Community

Right here... 8 years of experience with this program.  I teach at Collins Street, Malvern East and Richmond. If you come along make sure you introduce yourself!

Off the top of my head, I would also recommend Brent (also at Richmond), and David (Melbourne Central).

Which classes have you been attending?

What do you look for an instructor? We all have different styles, likes and dislikes.

David and I have a very similar instructing style. 

Didn't like Ashwin or Ziya?

Essentially, I am seeking an instructor who conveys the spirit and intent of BB with integrity, i.e projects calmness, an awareness of the breath and a deepened sense of relaxation. Someone who leads the class impartially and doesn't sound like they've just memorised the sequence or are simply going through the motions  A light sense of humour wouldn't go astray either.

In no particular order, some of the observations I've made on the variability in teaching include:
- running the class akin to pump or attack where you are pushed and forced to do the advanced options.
- providing unclear instructions when it is difficult to actually watch the instructor's physical movements (e.g. whilst in downward dog, some forward bends and twists and in most of the back track poses)
- not observing or correcting poor technique
- leaving the premises before the participants have even packed up
- not introducing themselves or asking if anyone has injuries or is pregnant
- only creating a welcoming atmosphere to selective participants.

I will come and try your class/es in the coming weeks!

PHUAG:

- running the class akin to pump or attack where you are pushed and forced to do the advanced options.

No-one should be pushed to do anything...encouraged to advance perhaps, never pushed - so I can't see how that would apply any differently to Pump or Attack!

Options should be given in every class... any good instructor will do this!

PHUAG:

 asking if anyone has injuries or is pregnant

In Australia this is actually a very grey area at the moment. There is no official advice on whether instructors should ask if there are injuries or pregnancies in the class. This has been mentioned more than once on various official courses I have been on, and the general consensus is that they do not know which to advise an instructor does until such a time where the outcome of a court case makes it clear. This of course, is making everyone nervous, including the actual fitness education organisations.

By asking if there are any pregnancies or injuries in the class could, in the court of law, leave you liable for that person during your class. On the other hand, not asking for injuries could also leave you liable for failing to provide adequate advice and options during the class.

Basically the official advice being handed out at the moment during Cert 3/4 and group exercise courses is that, be very very careful about what you do or don't say before the class and that you have to make a decision for yourself on where you prefer to place your risks.

I used to solve this problem myself by saying something more vague like "if there's anything you need to tell me, please let me know as I come around and collect your ticket".

I got an email from one of the gyms I work for and this is the line I was told to say:

“If you are pregnant or injured you need to see a health care professional to confirm that you are able to attend this class” 

Forgot to mention that I prefer not to make specific comments about any instructor in an open forum. I have expressed my concerns to the appropriate GFM but have been met with silence. Hmmm I am wondering if the issue is partly with FF, although having said that, other participants have told me that unless an instructor receives at least 5 complaints, the GFM will not administer a resolution.

Is there a Les Mills BB Instructor Charter or set of guidelines that participants are allowed to peruse?

Also was wondering if there are different levels of certifications/qualifications in BB?

Thanks once again.