Dallas rocks RPM 69

For those that attended RPM 69 filming you know that something special is coming your way ....for those that weren't there we have something special...an EXCLUSIVE interview with Queensland international presenter Dallas Blacklaw who burnt up the stage with Glen and Sarah Ostergaard last month.

By Suzana Talevski
@SuzanaTalevski

Q: Tell us about RPM 69 and the tracks you presented...

A: In RPM 69 I taught the hills and speed work tracks, The hill track is an old school hit that will take you back to the 90's, the work is clear and progressive. The speed work track is an amazing song with a few little surprises in the choreography, that will allow the riders to find their optimum racing resistance and leg speed.

Q: What is the highlight of RPM 69:
A:The highlight of this release is definitely the music and the opportunity to use performance and have heaps of fun.

Q: What do you enjoy about the filming experience the most? 
A: The things I enjoy most about the filming experience, is the chance to challenge myself and enhance my teaching for the people back in club land. I also feel a huge amount of responsibility to the program to represent where it currently sits and showcase to the instructors world wide what Glen, Sarah and Les Mills' vision is for RPM going forward.
After filming RPM 66 along side so many of my Les Mills RPM Team, 69 was very different as it was Sarah, Glen and myself and there was an expectation that I had for my self to show a different side to my teaching.

Q: What does it mean to you seeing the Aussie support in Auckland?
A: The support shown from the Aussie instructors and our Les Mills Asia Pacific trainer team was amazing and to have them in the rehearsal classes leading up to filming and on the day was so important, as it helped with connection and the feeling of safety and familiarity.

Q: What's your advice to instructors thinking about joining the filming experience?
A: If you are an instructor thinking about going over to NZ for a filming, I would just do it, immerse yourself in the experience, do as many different classes as you can with different instructors and the program directors.

Q: What's next in the world of Dallas?
A: Next up for me is Q3 workshops and later in the year getting introduced to our 30min High Intensity cycle program.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: I would like to thank Chris Richardson from LMI for being an amazing filming coach, Glen and Sarah for working so hard and bringing the RPM passion and vision to every release. Philip and Jackie Mills for continuing to innovate fitness through the years. Lee Smith and Michelle Dean from LMAP for encouraging and inspiring me and the whole trainer team to realise our potential.
None of this is possible without the support and love of my beautiful wife and children, who are the reason why I do what I do.

Q: Final message?
A: Ride Strong and Have Fun.

 

Nathan Jones Special 10 DVD Milestone Interview!!!!!!!

NATHAN JONES IS READY TO SET THE STAGE ON FIRE IN A SPECIAL MILESTONE APPEARANCE

About Nathan: Having begun his group fitness career at Les Mills in New Zealand, Nathan now lives in Melbourne, Australia where he heads up the development of the Asia Pacific BODYATTACK® Trainer and Presenter Team. He is also a BODYCOMBAT® and GRIT™ Trainer.

Going back to New Zealand is always a special time for this much loved Les Mills star, but this time it will be extra special.

Suzana Talevski interviews Nathan as he prepares to film his 10^th Les Mills DVD....that’s over 29 releases!!!

“I have put more physical preparation into this than ever before. I feel an obligation to the Body Attack world to bring new levels of athleticism and a deeper connection to my coaching,’’ says Nathan.

Nathan cites Body Attack 62 as his favorite release so far and reveals international favorites Lisa Osborne and Amy Styles will be joining him on stage along with one more instructor for Body Attack 87 on July 31 in Auckland.

And what is his all time favorite track?

“I have been asked this before and it's still "Nowhere fast" from BA 56. The choreography in comparison to these days is easy, but the song and finale of the track is so empowering,” he says.

“You can get any member in the red zone with this song!"

So how does an elite Les Mills athlete like Nathan train for an upcoming release?  Here is his secret recipe for “Les Mills Awesomeness”

•  Body Attack 4 weeks out to 5 Attacks a week including 2 in the same morning once a week.
•  1 strength session with a focus on full range Squats and deadlifts with accessory work.
•    1 conditioning session with each exercise sitting well above the demand of BA.
• Short sprints, explosive bench jumps, vertical jumps and Tabata training.
• 2 x a week with a renowned Crossfit Coach.
•   Optimum nutrition and supplementation

As a former New Zealand resident, Nathan is also looking forward to some time away from Studio 1.  

“I’m really looking forward to a good catch up with all my mates from when I use to live there. It's also a bit of a holiday away from my busy Melbourne life anyway!”

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU  NATE, EVERYONE IS PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!

BEVAN JAMES EYLES VIDEO CHAT

Check out our very special exclusive video chat with Les Mills extraordinaire Bevan James Eyles right here!!!!!!!

A HUGE thanks to Bev for taking the time out to answer all our questions for you guys,  it was a pleasure meeting him in Auckland for filmings in the April quarter. A genuine nice guy whose passion for Les Mills and supporting fellow instructors shone through brightly.

You will love this!!!

WARNING: Watching this video will result in.......INSPIRATION!!!!!!!!!!!

WATCH BEVAN HERE!!!!!!!

Picture: THE BODY ATTACK 86 TEAM filmed the latest release on April 30 at 11am in Studio 1, Les Mills Auckland.

Keep updated with Bevan's latest projects visit here: 
Bevan James Eyles

Clare Thompson rocks the big stage in Auckland!!!!!!!

Words: Suzana Talevski
Pictures: Anthony RG Ball

It was an absolute pleasure for us to catch up with Aussie Clare Thompson during the last quarter of filming at Les Mills Auckland last week.
Body Attack 86 went off with a BANG and it was largely due to our Perth girl Clare. Being in the front row for this filming spectacular, I can tell you not only can this girl Attack (you already knew that bit!!) but she can DANCE!!!  If Pitball needs any dancers he doesn't have to look far. Wow and by the way.... WOW!!
We caught up with Clare to get her thoughts on the mega experience.

Q & A Clare Thompson

• Was the experience all the you expected? It was different to what I thought it would be. I wasn't as nervous as what I thought I'd be, and it really just seemed like another class, except you have to be on the ball a lot more! It was lots of fun

• What was the highlight of the experience? The highlight of the experience was the sense of accomplishment I felt once the class was over. All the hard work and prep was worth it. Very satisfying.

• Is there anything you would change? If I could change anything, I wouldn't be as nervous at the start of prep week. There really wasn't anything to be nervous about. I would have gotten a better sleep the night before the start of prep week if I had just relaxed more!

                            Pic: Clare catches up with the LM Australia Rocking AKL crew

• How was the support you received? The Aussie support was great.  I certainly felt the love from all the messages I received. Thanks everyone!!!!!

• Was the experience different to what you thought it would be? It wasn't what I thought it would be. I thought it would be a lot harder during the week in terms of physical exertion. It was probably harder for me mentally. The actual filming also happened a lot quicker than I thought it would. It was the fastest class of my life.  Rehearsals were straight to the point with both feedback and what the plan was for the filming class. Nothing was sugar coated but that's ok! We only have a week to get it right so that's how it has to be.

• Describe Body Attack 86 in 3 words? Tough, fun and exciting

  

Pic: Clare with fellow Body Attack presenter Bevan James Eyles and fellow Asia Pacific presenter Teoh Yee Sin

• What's your advice for instructors considering attending filmings at Les Mills Auckland? Do it!!!!!! It's definitely something you have to do at least once if you're an instructor. It's great to see the behind the scenes stuff on filming day.

• Tell us about your tracks in this release? Track 3 is lots of fun! Nothing too serious in this one, just lots of energy. Track 7 is very busy and needs really clear coaching. It is also very intense for a track 7 so be prepared to teach it like a boss.

• What is your message for all  Body Attack instructors in this release? Don't forget to have fun in your classes! Use the music and don't say too much. Let the natural builds in the music drive the workout!

                 
                   THANK YOU CLARE THOMPSON. AUSTRALIA IS PROUD OF YOU!!!!

Clare Thompson ready to rock AKL!!!!

In about four weeks time Clare Thompson will be taking to one of the biggest stages of her life...Studio 1 at Les Mills International in Auckland City.

She is our Trainer in BodyAttack and GRIT and presents in BodyStep. She is also trained in BodyPump.

We take you into the journey of what goes through someone's mind a month out from presenting on the new release for Les Mills Body Attack, one of the most popular programs in the world.  

Clare started teaching at teaching at just 17- years-old.

"I was a national champion Irish dancer and needed to keep fit in the off-season. I joined my local gym and eventually worked up the courage to try a group fitness class. I was really uncoordinated believe it or not. I didn't know what to do with my upper body because in Irish dancing you have to keep your arms by your side," explains Clare. 

After months of trying, I started to get the hang of it. When dancing started back up again, I found that I had lost the passion for it after 13 years of it being my whole life. It was when I was trying to break in a new pair of hard shoes. After painfully banging my feet into the floor for about an hour, trying to get onto my "over toes", the shoes didn't feel any better on my feet and I decided I'd had enough."

And so begins this amazing journey into the world of Les Mills for Clare who had no idea what was waiting ahead of her. 

"I had never thought about becoming an instructor until I was approached by one of the other instructors who said that I should do my training. After a few days of intense thought, I decided that this was the new road I'd be taking. I trained on BodyStep 67 and only three months later I trained on BodyAttack 57, she says. 

She cites Jen Rampling and Tania Sibon-Bourke and KG for "sparking my initial love for these programs".

"I love my classes and I'm happiest when I'm teaching, bringing some sort of painful joy into everyone's life!"

Clare also work full time as an exercise scientist, conducting pre-employment health assessments for a company called Jem Health.

"It's a fun job and I work with fantastic people. My whole life is based around health and well being so hopefully some of my enthusiasm brushes off on everyone I come into contact with in some way," she says. 

Q & A WITH CLARE THOMPSON

1) How are feeling about your upcoming AKL experience? What sort of emotions are you going through?

I'm super excited but at the same time I'm a little nervous. I've had a couple of nightmares about not rocking up on time for filming! I will be setting about ten alarms I think. 

2) Do you know which track/s you will be presenting and how long do you get to practise them?

I don't know yet what tracks I'll be presenting. I won't find out till I get there, so I'll only have a week to get them right.

3) What will be some of your tactics in terms of pre filming nerves?

Plenty of positive self talk is a must. It's how I deal with every nerve racking performance. I will also go through my pre-class ritual to make sure my shoe laces are done up super tight, and everything is in the right place including water bottle, towel etc. I'm very precise when it comes to things like that.

4) Who have always been your Les Mills hero/s?

Lisa Osborne, Kylie Gates and Bevan James Eyels. They are true legends. Anyone who teaches Les Mills is a hero though!

5) What is your weekly training regime like? what diet/food best works for you?

It's hectic. On top of all my classes and full time work, I manage to fit in about 4 weight training sessions, a swim and a few sand dune sprints too. I eat food from all the food groups, I'm not afraid of saturated fat, and I will eat a good old double beef and bacon burger from time to time. 

6) What do you love the most about Les Mills?

I love the community/family feel between all Les Mills instructors. We can all relate to each other because we all know how it feels to be up late learning choreography, preparing for launches etc. It's also great when we can all get together at workshops because it's more than just a workshop, it's a chance to catch up with friends, and it's a chance to see the progression from those who attended my module trainings. 

7) What would be something many people would be surprised to learn about you?

I love cars. I'm a bit of a rev head. I just bought a white Nissan Skyline and sometimes I like to race it. 

8) What is your all time favorite Body Attack track and why?

It's definitely "Do You Love Ya' Hardcore" from BA 72. I just love the beat and the feel of the track. It's always a class favorite.

9) What is your advice for some one just starting their BA career?

Just be patient and things will fall into place. It might seem like a lot of hard work at the start but it gets easier. Remember who you are doing it for.

10) What's the funniest thing that has ever happened to you on stage?

I haven't had anything too dramatic happen to me yet. The worst I've done is galloped off the stage once when I was team teaching with Kylie. That was pretty funny.

11) Can Cross Fit and Les Mills exist peacefully along side each other?

I believe they can. Cross fit is a great workout for experienced athletes who already know how to execute movements safely. I think we can all learn things from each other, and at the end of the day, who cares? As long as people are moving.

12) What can we expect from the new BA release that you will be part of?

 Expect more energy than you can ever imagine! It just keeps getting better and better. Expect lots of plyo moves in track 4, and a bit more flavor than normal in track 3. 

13) Is there anything else you would like to add?

Remember that we are all in this together. We all go through the same ups and downs as instructors. Always remain open to feedback, no matter who it is from. Stay level headed and always strive to be better.

GOOD LUCK CLARE, AUSTRALIA IS WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!

Mid Thomas Interview Dec 2013 & Feb 2014

We did the 10 questions and answer series (below in white) with Mid just before Christmas. A great insight into one of the most popular and talented leading ladies at Les Mills.  Thanks Mid for spending some time with us...AUSTRALIA LOVES YOU!!!!

This interview is completely new, exclusive to this Blog and done this morning (in red).

By Suzana Talevski

Mid Thomas started teaching in Rangiora approximately 24 years ago and was picked up and trained by Maureen Baker.
"There was no training modules back in those days. I presented my first quarterly workshop at 18 it was Body Attack," Thomas says.
She became one of the first trainers in New Zealand at 22 years of age.
"At this stage Les Mills had not gone international," explains Thomas.  "I continued to do modules and quarterlies through my early 20's then I got my first club manager role at counties fitness at 27 so decided to take a break from quarterlies and modules. I loved my management position and was in this role right up to becoming the National Training Manager for New Zealand at 31."
Thomas continued in this role before becoming Club Manager of a Les Mills Club in Wellington last year.
"I have taught all programs with the exception of Body Combat and I currently still teach in Body Attack, Body Pump, RPM, Body Jam, Body Vive and can train all modules as well," she says.
For all that she has achieved, Thomas remains grounded and down to earth, always taking time to mentor and encourage instructors throughout the world and in her home town. She is loved not because of her super star status but because what you see with Mid Thomas is what you get....someone who is passionate about health, about fitness, about friends and about family ...and about making a change.
"What can I say other than I have had the most amazing career through Les Mills and continue to do so. Alongside the career the single most epic part of my life is the fact that I get to be involved with passionate people all driving for a fitter planet and seriously prepared to fight for this global cause. I love you all Kia Kaha all stand strong be brave and let's get this planet moving," Thomas says.
"I love Australia so much and I love you guys. I'm coming to FILEX. Can't wait to see everyone!!!!."

Australia is looking forward to seeing you too Mid....more than you can imagine.


 

 

1. How many BP do you teach a week and do you always go heavy on the weights?
Before my current role, it was three and as of next year (2014), it will be one. I would normally do one a week heavy and the rest normal weights. 

2. How did you get the job you have now/how did you get involved with Les Mills?

I have been with Les Mills since I was 15 I started teaching Jazzagetics was then now BODYATTACK™. I became a Trainer by the time I was 22 and starting managing my first Fitness Club at 27. Then went onto the National Training Manager role for Les Mills New Zealand at 31 and in the last six months been Club Manager of Les Mills Hutt City.

3. What is the hardest thing about your job?

Seeing people who you know you could help through Les Mills not want anything to do with us because they either have no experience with our programs and/or our gyms. Worse than that, they have a bad experience somewhere else and believe that is what Les Mills is all about.

4. What do you do in your own training and eating to stay in shape?

I am always aware of what I am eating and eat more for functional reason as opposed to eating for the sake of it. At the same time if I really want something I actually will have it so I keep eating in moderation. I spent around 10 years of my fitness career competing in different competitions from Aerobic Champs to Miss Fitness and my days of dieting taught me two things anything in moderation is ok and anything in extreme is NOT. The challenge today is the quality of food is poor and good food is expensive. However we have more knowledge than ever before and it’s about eating for success in what you want to achieve.
For exercise, I will train 5 days a week (classes included) with two days off. This works for my body when I am not getting ready for DVD or Quarterly Workshops. If I have some big tours coming up I will increase my quantity one month out and potentially only have one rest day. In saying that I still stay really connected to what my body is telling me I can or can’t do and I typically push it to the limit when I train so I’m having to pull back on that as I mature gracefully basically I’m getting old.
I also completely believe that the greatest way to stay in shape is to keep things interesting that is food and exercise. So whilst I always have a basic plan if I am feeling unmotivated I will try doing something completely spontaneous and different. Luckily, in Les Mills we have 13 choices on our timetable.

5. What are favorites BP/Attack Releases? Favorite tracks?

My favorite release would be Pump 85 because Matty Thraxton and Will Pritchard are like brothers to me and I thought they did a great job.
Plus it’s got Antidote on it which is one of my favorite songs.

6. Have you ever had a class where everything seemed to go wrong and how did you recover from that experience?

 

Oh yes I have had many many times when things have gone VERY wrong, from the cassette yes I said cassette tapes not working through to having someone pass out in your class to COMPLETELY screwing up the choreography. In saying that the worst thing that ever happened to me was when I was, teaching a low impact class called Meltdown (an old LM program). I was wearing an unfortunate top that did not strap across my body properly. My brother-in-law was in my class and I went to reach up and my arms went up as well as my top….Yes the entire class saw me topless for a split second I WAS HORRIFIED.
How did I cope simple no matter how bad the thing was I always carried on and gave the people in my class a workout because it is always about them first not me.

7. Who is/are your inspiration in the fitness world?

 

Easy EMMA BARRY and JACKIE MILLS. These two women are in my opinion phenomenal and I have been honored to work with them over the years.

8. Why is the GFX experience so cool? What is special about it and how is it different from a regular filming quarter?

 

Prior to Sweden this year GFX was the only place in world where you could do a filming and quarterly workshop at the same time. Now it has become A MUST attend for so many Group Fitness Instructors all around the world. Over and above this, you literally have the most motivated, energetic, passionate, people focused and INCREDIBLE people ALL IN ONE SPACE…..Nothing is better than that. It is just a BUZZ from start to finish.
From an organizational perspective, that is exactly what LMNZ look to create. The most amazing WOW factor with energy and excitement…..Let us just say
GFX 3D ANIMATED Jan 30,31 and Feb1st 2014 EPIC XXXX

8. How do people get a job at Les Mills?
 

It is interesting everyone wants to work for LMI but I guess we forget that we all are already doing that through our classes.

9. Do you think with the popular emergence of Crossfit or other similar programs that Les Mills will still be a force in the future and why?

 

Absolutely it will be and if anything, Les Mills will be stronger. The reason why Les Mills does so well is that at every level our people believe in our mission, which is to get this planet fitter. We understand it and own it so in fact if the Crossfit or Zumba’s of this world are in the market that’s awesome because they will be helping the people we are not and if we are honest there are actually far too many people who have not made physical activity part of their lives and the statistics are getting worse not better especially in children.
I think what Les Mills does is amazing and I only wish to be a reflection of the love and intention of our fearless leaders to help this planet get fit through warriors like each and every one of us.
Again health related issues are on the rise and it’s going to take a LES MILLS ARMY to make the difference fighting for the SURVIVAL of FITNESS ON THIS PLANET LOVE YOU ALL XXXXXX Fitness is a GOD GIVEN RIGHT and now we fight

10. Have you got a special message for your Aussie instructors?

 

I will forever be in love with Australia because that is the place where my fiance proposed to me so I will love you and your country forever xxxx — feeling inspired.

Matthew Thraxton GFX 2014 Interview

Matthew Thraxton GFX 2014 Interview

 

Matt is a Les Mill International Master Trainer and DVD Presenter. Originally from England, Matt has over 10 years’ experience with Les Mills delivering instructor training modules, workshops and master classes in more than 15 countries. Now living in Melbourne and representing Les Mills Asia Pacific, Matt teaches BODYPUMP, RPM, CXWORX, BODY COMBAT and Les Mills GRIT STRENGTH.

1.         Describe GFX in three words

Crazy Inspirational and Family

2.         What has been some of the highlights of GFX 2014?

Presenting the BODYPUMP and RPM quarterly workshops. I love getting to work with Emma Barry; she has been one of my idols since I started Pump back in 2002. We don’t get too many chances to present together so when the opportunity arises it’s always special. Plus I got to pump it up with my good friend Will Pritchard, who you will see on the BODYPUMP 90 DVD. He did an amazing job. Then for RPM, it is always an honour and a privilege to ride next to the Lee Smith. Apart from that, getting to catch up with old friends and make new ones is a huge part of what these events are all about. We really are one big extended family and when all four corners of the world get together in one spot to share out love for fitness, it’s magic!

3.         What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Hmmm (insert cheeky grin!!)……I will say Coffee!! Yep definitely coffee. 

4.         Are you addicted to your smart phone?

Yes!! And I hate the fact that I am (laughs). Everyone these days seem to be constantly glued to his or her phone, head down, bent neck and rounded back. It seems like good posture is fast becoming a thing of the past.

5.         What do you see as of the world’s biggest problems today and how would you go about solving it?

I see sugar, junk food and sedentary lifestyles as a major world-wide problem. It’s really worrying that despite all the education available regarding healthy eating and exercise, our obesity crises and lifestyle related disease continues to escalate. It’s really important that we keep working on this. One of the keys is early invention and education at a school level. I believe that daily exercise should be compulsory on the school curriculum. I love the idea of it being group fitness too because then we can cater too all levels of fitness and ability in children. Everyone wins. I’m not saying we should take out sport days or competition, we need that; but we also need to provide for the kids who aren’t interested in sport, or do not have the confidence or ability to take part. We should be reaching through the schools and setting these kids up for a life with good health habits from an early age.

6.         How have you found your transition to living in Melbourne, Australia?

It was very hard to leave my friends and family here in Auckland. I was here for four and a half years and had built a great life with made some amazing friends. It really was like leaving home all over again. Professionally it was a bit of a shock when I first started teaching in Melbourne clubs. I went from teaching 180 people on my last pump class in Auckland to 12 on my first day in Melbourne. That was certainly a group fitness culture shift. It was like going full circle back to when I started. Teaching at small clubs where it is all about building a community and really teaching from a grass roots level. The great thing about that is watching your participants improve and seeing your class numbers grow. There is something very special about taking a small group of leisurely gym goers and nurturing them, training them and coaching them into a room full of athletes!

7.         What’s in store for 2014?

I have a few exciting little projects in the pipeline for 2014 around coaching, mentoring and consulting within the fitness industry. I am working with LMAP on some projects to help us improve the level of instructing in Australia. It is the year of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, and the World Cup in Brazil, and I turn 40!

8.         What’s something that people might be surprised to know?

I have many leather bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany.

Oh, and my middle name is…. IVOR!

9.         What’s your message to those considering coming to GFX but haven’t done so yet?

Absolutely come!!!! Get re-inspired. Meet up with old friends and meet some fantastic new people. It’s a unique experience, where regular studio classes combine with quarterly workshop classes as well as rehearsal classes and they all go head to head with filming classes! You get to see so many amazing styles of teaching. How Instructors/Presenters may teach in a workshop is different to how they would in a filming class and different again to a regular class. It’s a fantastic experience, a real celebration of group fitness and I hope to see even more Aussies at the next one!!

10.       And a final message for the Aussie Les Mills instructors reading LM Australia Rockin’ AKL?

I’m in a place where I just so grateful for my position and having so many wonderful people in my life. I get to meet so many people including instructors that inspire me. It’s all about the ripple effect. For example you teach 20 people and you inspire them. They then go out to inspire another 20 and so on. Or they go home really happy and you are creating change and the world is a better place. You have the ability to change the world and that’s the most amazing part of our job as instructors. I would say keeping supporting Les Mills, keep up the passion and make every teaching an experience a celebration of what we do.