Les Mills

New BODYSTEP® participants often wonder why they are being asked to do certain things in this class they have never been required to do in others. Why only two risers? Why does riser height change? Why do we move the step around? Why no bouncing? Why are there propulsions? What’s up with the arm movements? Why do I have to stay close to my step? These questions are all addressed here for you. What you may find is that you have habits from a previous step class that may be working against you. If you want to know the why behind the how.

Why only two risers? Actually, this recommendation isn’t unique to BODYSTEP®. The manufacturers of the product below your feet encourage users to limit riser height to two for class usage. This, according to much research, is the maximum height to which one can ascend without damaging ligaments, tendons, cartilage, etc. in the knees. For slow movements, plyometrics and/or specific training goals, more risers may be added. Your safety is at risk if you elevate higher in a class setting, however. [Read More]

Sadly, this statement is true far too often. When it is, group fitness managers and instructors fear they are in for a standoff with the man or woman who signs the paychecks. This is not a good feeling. Managing through fear is typically self defeating and leads to a lower product quality overall. So what’s a group fitness professional to do? There are many solutions available through Les Mills®, to help you speak the owner’s language and prove the value of group fitness through real numbers.

First, it is important to address who’s who in this equation. You, the group fitness manager, become at once sales person, tribal elder, and defender of the faith. Your job is to sell the benefits of your department to the owner, maintain the morale of the instructors, and continue to deliver quality programming in the wake of departmental struggles. The facility owner is saying a few things no matter what he/she is “saying”. 1-I am paying this much to instructors, how much are they making me? 2-I see income from Personal Training, why should I keep something that makes no profit? 3-How do I know if group fitness is even doing a good job? Responding with words of praise from members and being likable is just not enough... [Read More]

“We started in December with a few preview BODYPUMP® classes. In January, we opened up the classes and had room for 40 participants, and filled every session and had a wait list! We had to add classes and even these classes were full! Now we are up 38% from last year, and our only change has been BODYPUMP®,. We added noon classes that originally attracted between 10-15 participants. Once we added in BODYPUMP® the classes are never below 23 and average around 35-40. Our evening classes are packed and we are finally attracting men into our program. Before we were lucky to get one man in a class and now we average 5-10 men and its still growing! The members are happy that we are investing money into our programming. They notice that we are supporting our Group Exercise program. I love the banners and the posters and the Les Mills Midwest support! The Les Mills Midwest staff has been incredible and has worked with me extensively to guarantee the success of BODYPUMP®. We are looking forward to adding more Les Mills programs in the future.”

Barb Larocco, Group Fitness Manager
Elmhurst Park District (Elmhurst, Illinois)

WELCOME to the tribe! (January 2009)

New Richmond Area Centre in New Richmond, WI now offering BODYPUMP®, BODYSTEP®, BODYVIVE®, and BODYFLOW®.

The Lafayette Family YMCA in Lafayette, IN has introduced BODYCOMBAT®, BODYPUMP®, BODYSTEP®, BODYVIVE® AND RPM®!

Powerhouse Gym in Twinsburg, OH is rolling out BODYFLOW®, BODYPUMP®, BODYSTEP®, and RPM®!

Two program new clubs include: Peak Sports Club in Loves Park, IL with BODYATTACK® and BODYVIVE®; Bettendorf Family YMCA in Iowa now presenting BODYATTACK® and BODYPUMP®; Wild River Fitness Center in Osceola, WI offering BODYPUMP® and BODYVIVE®; Launching BODYPUMP® and BODYATTACK® is Ozark Fitness in Poplar Bluff, MO; and the Lockport Park District-Challenge Fitness in Lockport, IL now has BODYPUMP® and BODYSTEP®!

Who launched their very first Les Mills program with BODYATTACK®?

Answer:

Rockwell Collins Recreation Center in Cedar Rapids, IA
Healthpoint of Wooster, OH

[Read More]

“Of course, since it’s done by Les Mills®, it’s done right”… These words from Sean Levesque are an amazing vote of confidence. Is he talking about BODYPUMP®? RPM®, maybe? Which program could possibly be the “PERFECT program that provides it all in one hour!” For Sean and his YMCA team in Minneapolis, the answer is BODYVIVE®.

As we all know, Y’s maintain a not for profit status. This, however, does not mean that many associations are not diligent about member acquisition and retention. After much success with other programs, this association realized there was a need for a low impact class. Upon seeing BODYVIVE®, the team decided, “this was designed for our Y. Baby boomers are our focus, we want our members to be healthy and fit. They loved the music and moves. BODYVIVE® is a multigenerational, easy on the joints workout.” YMCA has a tag line “strong kids & strong families”. Sean says, simply “BODYVIVE® allows us to fulfill that mission.” [Read More]