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!!!!!!!!!