Done properly, strength training offers endless health benefits for teens - athletes and non athletes alike. In fact, strength training at a young age can lead to a lifetime of better health and fitness. Why not consider incorporating a Summer Teen BODYPUMP® or an after school program in your facility? The benefits are enormous, and you’ll get a unique new demographic to potentially grow membership while helping your local youth develop strong exercise habits.

Consider the following:
According to the Mayo Clinic (May 26 2010), done properly, strength training can help teens:
  • Increase muscle strength and endurance
  • Help protect muscles and joints from injury
  • Improve performance in nearly any sport, from dancing and figure skating to football and soccer
And strength training isn't only for athletes. Even if the teen isn't interested in sports, strength training can:
  • Strengthen bones
  • Help promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • Boost metabolism
  • Help maintain a healthy weight
  • Improve self-esteem
Furthermore, strength training can lead to decrease in disease. According a University of Southern California study conducted in July, 2006, teens at risk of developing diabetes can prevent or delay its onset through strength training exercise. Prof. Michael Goran, and other researchers showed that overweight Latino teenage boys who lifted weights twice per week for 16 weeks significantly reduced their insulin resistance, a condition in which their bodies don't respond to insulin and can't process sugars properly. Insulin resistance is common in obese children and is a precursor of diabetes. The findings were published in the July 2006 issue of Medicine and Science of Sports Exercise.

Some things to consider:
When it comes to teens and strength training, it's easy to overdo it. Because the bones, joints, and tendons are still growing and developing, too much can strain or even permanently damage them. Teens should stay on the lighter side and focus more on strength training than serious “weight lifting.” They should also be supervised for proper technique and form. BODYPUMP® is the perfect solution. Teens can learn the basics of strength training and get stronger in a safe, classroom environment that offers instruction and guidance.

Experts say that encouragement from parents is important to children who want to exercise. Parents should be a role model and get in there with their kids. Make exercise a family activity. Another great idea is to hold a “Parent/Teen” event in which members bring their kids to the gym to get them acclimated. Hold a BODYPUMP® class for parents and their teens. Get the kids pumped up about it and they'll stick with it.

The opportunities are endless, and so are the results. Helping our nations teens incorporate health and exercise habits into their lives is critical with the obesity issues we are all familiar with in our country. Why not get on board to pump healthy living into our teens – start today!

If you’ve already incorporated a teen program in your facility we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Kim Kisner at kim@scwfitness.com.




Les Mills Midwest brings our third Quarterly of 2010 to Chicago, IL, at Rosemont Health & Fitness in Rosemont, and Kansas City, KS, at the Gold’s Gym in Merriam. Our presenters are flying from across the globe to share their passion with you! Dan and Rach Cohen and Dr. David McKenzie join with our own Midwestern Laura Wilson to rock this launch!

Team up with Les Mills Midwest as we launch the brand new batch of choreography for seven of the eight Les Mills programs.

Share the spirit of your inner warrior as we present the program directors of BODYCOMBAT®, Dan & Rach. Tame and balance the fighter inside with New Zealand’s Les Mills Mind/Body master, Dr. Dave. This ten-hour event packs the raw excitement and high-energy of the Les Mills programs into one sweat-filled spectacular that you won’t want to miss!

The event is open to all, so if you have a friend, student or free-style instructor you’d like to “bring to the tribe,” sign ‘em up!

Earn CECs for ACE, AFAA, ACSM, and SCW Fitness Education.

Friday, August 20 - Marketing for Success:
with Sara Kooperman, JD
Rosemont Health & Fitness
10225 West Higgins Rd
Rosemont, IL 60018

2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. -- Marketing for Success
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. -- Free Masterclass

Saturday, August 21 - Quarterly:
Rosemont Health & Fitness
10225 West Higgins Rd
Rosemont, IL 60018

8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 22 - Quarterly:
GOLD'S GYM
6501 South Frontage Rd
Merriam, KS 66202 (Kansas City)

8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

DISCOUNT HOTELS:
Contact events@scwfitness.com

TRAINERS:
Dan Cohen, Program Director for Les Mills BODY COMBAT®
Rachel Cohen, International Trainer and DVD Presenter for BODYJAM ®, and Program Director for Les Mills BODY COMBAT®
Joella Hopkins, National Fitness Director for Gold’s Gym, has been featured in BODYSTEP® 74
Maria Long, ACE & AFAA Certified, also acts as a club coach for Les Mills Midwest for IL, MO, WI
Lori Lowell, National presenter for BODYFLOW® and has been servicing the fitness industry for 23 years
Dr. Dave (Dr. Dave McKenzie), International Trainer and DVD Presenter
Laura Wilson, National BODYSTEP®, BODYATTACK® and BODYJAM® Trainer

PRICE on or before Monday, August 16:
$79 per individual
$59 per person when you REFER-A-FRIEND

PRICE after Monday, August 16:
$129 per individual
$109 per person when you REFER-A-FRIEND

www.scwfitness.com/quarterly




WATERinMOTION™ got the superhero treatment on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at Gold’s Gym, as members had the first chance to get their feet wet to some wonderful new aqua choreography.

“We had about 18 people in attendance,” said Danita Watkins, who instructed attendees in Wave 3 of the new quarterly-released choreographed aqua program. “There was some curiosity about the program; it’s something new for water, and brings a new element for water exercise. [Members] were curious to see what made it so unique, especially with the music.”

In the spirit of distributing Les Mills programs on a quarterly basis, SCW Fitness Education developed WATERinMOTION™, an aqua program fueled by the same principles of fitness as Les Mills, with a firm focus on upskilling, quarterly-released choreography and music, and a commitment to education.

“[The launch] was advertised with the upcoming Les Mills launch,” said Watkins. Watkins launched WaterinMotion™ in style. The club used a superhero theme to launch their new choreography across the board.

“Les Mills did the superhero theme, and each program was in charge of their own theme,” said Watkins. “I wanted something that looked kind of cool that reflected a Water program—I thought Wonder Woman worked because there are a lot of ladies in the class and the shirts showed a lot of power—plus, everyone thought they were cute,” she quipped.

The powerful shirts espoused the energy behind the launch of Wave 3. People were excited that the event reached the whole gym, all the way out to the pool, and were especially impressed with the music. “Participants liked the music. It moved and progressed faster than some of the other water programs that people have taken.”

Though the wonders in the water were represented by Wonder Woman, this party was co-ed; Watkins said that more men showed up to the launch of Wave 3 than normal.

“Everyone said it was a lot of fun, and something they would like to take again,” said Watkins. “It was a fun event for the pool—we haven’t had many events that focus on the pool.”

Here’s hoping that the heroes of this Gold’s see many more successful Waves for years to come. For more info email water@scwfitness.com, call 877.SCW.FITT, or visit www.WATERinMOTION.com.

 WATERinMOTION is an SCW Fitness Education program. It is not a Les Mills Product and is not endorsed by or affiliated with Les Mills International.




Family FitnessWorks in Richmond, IN, partnered with the local Parks & Recreation Department to support the city’s Mayor in a “Get Going Richmond” initiative to motivate the community to get fit. As part of the initiative, Kate Schamel, FFW Manager, devised a plan to hold Les Mills group fitness classes in the Park for five consecutive Saturdays, which turned out wildly successful.

BODYPUMP®, BODYCOMBAT®, BODYJAM® AND BODYFLOW® classes all rocked the park, providing a fun, spirited outdoor event unlike any other.

“The people loved it,” said Adam Melton, a club manager who said the response was phenomenal. “It was so great to see people of all walks of life and all ages come together to sweat, smile, and get in shape together.”

Instructors Kate Schamel, Chris Pegg and Stephanie Talbot led the charge and successfully got everyone in the sweaty spirit! Counselors from Just Us Kids Outdoors (J.U.K.O.), a summer camp program, volunteered to provide childcare during the hour-long classes for no charge. It was truly a city-wide event fueled by a passion for health and fitness.

“This was a great opportunity for prospects and nonmembers to try out the classes for free in a fun, non-intimidating environment,” said Melton, adding that the number of participants was split pretty evenly between current members and nonmembers. “Les Mills® classes have had a huge impact on the phenomenal growth of our gym over the last several years. We’ve outgrown a brand new facility within a couple of months, and are adding an additional 10,000 sq. ft.! We consistently have 25-35 people in our Les Mills® classes – and they are full even during our slowest months. Les Mills® classes have been so great for us, it’s nice to be able to share them with the folks of the city and be part of the “Get Going Richmond” program.”

The first BODYPUMP® class was so successful they were approved to add yet another week to the end of the schedule, holding a July 3rd class prior to the city’s 4th of July fireworks display. The week before, they held another class following a community 5K run in the park. These events brought huge crowds which generated more numbers to watch and participate!

“[This has been] such great exposure for these terrific programs–it’s fantastic”, said Melton. “Hopefully we’ll get all of Richmond rockin’ to Les Mills®!”




What if you could increase retention, make more money, and cross-promote services in your gym for virtually no cost? What if you could tap into a continual pipeline of new members, pump up your gym's energy level, and enhance the “community” environment? AND best of all ... what if you could do ALL of this simply by utilizing the resources and services you already have available to you? You CAN! By positioning Group Ex the right way, it can be your most powerful “weapon” in your arsenal for success. And all this time, it was right under your nose!

Group Exercise participants are extremely dedicated members: They are “regulars” (like clockwork!), they TALK to each other in class, they build a rapport with instructors and other participants, and they enhance that “community” feeling within the gym They also bring their friends, who often convert to members! This is your best advertising source, and it's yours for the taking! And the best part is: It's incredibly inexpensive to position and promote!

Consider the following:

Group Ex participants look to the instructors for answers, advice, and recommendations continually. The Group Exercise instructors are walking, talking advertising and marketing for your gym. They can promote the Personal Trainers, invite members to bring their friends for sample classes and enhance the retention rate. Make sure your instructors are top-notch and are well-versed in all that your gym has to offer so they can sell your services to members.

Also, Group Ex classes hold anywhere from 15 to 25 people at ONE TIME! This is a captive audience and a chance to market to several people at once, which is incredibly efficient!

The above factors combine to make Group Ex a virtual breeding ground for prospecting, cross-promoting and obtaining new members.

Some simple ways to capitalize on this include:

Get your Personal Trainers into the group fitness classes. Have them bring their clients in for a change of pace and great workout. This “cross-promoting” of services offers a great value to your members, and also increases the retention rate. Members who feel at home and take advantage of all that your club has to offer become more vested in the gym, will bring their friends and will stay members.

Get your Personal Trainers to TEACH Group Ex. The Group Ex room becomes a captive audience for the instructor to market to. PTs can get in front of an entire room of people and by connecting with them in this way, drastically increase their exposure, and, ultimately, their client list! A simple way to cross over from PT to Group Ex is the BODYPUMP® class. Les Mills offers choreography, music and everything an instructor needs to teach, all laid out in an easy-to-follow format. A PT can convert to a Group Ex instructor in no time, and start to market much more efficiently.

Group Ex is a great venue for EVENTS. Read below to find out how one gym increased sales significantly by holding a Super Saturday event. Other events can include fundraisers for a local hospital, breast cancer awareness or other causes. Get people involved and they will STICK. You will see new members in classes. Events are a great way to get prospects in the door to show off your gym’s energy and offerings. Make it fun, have a theme, make it a fundraiser. Be creative and demonstrate your club in full voice with a powerful Group Ex experience.

Les Mills offers everything you need to hold events, launches and “relaunches,” and keep your marketing wheels churning every day of every week of every year.

Check out scwfitness.com/launchkit, for downloadable materials to help promote and launch Les Mills® programming, giving you everything you need for an event, launch or “relaunch”.

Included in each kit you will find:

  • Launch Posters
  • Launch Sign-Up Sheets
  • Instructor Track Assignments
  • Class Passes
  • Tips For a Top-Notch Launch
  • Sales Sheet (Guide to Success)
Each promotional piece included in the launch kit is not dated, and everything is archived, which gives you complete freedom to customize the materials, and differentiate from other facilities offering Les Mills programs. If you have any questions or need further support, please contact us at: info@mw.lesmillsusa.com.

If you are not treating your Group Ex program as a retention mechanism, marketing opportunity, prospecting venue and a way to build the community environment in your gym, you are missing out on the best “weapon” you have in your arsenal to build your business!




In 2005, Charles Greene was shot in the head in combat in Mosul, Iraq. Miraculously, he survived.

The 26-year army veteran then spent the next several years re-learning how to talk, walk, eat, and do everything most of us take for granted everyday, like brushing our teeth, turning on the TV or going to the store. To say that it has been an uphill battle is a gross understatement. Charles is overcoming the impossible. He will forever have the bullet lodged in his head. He takes 26 pills a day just so his body can function properly. He’s in therapy and counseling.

Fueled by his unbreakable spirit, Charles has made incredible progress, and is getting stronger everyday. It’s this spirit that ultimately led him to Salliejo Evers and Robyn Hamilton at the military-based Gruber Fitness Facility in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where unbelievably Charles is now an avid BODYPUMP® and RPM® participant. Above all, Charles said, it is these classes that have helped him to reclaim his life.

It all started when his driver’s license was taken from him due to his physical condition, leaving him with only a bike to get around. He discovered that he enjoyed biking, and began doing it more and more, until he was cycling 150 miles per week to gain strength and mobility. This was great exercise and certainly making him stronger, but cycling didn’t offer any camaraderie and left him alone a lot. So he began working out at the gym, but there he also found himself feeling isolated, bored and uninspired by his workouts. One day, he walked past a room with thumping loud music and wild cheering, grunts and the clanking of weights and barbells. He took a look in the room and saw this incredibly fit, supercharged instructor Salliejo, leading a group of sweaty, intensely focused women in a choreographed weight training class that was like nothing he’d seen.

“It was the music and the energy that got me”, says Charles. “I’m deaf in one ear and only have 40% of my hearing in the other, but the music was thumping and there was something that just touched my soul, and inspired me like I had not been inspired in years. I started attending the class then and there, and am now hooked…It’s been the single most life-changing element in my recovery process so far.”

This Army Major now does BODYPUMP® three times a week and RPM® twice a week. He also cycles on his own and swims three days a week. BODYPUMP® and RPM® instructors Salliejo and Robyn are utterly thrilled to have Charles in their classes.

“Charles brings this new perspective into a class filled with mostly women, who tend to sometimes get stuck on small challenges they think they cannot overcome,” said Robyn Hamilton, Gruber Fitness Facility’s Group Fitness Manager. “Having Charles in the room has motivated and inspired all of us to push ourselves harder, go longer, and reach limits we could never have attained on our own. It’s this amazing thing for all of us.” Charles can’t say enough about what the classes have done for him. He has lost 12 pounds in six weeks, his blood pressure has dropped dramatically and he’s been able to reduce some of his medications. He has also increased muscle definition, balance and strength.

But beyond the physical aspects, the emotional connection Charles gains from each class and the support of his classmates truly inspires.

“I didn’t realize how much I missed the camaraderie that the army had offered me for so long – that was a huge hole in my post-army life and without it, I was depressed and lonely. BODYPUMP® and RPM® fill that void for me now. I’m typically the only guy in class, but I have such a connection to the music, the workout and the people, I just hit a zone and it becomes euphoric. It’s like a big group of pure spirit that lifts me up,” SAID Charles. “Who wouldn’t want that?"

“I now find myself looking forward to something. I have a routine. I sleep better, and I have something to connect to that inspires me. I haven’t had that in years and am so lucky to have found it now.”

Charles is certainly not without his support.

“It’s inspiring not only to know Charles, but to be able to participate in a portion of his recovery with him. He is an inspiration and a hero to us all, and he’s changed us,” said Robyn Hamilton and Salliejo Evers.

Hearing his story changed us at Les Mills Midwest as well. It is truly humbling to be able to offer and provide a service and atmosphere that has helped him turn his life around again. We strive for the best, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to touch someone in this way.