Imagined. Achieved. #LMWorld

Participant - April 2013

The road to certification for me has not been an easy one - nor a happy one in the beginning and middle stages. It has been filled with roadblocks, injuries, deaths in the family, illness, huge self-doubt and then finally an indomitable will that no - nothing was going to stop me until I reached certification.

I joined my local gym in February 2013 to try and drop a dress size to fit into a beautiful vintage wedding gown, that I had bought for my wedding in January 2014. I joined with plenty of time to lose that amount and then tone up so I could be at my best for my wedding day.  I was walking away on the treadmill, bored out of my brain... I saw a bunch of people going into the Group Exercise Studio. I had no idea what class it was, but I jumped off the treadmill and went in and got a spot. That class, was BodyJam.

I didn't know that not only going to help me lose that dress size in four weeks - but was going to become something that was insanely addictive... and as my instructor Niki said that it would "ruin you for all other classes...". It did. I went from two classes a week, to doing as many as I could... all around Brisbane. At one point I was travelling between Carindale, Nundah, Alexandra Hills and Cleveland.

I loved it so much that I then thought... I want to share this program with as many people as I can. 

The decision to become a BodyJam instructor was one that wasn't taken lightly on my part. It was one that I really sat down, read the material, and worked out if it was something that I thought I could achieve. I didn't know if I wanted to actually ever teach the program. I knew I loved the program - so much to the point that I got a lot of my friends to come along and try out the classes (some of them got hooked too) - but I am not a trained dancer... in fact I have been known to trip over my own feet on occasion. Who am I kidding... quite regularly! Haha. I suffer from nervous anxiety when I have to get up and talk in front of people. So -  was I going to be co-ordinated enough to not only present perfect technique, but be able to deliver clear instruction too? Was I going to be fit enough? Was I going to be able to get past people watching my every move, and almost certainly judging my delivery as well.

One of my last classes as a participant!
(With two of my future trainees, Tina and Eden)

Sitting down with two Les Mills Asia Pacific (LMAP) Trainers who I just happen to have as my permanent instructors, I started to see and hear about this idea of a "journey" towards becoming an instructor. Every instructor has a different journey and it's a process and I was told that if I was to take it on, to trust the process and that if I wanted it bad enough (aka put in hours upon hours of work) I would achieve it.

Enter my new gym, Healthworks Cleveland/Victoria Point. I had been participating in classes there for a few months - and had been talking to my instructor (who at this point had become a great friend, who had even convinced me to do her BodyPump classes) - I started getting to know the owners of the gym (Kacie and Matt) quite well... and before I knew it, the announcement of the BodyJam Initial Training Module was up. It was going to be held at the Victoria Point Club in February 2014! The bad news... the registration would more than likely happen while I was overseas in Canada getting married, and the module was two weeks after I got back. This wasn't a huge issue as Kacie took care of making sure that LMAP had my paperwork. :-)

So. While in Canada I got the news that the module was going ahead. Awesome. Got back from Canada and had two weeks to get my fitness back to where it needed to be to get through the module. The Saturday before module, I injured myself pretty badly. Not knowing at the time I had developed Shin Splints.

Niki, Johnny and New Jam Trainees!

I did everything in my power to make it through that initial module weekend. As terrible as it sounded I lived on pain killers, slathering my legs in all kinds of gels and creams (Fisiocrem is the actual best thing in the world) and regularly icing and resting. About an hour before final presentation I didn't think I was going to be able to get through - but some how, I did. I was passed as a trainee. Best. News. Ever.

The next four months saw me doing everything I could to aid my legs recovery. Three gorgeous instructors achieved certification, two of them taking the stage at VP Healthworks for their cert videos. It was so inspiring to watch them go through the process, and all I could do was be patient and await my turn. At times, I wasn't patient. In fact, I went through some of the biggest doubts of my life. I never thought my legs were going to heal. Then towards the end of May, beginning of June... they did.

Stoked.

Was told by my mentor Niki to get my coaching and cues together. I was ready to take the stage... and then my grandmother passed away. All it took was that trauma, and I lost everything that I had in my head. Now not only did I need to get it back in my head so I could teach successfully - I wanted to do this even more for my Nan-Nan. She was so proud that I was doing this.

Mic-ed up!

Niki and I discussed the time frame that I had left to certify on the release that I had put so much work into - and it was decided that I'd take the stage in the third week of July. I did everything I could to make sure that I was ready to teach the front half of the class. And I did! It was the most nerve wracking thing I have ever done - but I survived. Over the next few weeks I would only improve and lead the class successfully through the release. It was so nice to receive such positive feedback from not only my fellow trainees, but the participants in the classes as well.

Healthworks Victoria Point Studio One became my home away from home.  When I wasn't teaching or shadowing in classes, I was in front of the mirror... or listening to my music and practicing my coaching. Let me tell you - the level of exhaustion that I felt during those 6-7 weeks of "training" was something that I have never experienced before. A massive thank you to my husband who had to deal with me during this time - and really was my biggest fan.

As my deadline approached, I was surprised how quickly the progression happened. I taught around 7 times in the class environment, and twice in a "Faux Jam" environment - a real class, but not on the scheduled timetable. Thank you so so so much to my friends who came to support me in both of those classes. You are all rockstars.

My "Faux Jam" class with my gorgeous friends who came to support!

One of the two videos was better than the other. So we submitted it.

Was told by LMAP that it could take 4-6 weeks to be marked and to receive a result.

Four days later, this happened:

So it's official. I'm now a Certified Les Mills BodyJam instructor. Just awaiting the arrival of my certification feedback and my certificate. Then I'll register and will be ready to teach!

It's been a pretty crazy and at times overwhelming journey... but it has been so rewarding. It's brought me closer to everyone who has supported me along the way - and I have made some lifelong friends within the "Tribe".


Massive thank yous go out to Kacie and Matt, for supporting my training from day one - and letting me use the studios whenever I needed them for practice.

The biggest thank you goes out to my mentor Niki, who dedicated so much time and energy into my training - spending time away from her family to do so. I'll forever be in your debt. You believed that I was capable, and in turn I started to believe that I was too.  Now I know that I am!

I'm almost there...

I'm a few weeks away from filming my certification video.

After months of injuries and dealing with some setbacks which at the time I really considered throwing in the towel.

The pain in my legs has been gone for about a month. My fitness level is still on the increase. As of today I've taught 7 times. I've found that each time I'm getting stronger, and my confidence in myself and ability to lead a class properly is growing.

I'm now at the point where with a little more work, and my head down and tail up... I should get there by my deadline.

My body just has to hang in there. It's 7pm and I'm in bed already.

I'm officially elderly at 32.

I had possibly my lowest day in awhile yesterday. Doubt sucks. As my injuries flaired again I sat on the couch and contemplated quitting something. I never quit.

Today, I must build my resolve back up and just keep reminding myself why I started... and remind myself that I can, and will.

Doubt sucks.

I'm injured.

The best thing I can do right now is chill out here at home and heal... but all I want to do right now is put my reeboks on, and go dance in BodyJam class. I want to apply everything I learned (and more) and get up and present my tracks to a class. I'm ready to continue on this journey I started a few weeks ago... alas, I'm sitting here with my trusty ice-packs and am lost in my thoughts.

This is where doubts start to sneak in. I'm not a trained dancer... my technique has to come a long way... and I can't practice while I'm injured so I feel like completely lame.

I need to be less hard on myself andnot push it, but doubt makes you do silly things. Head made the decision to take the weekend off... heart is really upset right now.

Not looking for sympathy or encouragement... just wanted to express what's going on.

Les Mills Tribe!

That was possibly one of the most challenging, yet inspiring weekends of my life.

Dancing on two injured legs, pushing myself to limits that I didn't know that I was capable of. Seeing six of us go through the initial module, and succeeding. I'm a little bit lost for words right now (that could also be the exhaustion talking) - but I am super excited to see where this journey takes me. I know that I've joined something that is going to be incredibly challenging, but amazingly rewarding at the same time - and I know that I'm going to have friends for life within the tribe. They are some of the most down to earth, friendly and inspirational people I have had the privilege to meet and will now get to work alongside.

Here's a few quick snaps of the journey. I kept my phone away for most of the day so I was pretty good.

Taken about 30 minutes before leaving for day one

Prior to day two - module book, mic belt, funky shoes

"Pass as a Trainee" 

Six trainees with our amazing trainers. Thanks Niki and Johnny. 

What's 2014 got in store?

We're barely into 2014 and it's already been crazy busy. Six weeks in Canada and our wedding... to come home to witness our beautiful friends Dave and Jen get married. Now, in 9 days I will undertake BodyJam Initial Instructor Module Training... this will set me up to eventually become a qualified instructor. I'm very excited to start this journey and thank so many friends and professionals out there who have my back for what I'm told will be a life changing journey into the Les Mills Tribe.

So what does this mean for any events or whatever else is coming up? I'm going to need a lot of notice to attend things... because when I'm not doing my instructor training, I suspect I'll be sleeping. LOL --- That, and we are paying off our wedding, and still have another three weddings to go this year - two of which we have to travel quite substantial distances to (including Hawaii!!) so please don't be offended if we just can't make events like we used to.  One or both of us will try to make it, but we may not be able to stay long.

I'm also traveling to Melbourne for the first weekend in April to attend "Dance-A-Palooza" (Part of the Filex Convention).  So to my Melbourne friends (or anyone else that would like to travel!) - if you wanna see me, I suggest you put on your high-tops (or any other comfortable shoes) and come and join me on the dance floor at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on April 5th at 6.30pm. Anyone can attend "Dance-A-Palooza" and it will be amazing! 

That's it for now. I'm struggling to get my fitness level back after so much time off - but no excuses... it's time to learn chorey and queuing for module training!

Final BodyJam at Go Carindale until we get back from our wedding. This class was filled with a mix of excitement and melancholy - mainly because when I return, I will be two weeks out from Initial Module Training.

Pictured here with Tina, Johnny and Eden.

Look what's coming!

BodyJam Initial Module Training is up on the LMAP website!  It's on like Donkey Kong.

BodyPump: Three months on

Three months since I started my BodyPump classes and I have definition in my arms and shoulders.

October 2013: Themed BodyJam Events

Over the last few weeks, Go Health have put on themed nights for various classes - including my personal favourite, BodyJam. We had a 'Onesie Party', a 'All That Sparkles is Dance' party and of course, Halloween. Have attached some photos, including my Zombie BodyJammer.

BodyPump: A Work in progress.

I wish I'd taken some measurements before I started BodyPump.

This week I've really noticed my body changing. In a really good way. I no longer feel like the stupidly skinny girl, I now feel like the fit girl I've been busting my butt to be for the last 9 months.

Give me another month, and I'll have progress photos. My comparison photo? The super skinny photos from my friend Tara's hens night.

What's the best way to spend a Sunday? Here's how I spent mine yesterday.

I got up early. I watched the sunrise while travelling down to the bayside. Enjoyed a couple of bridal magazines and a skinny hot chocolate, then I hit the gym.

On yesterdays timetable? Sh'bam followed by BodyPump.

I'd never done BodyPump before and let me tell you - I was a little intimidated by taking on this program. But, under the assurance from many people around me that I am going to get fabulous results from it, I decided to bite the bullet and go for it. Sunday morning being the only morning that suits me to pick up this class - it looks like I'll be at the gym now 6 days a week.

I found the class extremely challenging being that I haven't really tackled strength training before. I did Grit Strength twice, but injured myself in my second class so I scared myself out of training. Now I'm easing back into it.

Sh'bam was hilarious, and a really REALLY good warm-up for BodyPump.

I have to thank Niki for really encouraging me to pursue this program, and also for taking the time to show me techniques. It's something that I'm definitely going to persist with.

Also - if you find yourself down Cleveland way - you have to go and have brunch at the marina.  :-)

Edited 28/8/2013: As a side note. Three days have passed and my legs are still bloody sore!

Healthy Living: Gym Life + Classes = Happiness!

It's so funny to think that when I started blogging quite some time ago now, that the majority of it was filled with fangirl flailings. How things can change in the blink of an eye. Sure, there's still a large chunk of my life dedicated to all things pop culture through working at the amazing Moviehole - but since I've been planning my destination wedding, and trying to fit into my dream wedding dress... my priorities have somewhat shifted in the last six months. The shift is somewhat life-changing. Please indulge me while I get this out! :-)

For those who read my blog (I know I have people out there who read - thank you!) - you will know that I joined the gym back in February so that I could fit into my wedding dress. Little did I realise that it was going to be something that would become highly addictive and bring me so much joy! I can see why people become addicted to fitness - you feel amazing post workout, you make tons of friends during group fitness classes - and depending on how hard you work, your body transforms very quickly. I was never a big girl - I know this. But since quitting smoking in 2004 and developing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome shortly afterwards, my body was never what it used to be when I was working in Hospitality - going to the gym 3 times a week - and swimming as well.

So... I'm approaching the seven month mark of when I joined Go Health (Carindale) - I never thought I'd still be so dedicated to the gym at this point. It's got something to do with the incredible atmosphere that's created within the walls of the club (it's dark, it's got amazing nightclub lighting and even a DJ playing on certain days) - it's got a pink 'Go Girl' girls only section, quite possibly the most inspirational Group Fitness Managers and instructors in the country, and of course AMAZING group fitness classes including Les Mills BodyJam.

The idea was to fit into the wedding dress. I achieved that within a month of discovering Niki's BodyJam class. Then I surpassed it. Now my dress is too big and I have to have it taken in slightly. Oh well. :-)

Now it's all about trying to master the BodyJam moves --- because next year, I hope to undergo initial instructor training! I may never teach it, but to be able to pass the instructor training would be a huge achievement for this tall, lanky, hugely uncoordinated girl with two left feet. If you're looking for me, most evenings I'll be at classes around Brisbane - anywhere from Nundah to Cleveland.

I'm also going to be picking up a couple of extra classes, including BodyPump!

Strength training, come at me!

I also have to send out huge thanks to the amazing instructors that have really driven me for the last few months. Sharyn, Niki, Johnny, Sarah and Tiana (and Matty when I Sh'bam!). Thank you. :-)

Also, there's the friends that I've made at the gym too, including and not limited to Eden, Oscar, Shannon, Kymmie, Sachiko, Tara and Sylvia (and of course Stacey and Nic who I knew outside of Go first!).

Lastly... I have this amazing Platinum membership which allows me to take a +1 at any time. If you ever want to come along and see why this has become such a huge part of my life - just let me know. I promise you that my enthusiasm, my friends enthusiasm and the instructors enthusiasm is really hard to avoid - and I can also say that you'll more than likely want to join up. If you're a friend of mine outside the gym - this is probably the only way you're going to get to see me in the next little bit anyway!

I am 100% super excited to be going to the Les Mills Quarterly workshop that's being held at my gym this weekend.

Why do you ask?

Because I get to BodyJam! With both my favourite instructors leading the class at the same time.

Now... I bought this shirt in Pink for my instructor Niki.... but I  liked it so much that I got one for myself too - Black was much more me. Paired with some really hot white gym pants and my high top sneakers. Here's hoping we don't wear them at the same time though, because that would be awkward. ; )

It's going to be so awesome. Can't wait to dance!

Gym obsessed? Who'd have thought it.

Last month I joined up at Go Health Clubs (Carindale) and I've quickly found myself addicted to their amazing classes that they have on offer. Namely Les Mills 'BodyJam'.

For those who don't know what that is, watch the above video. 'BodyJam' is a fusion of cardio and dance, and is a run as a  55 minute dance class. I've been doing this for approximately five weeks now, and I've become addicted.

To the point where I went out and bought actual dance fitness shoes. Too much? Perhaps. But they're mega awesome. And if you ask my fiance, when I wear it combined with my puffy vest, I look like someone that's stepped out of the 80s.

I also do Yoga once a week. That has taken some getting used to, especially given that I am not flexible - at all. Last week though I reached a point in the class where I've stepped up a level, and left the class feeling relaxed rather than exhausted. For those who are Yoga newbies, like me, my advice to you is BREATHE. If you don't do the breathing, you will almost certainly either almost pass out, or throw up.

So... while I'm eating semi healthy still (I indulge on weekends) and doing  4-5 gym sessions a week, I've found myself with so much more energy, improved moods and just generally feel so much better.  This started with a need to fit into a wedding dress, now it's something that is changing my life.