions, I hope my session today as the TMOD works as a booster and help you get on track.

It’s time now for the awards.