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I've started helping other BP members reach their next level even though I'm not a certified instructor.  My first advice was add at least a kilo to both ends above normal weight once per week if you do 3 or more classes per

I've started helping other BP members reach their next level even though I'm not a certified instructor.  My first advice was add at least a kilo to both ends above normal weight once per week if you do 3 or more

I've started helping other BP members reach their next level even though I'm not a certified instructor.  My first advice was add at least a kilo to both ends above normal weight once per week if you do 3 or more classes per week

BillyG:

I've started helping other BP members reach their next level even though I'm not a certified instructor.  My first advice was add at least a kilo to both ends above normal weight once per week if you do 3 or

Sorry, there was a glitch in this forum so only a fraction of my post was captured.  For those who do three or more BP per week you should pick one day where you add 1 Kg or more to each end to challenge your body.  If you are just starting out this might be difficult but in the long run beneficial.  Doesn't matter if you have to unload weight even if less than half way through a muscle group exercise.  The important thing is to shock the muscle and build memory toughness so lifting more becomes natural. 

BillyG:

Doesn't matter if you have to unload weight even if less than half way through a muscle group exercise.  The important thing is to shock the muscle and build memory toughness so lifting more becomes natural. 

It might be worth emphasising that this type of weight loading should be considered an advanced option. The instructors on here can clarify, but AFAIK the doctrine from LM is that you only increase weight when technique is sound on the existing load. Even then it should be done with the intention of being able to complete the track with that increased weight. Having to back off half-way through the track, or even earlier, would indicate that the load is too great.

The progressive overloading principle you describe is more suited to the weights floor with few reps/high weights and the safety aspect of a spotter. Not so suitable for most BP participants and risks injury through loss of technique.

I understand where you are coming from, but this has got to be one for the more experienced BPer, who understands that this is not how the program was designed and knows they are pushing the limits. Noobs especially should be wary of giving this a try.

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The forum member "pipera" is not a Les Mills Instructor, though his posts, signature and profile will claim otherwise.

Since he has been economical with the truth on his profile, read the real facts here.

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I agree Trans that adding weight in the manner I suggest is only for seasoned veterans and not the new players.  It's also easier for heavier lifters to add a kilo per side because it represents a lower percentage of overall weight but for lighter lifters there's nothing smaller than kilo plates that I know of. 

Out of curiosity - how does the instructor of the Pump class feel when you are giving advice to people in his or her class? I've had  a lot of well-meaning participants offer to help out and have gracefully declined their generosity because it is my place to instruct, and to make sure that members are doing the class as I was instructed to teach it - as a certified Les Mills instructor. This is an honest question, not an incendiary comment. I play well with others, but wouldn't be comfortable with this at all.

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Certified Body Combat and Body Pump instructor, Spin certified cycle instructor, Certified Personal Trainer.

trancendental:

mlynn:

Can we back up a sec, please? BUN FIGHT? I almost spit up - what on earth is a bun fight? I'm sure it's a Brit thing, but it brought a picture of hot rolls being tossed around - tossers! Elaborate, please. 

'Tis a common expression round where I come from. I thought it was lingua franca, but obviously not.

RexFury's version is a reasonable interpretation, but I had a far more chaotic and selfish picture in mind - hence your "tossers", a label for people who have just grabbed the weights you were after.

 

Thank you both - I will giggle heartily every time I see everyone jockeying for position around the weights - thinking ....bun fight...lol!!!

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Certified Body Combat and Body Pump instructor, Spin certified cycle instructor, Certified Personal Trainer.

mlynn:

I've had  a lot of well-meaning participants offer to help out and have gracefully declined their generosity because it is my place to instruct, and to make sure that members are doing the class as I was instructed to teach it - as a certified Les Mills instructor.

There should be no problem with some of the more experienced participants helping noobs setup - i.e: get them a bar/box/mat and a few light weights.

However the help should end there and any specific advice about weight choice and technique is the domain of the instructor. From an OH&S stance only they are qualified (and insured) to correct, so I agree - participants should keep schtum.

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The forum member "pipera" is not a Les Mills Instructor, though his posts, signature and profile will claim otherwise.

Since he has been economical with the truth on his profile, read the real facts here.

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Oh I don't have a problem if they want to help a newb get the stuff set up, but weight selection, form, grip, etc is not anyone's milieu except the instructor. That's what we're there for, and it's our responsibility to do it as we learned it. That's why I get there well before class so I can schmooze with the members and talk to the newbs even out in the hall about how to stand and give them the 25 cent "tour" of Pump before we walk into the room.

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Certified Body Combat and Body Pump instructor, Spin certified cycle instructor, Certified Personal Trainer.

mlynn:

Oh I don't have a problem if they want to help a newb get the stuff set up, but weight selection, form, grip, etc is not anyone's milieu except the instructor. That's what we're there for, and it's our responsibility to do it as we learned it. That's why I get there well before class so I can schmooze with the members and talk to the newbs even out in the hall about how to stand and give them the 25 cent "tour" of Pump before we walk into the room.

BillyG:

mlynn:

Oh I don't have a problem if they want to help a newb get the stuff set up, but weight selection, form, grip, etc is not anyone's milieu except the instructor. That's what we're there for, and it's our responsibility to do it as we learned it. That's why I get there well before class so I can schmooze with the members and talk to the newbs even out in the hall about how to stand and give them the 25 cent "tour" of Pump before we walk into the room.

While I understand where you're coming from I've been doing this stuff since before you were a twinkle in your father's eye. I taught high impact aerobics in the mid 80's and step in the early 90's before the bottom feeders who claim to be the certification authority immerged. There's nothing new about squats, bench press, triceps, biceps, lunges, or floor work I had not done before BP so you flatter yourself thinking Les Mills certification is superior to 30+ years of hard core experience. Most certified physical fitness instructors understand the mechanics of squat, bench press, clean and press, triceps, bicep, lunge, and floor work same or better than you through their own certification programs. If you think only LM instructors are qualified to help newbie’s then I have the names of several cults you might be interested in joining. OK, that was a bit harsh but think about what you said earlier regarding only LM instructors helping newbie’s. I don't teach Spin because I'm not certified yet have cycled competitively outdoors since 1980 and done 2 or more Spin classes per week since 2000. I'm sure the one week certification that Johnny G and Les Mills offers is superior ... NOT! Love your certification but realize there are people like myself with decades more experience who can do as good if not better job of instructing others. Over the past two years I’ve done more than 300 BP classes. It has gotten to the point where I know most of the routines and people in the class flock to me for advice and critique without solicitation because many times I‘m on queue whereas the instructor is not.

BillyG:

If you think only LM instructors are qualified to help newbie’s then I have the names of several cults you might be interested in joining. OK, that was a bit harsh but think about what you said earlier regarding only LM instructors helping newbie’s.

The key point here is not whether you are able to coach technique etc, but rather whether you should be coaching etc .....

The gym will carry liability insurance to cover against participant injury under instruction, and most will also specify that instructors hold personal liability insurance too.

Hypothetical scenario - you give advice to a fellow participant and they injure themselves. Unless you also have insurance, it's open season for the lawyers.

Another aspect is that the instructor has to be seen as the "leader" of the class. It is not appropriate to undermine their authority as they will lose trust with the class. I'm sure it's very flattering having "people in the class flock to me for advice and critique" but this would suggest that there is deeper problem, if participants are going to you for advice instead of the instructor.

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The forum member "pipera" is not a Les Mills Instructor, though his posts, signature and profile will claim otherwise.

Since he has been economical with the truth on his profile, read the real facts here.

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Agreed the current instructor should not be undermined regardless of their ability so I try to make a point of asking members to consult them rather than myself.  Your point about liability is well taken and on the few occations where an instructor has failed to show have refused to lead a class on the basis that myself and the gym would not be covered for liability.  On the few occasions where I give advice I always end by saying "This is how I do it.  You should check with an instructor to make sure it's correct."  Doubt that helps with liability but at least the person knows they aren't receiving directions from a certified instructor.

BillyG:

BillyG:

mlynn:

Oh I don't have a problem if they want to help a newb get the stuff set up, but weight selection, form, grip, etc is not anyone's milieu except the instructor. That's what we're there for, and it's our responsibility to do it as we learned it. That's why I get there well before class so I can schmooze with the members and talk to the newbs even out in the hall about how to stand and give them the 25 cent "tour" of Pump before we walk into the room.

While I understand where you're coming from I've been doing this stuff since before you were a twinkle in your father's eye. I taught high impact aerobics in the mid 80's and step in the early 90's before the bottom feeders who claim to be the certification authority immerged. There's nothing new about squats, bench press, triceps, biceps, lunges, or floor work I had not done before BP so you flatter yourself thinking Les Mills certification is superior to 30+ years of hard core experience. Most certified physical fitness instructors understand the mechanics of squat, bench press, clean and press, triceps, bicep, lunge, and floor work same or better than you through their own certification programs. If you think only LM instructors are qualified to help newbie’s then I have the names of several cults you might be interested in joining. OK, that was a bit harsh but think about what you said earlier regarding only LM instructors helping newbie’s. I don't teach Spin because I'm not certified yet have cycled competitively outdoors since 1980 and done 2 or more Spin classes per week since 2000. I'm sure the one week certification that Johnny G and Les Mills offers is superior ... NOT! Love your certification but realize there are people like myself with decades more experience who can do as good if not better job of instructing others. Over the past two years I’ve done more than 300 BP classes. It has gotten to the point where I know most of the routines and people in the class flock to me for advice and critique without solicitation because many times I‘m on queue whereas the instructor is not.

 

I appreciate your comments - especially about my youth, but I also have been around the block a few times, and I really don't give a FIG how long you've been involved in fitness. You are not a LM instructor, so you should stay out of instructing LM classes - even as a "helper". If you want to teach Pump - get certified. I did  - and one reason was because I love the program and knew I could do it well - just like you feel you can. Even though I knew TONS about fitness from being a trainer, being a participant in group exercise since the leg-warmer days, a college athlete and competitive runner for most of my life, I never would have thought to usurp the instructor's position in a class.Your instructors deserve your respect. If they stink - act appropriately. Talk to management, get certified, and get on the schedule.

AND - don't be mean. The slam about cults was inappropriate. You sir, were rude.  I said nothing to deserve that backlash. Honestly - I do this because I love it - not to be treated shabbily by Mr. Know It All. 

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Certified Body Combat and Body Pump instructor, Spin certified cycle instructor, Certified Personal Trainer.