Have you ever thought about teaching a Les Mills program: BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT, BODYATTACK, SHA’BAM, RPM, BODYFLOW, BODYSTEP, lol? The list just keeps going of available classes to choose from! We have a couple of Les Mills trainings coming up around my way for people interested in teaching 2 of the programs: BODYPUMP and BODYJAM.
I thought this would be a good time for me to give a tip or two based on my training experiences with 2 of the programs BODYPUMP & BODYCOMBAT. This post is for those headed to training next weekend, for your benefit if you ever thought about teaching, or for those of you interested in knowing what the process is like!
If you are unclear what Les Mills programs are like, then watch this quick little awesome video that showcases most of the programs. There is something for all of you!
http://youtu.be/Y8nMQ7Ne5KE
“LES MILLS™ group fitness and team training programs change the lives of millions of people in 14,000 clubs across 80 countries. Their mission is to create a fitter planet, one workout at a time.”
TIPS FOR POTENTIAL LES MILLS INSTRUCTORS HEADED TO INITIAL TRAINING
Of course if these programs are brand new to you, I’d take the class as much as possible in the upcoming weeks even if you’ve been an instructor for years.
If I had to choose 1 thing as being the most important in preparing for a training, it would be to learn the choreography before you go to training. When I say learn it, I mean learn it to the point where you are on autopilot when you here the music. The reason I think that’s so important is because when you get there, there will be so many corrections and suggestions from the trainer & it’s easier to focus on the instruction when the choreography is not an issue for you.
To go a step further learn YOUR TRACK intimately! Training participants are responsible for presenting 1 track during the training weekend. They get the opportunity several times to teach it before being issued a final outcome of pass, pass with held, or resit. Watch your DVD and get familiar with what the instructor is saying for your track (safety cues, initial cues, follow up cues, lyrics they focus on etc.).
Practice the release while watching the DVD. Set up the DVD player facing you and you face the mirror. Try to mirror image what the instructors are doing on the DVD and glance at yourself in the mirror. You’d be surprised what you think you’re doing in comparison to what you really are supposed to be doing. Keep in mind, you will be taught the correct way, but just so you don’t look like a complete clown…get the basics down 😉 !
If you’ve never taught a group fitness class before, practice in front of your peers. I would also suggest practicing in front of a current instructor so you will be use to “performing” in front of a seasoned instructor. Hopefully, that will ease your nerves. The instructor will probably give you some tips as well.
Make sure to pack multiple changes of clothing as you will do the workout class 4 times over the weekend plus a whole lot of other challenging fitness courses.
REST on the Friday before the training if possible. Don’t worry about your favorite workout class that Friday, you will get more than enough exercise over the weekend.
Other than that, just come with an open mind and be ready to receive constructive criticism and learn from one of the most exceptional programs in the fitness industry!
If you have more specific questions, please leave a comment or e-mail me.
Yours in Healthy, Active, and Prosperous Lifestyles,
Rx Fitness Lady Wants to Know…
If you’ve taken a Les Mills training before, what else would you add to the list? If you attended a training for another class outside of Les Mills, please provide your insight as well.
Have you ever thought about teaching a program, boot camp, zumba, etc? If so, which class and why? What would be a barrier for you?
Greetings, I'm Joi, a Pharmacist with a passion for fitness & a community leader. I am the Creator & Senior Fitness Trainer of "In The Paint" Online Group Training Program. I teach BODYCOMBAT, BODYPUMP, Tabata Boot Camp, & serve as a mentor to young girls. My goal is to inspire people to live healthy, active, & prosperous lifestyles through practical blog posts deliveries. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram. ARE YOU WASTING TIME DIETING... Check out my book "Diets Are Dead Win Small With M.E.D.S., DO YOU WANT TO WORKOUT FROM HOME WITH LIVE ACCOUNTABILITY? Join #InThePaint #OneCommunity! You can view more posts, subscribe to stay tuned to latest updates & Shop all things Rx Fitness Lady at The Shoppes at Rx Fitness Lady.
32 thoughts on “Atypical Tips for Les Mills Initial Program Trainings”
Zumba seems popular down here where everyone wants to teach a class I even saw someone start something for kids which I think is great and fun. Kita recently posted…Pinterest Wednesday
Was not familiar with this program until I read this. Thank you! 🙂 It sounds like there is definitely something for everyone. :)-Ashley thedoseofreality recently posted…We’ll Take Instant Heart Attack for $1000, Alex!
I sure wish I had this locally, everytime I read about of these posts and see these videos I feel as if I would absolutely ADORE this workout! It kicks butt! I really gotta research and see if there is any in NYC. I feel like if there are so many instructors out there, there HAS to be an option in the city! There is an option for everyone else! Nellie recently posted…Weekly Wednesday Workout: Plank Row With Dumbbells
Your tips are actually great for anyone who is looking to teach anything! Practice, watch yourself in the mirror, know your material…great tips for public speaking, for example!
Maybe one of these days I’ll get up the nerve to try a class like this! Michelle recently posted…Goodbye Braces, Hello Invisalign!
If you train for a program, the current release will be sent to you 2 weeks before the training. Usually, the gyms will already be teaching the release though so you can practice with them.
My homegirl is seriously into Zumba. Doubt she’d want to though. I’m going to apply these tips to teaching my daughter a little “fitness” class. I turn on some music and we do something of a workout. Andrea recently posted…10 Lessons I Learned from Mom – A Blog Hop
Hum, if you’re serious…have the hubby snap a photo so I know it’s real, lol! Seriously, if you send me the photo, I’d love to include it in my post for next week about “Dance Moms” ;)You know, if you get around to a little exercise with the kid in the next few days!
The fleeting thought of becoming an instructor the first time I took the body combat class left and never came back.lol. It’s amazing that I can run for 13 miles, but I was truly huffing and puffing in the BC class. I also did the RPM spin class. I didn’t even know it was a Les Mills class. Yesterday after doing my routine 5am morning workout, I went back to the gym later just to do the body combat.lol.
I love the video because I had no clue what some of those classes were. Who knows, maybe I won’t totally dismiss teaching a class.
Btw, you are killing it with these vlogs….I’m so behind 🙂 Hope recently posted…What do you call your MOTHER?
I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed COMBAT enough to return. Les Mills is pillar with offering diverse classes. I don’t take rpm regularly bc it doesn’t fit in my schedule but it’s semi comparable to your love of running with calories burned and all. I would be so tickled if you ended up teaching at the Y! Isn’t les mills new there…you can jump right on in as a newbie..with PFL insider tips ;)!
{Melinda} I hadn’t heard of this program either, but I definitely need to get with some program! 🙂 Having lots of body aches, particularly my back and it’s motivated me to get on a regular regimen. I’ve done Pilates in the past and have loved it. Think I’m going to try that again. Mothering From Scratch recently posted…slow down, mom: your princess won’t wait
It’s pretty awesome – the variety in there! While I’ve never considered teaching a class, I’ve highly considered taking classes. I just love to move, move, move. Tamara recently posted…Don’t Ever Change.
These are some great tips for someone looking to train for Les Mills! I know some people that have gone through the certification process and now are instructors. I heard through them that it’s super intense! It’s so odd seeing them as instructors now knowing that they once were sitting or lifting right beside me in Pump and Spin a several months ago! Britton recently posted…‘Pin’-Spiration: Peanut Butter Smudgies!
It’s very intense, especially the first time. Lol, I bet the members who use to take classes with me felt that way as well. I teach at a rapidly growing southern chain and we trained then immediately opened a brand new gym, so most of the members didn’t know the difference, lol!
I love the tip on using the mirror to practice the moves. If I understand it correctly, your DVD is behind you and your mirror is facing the TV so you can see the TV in the mirror and can do the moves just like the instructors (same direction and all). Is that right? This is a great tip for trainers other than just Les Mills. Carli recently posted…How to Use Technology to Keep You Fit {UP Jawbone #Giveaway) #FitnessFriday
Hi Carli! Sorry that was a bit confusing. Most of us practice with a mini portable DVD player, like what the kids use on road trips. So set that up facing you and you facing the mirror…I guess for those who aren’t operating in ancient times with DVDS like myself….you could do the same thing with a laptop.
Been through 3 trainings and got video certified for ShBam and agree with ALL of this! Would also add:
– invest in good work out clothes (esp sports bras, women). wicking, high performance makes a huge difference. Also have clothes that match the program – don’t come in spandex shorts to teach Jam and don’t wear baggy clothes to teach Pump.
– do not plan to do anything during the nights of your trainings. You will be at home trying to rest your body and practice your choreo. And eat and sleep.
– enjoy the other people that you meet and trust their judgement, respect their point of view. I had so much wonderful, useful feedback from other participants and also met some people I really adore and like.
Thank you so much for chiming in! I love that tip about dressing for the program. I had someone with hot pink fru fru stuff on, lots of make up…just a mess for Pump training. Love the other tips as well and with you 100%! I do hope you will come back again soon.!
Hello. I wanna train for combat in a week. I can’t do jump knee and jumping evasive sidekick. Will i fail in training??? Also i don’t have the dvd for my training yet!!! How can i memorize it????!!!
Hi BB, you have to register beforehand to attend training and they send you the tracks 10 days prior to that weekend. You can show options but they would teach you how to handle your physical barriers. I don’t think you would fail because of that.
THank you for stopping by. You can visit the Les Mills website for upcoming training event dates. Good luck!
I’m thinking of becoming a body pump instructor. What choreography are you taking about? I’ve been taking the class consistently for over a year and every so often Les mils comes out with all new choreography so which one am I supposed to practice to get down pat? Also, do I get to choose whatever track I want to present at the end of the weekend or do they choose for me? Could I choose one that I am doing now and start practicing?
Hi Corrine, you are most welcome! I appreciate you stopping by.
If you decide to join the awesome Les Mills tr1be as an instructor, you will get a digital kit of the current release at that time. Typically you will have 10 days to 2 weeks to become one with that kit. You will also be assigned a track to teach and an additional track to shadow by Les Mills. Good luck with your decision and let me know if you have any more questions!
Zumba seems popular down here where everyone wants to teach a class I even saw someone start something for kids which I think is great and fun.
Kita recently posted…Pinterest Wednesday
Yes Kita! I have a post scheduled for next week all about the kids and dance 🙂
Was not familiar with this program until I read this. Thank you! 🙂 It sounds like there is definitely something for everyone. :)-Ashley
thedoseofreality recently posted…We’ll Take Instant Heart Attack for $1000, Alex!
It is so diverse! Dance, boxing, weights, pilates..whatever your pleasure!
I sure wish I had this locally, everytime I read about of these posts and see these videos I feel as if I would absolutely ADORE this workout! It kicks butt! I really gotta research and see if there is any in NYC. I feel like if there are so many instructors out there, there HAS to be an option in the city! There is an option for everyone else!
Nellie recently posted…Weekly Wednesday Workout: Plank Row With Dumbbells
Yes http://w3.lesmills.com/global/en/find-a-class that’s a link to the class finder. Let me know if you see anything.
Your tips are actually great for anyone who is looking to teach anything! Practice, watch yourself in the mirror, know your material…great tips for public speaking, for example!
Maybe one of these days I’ll get up the nerve to try a class like this!
Michelle recently posted…Goodbye Braces, Hello Invisalign!
Didn’t think of that but Thanks Michelle! I hope you will get the awesome opportunity to try one of the classes one day!
Great tips – now I just need to find a training locally. Can I get the tracks before that? I think they are different from the workout set I have.
If you train for a program, the current release will be sent to you 2 weeks before the training. Usually, the gyms will already be teaching the release though so you can practice with them.
My homegirl is seriously into Zumba. Doubt she’d want to though. I’m going to apply these tips to teaching my daughter a little “fitness” class. I turn on some music and we do something of a workout.
Andrea recently posted…10 Lessons I Learned from Mom – A Blog Hop
Hum, if you’re serious…have the hubby snap a photo so I know it’s real, lol! Seriously, if you send me the photo, I’d love to include it in my post for next week about “Dance Moms” ;)You know, if you get around to a little exercise with the kid in the next few days!
The fleeting thought of becoming an instructor the first time I took the body combat class left and never came back.lol. It’s amazing that I can run for 13 miles, but I was truly huffing and puffing in the BC class. I also did the RPM spin class. I didn’t even know it was a Les Mills class. Yesterday after doing my routine 5am morning workout, I went back to the gym later just to do the body combat.lol.
I love the video because I had no clue what some of those classes were. Who knows, maybe I won’t totally dismiss teaching a class.
Btw, you are killing it with these vlogs….I’m so behind 🙂
Hope recently posted…What do you call your MOTHER?
I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed COMBAT enough to return. Les Mills is pillar with offering diverse classes. I don’t take rpm regularly bc it doesn’t fit in my schedule but it’s semi comparable to your love of running with calories burned and all. I would be so tickled if you ended up teaching at the Y! Isn’t les mills new there…you can jump right on in as a newbie..with PFL insider tips ;)!
sounds like an interesting and intense training…might need to look into this!
If you teach a program, it will be so rewarding on so many levels!
{Melinda} I hadn’t heard of this program either, but I definitely need to get with some program! 🙂 Having lots of body aches, particularly my back and it’s motivated me to get on a regular regimen. I’ve done Pilates in the past and have loved it. Think I’m going to try that again.
Mothering From Scratch recently posted…slow down, mom: your princess won’t wait
Hi Melinda, Pilates would be great! Sorry, I just saw this. You got spammed for some reason. Happy Mother’s Day!
It’s pretty awesome – the variety in there! While I’ve never considered teaching a class, I’ve highly considered taking classes. I just love to move, move, move.
Tamara recently posted…Don’t Ever Change.
Yes, you’ve got your hands full right now, I’m sure you’re getting plenty of movement!
These are some great tips for someone looking to train for Les Mills! I know some people that have gone through the certification process and now are instructors. I heard through them that it’s super intense! It’s so odd seeing them as instructors now knowing that they once were sitting or lifting right beside me in Pump and Spin a several months ago!
Britton recently posted…‘Pin’-Spiration: Peanut Butter Smudgies!
It’s very intense, especially the first time. Lol, I bet the members who use to take classes with me felt that way as well. I teach at a rapidly growing southern chain and we trained then immediately opened a brand new gym, so most of the members didn’t know the difference, lol!
I love the tip on using the mirror to practice the moves. If I understand it correctly, your DVD is behind you and your mirror is facing the TV so you can see the TV in the mirror and can do the moves just like the instructors (same direction and all). Is that right? This is a great tip for trainers other than just Les Mills.
Carli recently posted…How to Use Technology to Keep You Fit {UP Jawbone #Giveaway) #FitnessFriday
Hi Carli! Sorry that was a bit confusing. Most of us practice with a mini portable DVD player, like what the kids use on road trips. So set that up facing you and you facing the mirror…I guess for those who aren’t operating in ancient times with DVDS like myself….you could do the same thing with a laptop.
You are such a blessing to others and especially me.
🙂
Been through 3 trainings and got video certified for ShBam and agree with ALL of this! Would also add:
– invest in good work out clothes (esp sports bras, women). wicking, high performance makes a huge difference. Also have clothes that match the program – don’t come in spandex shorts to teach Jam and don’t wear baggy clothes to teach Pump.
– do not plan to do anything during the nights of your trainings. You will be at home trying to rest your body and practice your choreo. And eat and sleep.
– enjoy the other people that you meet and trust their judgement, respect their point of view. I had so much wonderful, useful feedback from other participants and also met some people I really adore and like.
One tribe!
Allison recently posted…Redefining Mom Brain
Hi Allison,
Thank you so much for chiming in! I love that tip about dressing for the program. I had someone with hot pink fru fru stuff on, lots of make up…just a mess for Pump training. Love the other tips as well and with you 100%! I do hope you will come back again soon.!
One tribe 😉
Joi
Hello. I wanna train for combat in a week. I can’t do jump knee and jumping evasive sidekick. Will i fail in training??? Also i don’t have the dvd for my training yet!!! How can i memorize it????!!!
Hi BB, you have to register beforehand to attend training and they send you the tracks 10 days prior to that weekend. You can show options but they would teach you how to handle your physical barriers. I don’t think you would fail because of that.
THank you for stopping by. You can visit the Les Mills website for upcoming training event dates. Good luck!
Joi
Hi,
I’m thinking of becoming a body pump instructor. What choreography are you taking about? I’ve been taking the class consistently for over a year and every so often Les mils comes out with all new choreography so which one am I supposed to practice to get down pat? Also, do I get to choose whatever track I want to present at the end of the weekend or do they choose for me? Could I choose one that I am doing now and start practicing?
Thanks for much for writing this. Helps a lot.
Corinne
Hi Corrine, you are most welcome! I appreciate you stopping by.
If you decide to join the awesome Les Mills tr1be as an instructor, you will get a digital kit of the current release at that time. Typically you will have 10 days to 2 weeks to become one with that kit. You will also be assigned a track to teach and an additional track to shadow by Les Mills. Good luck with your decision and let me know if you have any more questions!
Joi