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Hi,

I've been body pumping for about 7 years now and I finally decided to get certified to teach. My initial training is in another week and half. I feel confident about my form, but I know the choreography can be tough to memorize and teach to a class. I'm hoping that what I've absorbed from taking the classes over the years will help me.

 Has anyone had experience with a transition like this?

 Thanks!

G

I went through my training about a month ago.  However, we had to wait until our launch of 63 to be able to start teaching.  I started taking body pump in March of this yr and became addicted to it!  I was asked by a few of the instructors to become one myself.  I never realized how much you have to think about when you're up there on stage.  I'm still just trying to get over my nerves and remember to say everything I need to say, plus cue everybody.  Whew.....amazing how when I'm a participant I can go through all the tracks with ease, but when I get up on stage it just seems to slip out of my head!!  I think you do have an advantage if you are a participant though.  You know form, you've learned different things to say from various instructors etc.  Good Luck and have fun!!

This is great news to hear that you've become so inspired by BodyPump that you want to instruct it!

Although I know everyone here is getting bored with my story, I'll reiterate for this thread...  the same happened with me- I had BP'd for about 2 years.... it aggressively helped change the shape of my body.  One day an instructor of one of my classes asked if I'd ever instructed before, she said it was obvious that I'd weight trained since I displayed great form and technique from experience.  I hadn't really thought of instructing until she mentioned it to me.

Then I had to sit and identify my REAL reason to wanting to instruct- and realized that I believed so much in the program that I wanted to be living testimony that anyone can benefit by it:  If I inspire just one person who is unhappy with their state of health to make a positive change, then I'll have succeeded.

So I signed up for the training.

In the meantime I found it was a good idea to attend several different trainers' classes so I could study what made them influential, and what worked with groups and what didn't work.  This was a great learning experience.

I used to try to 'learn' routines to releases that people did in other classes.... secretly thinking to myself, "Here's the part where we do 2 x 2s"... and "Oh yeah, this routine has those staggers at the end..."  I found this gave me a quick bank of material to use when I finally passed my certification and I hurriedly bought some back releases from our distributor, because I figured everyone would be tired of the one release I trained on.  This proved to be a big help.

Also in my case I had trained in a gym amongst BP-ing peers, and then I wondered how awkward it might be with my leaving the group and getting up front.  Fortunately, at my home club everyone is very supportive, and made it easy for me to make the transition onstage.  They are an awesome group and have been an encouraging bunch ever since the beginning... (if you're reading this Argyle, you guys rule! ) 

So here's a few things to think about....  good luck!

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Changing the shape of the world one class at a time.

at the risk of baring my soul to the internet, here is my story/essay on the pump training module. Hope it gives you some insight.

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I stayed with my friend in Melbourne on Friday night. Bad move, as we ate and drank too much, late into the night!

Next morning, up and over to the gym in Prahran, on the other side of Melbourne, about a half hour by train. I used to live in this area about ten years ago, and I remember thinking at the time that I would never set foot in a gym with all the beautiful people.

Now here I was, showing up for instructor training!

I was first one there, so I sat down on a big couch and waited. I was feeling a bit nervous while I sat there. Didn't feel like I should really be there, and didn't know what to expect. The people who turned up to take the same training all seemed to be "better material" than me! It was a bit intimidating. There were about 17 or 18 of us. Mostly girls, and mostly instructors of some sort in other programs/styles. Not many utter newbies (like me).

Our trainer, Donny, arrived. He has a reputation for being tough. Still, lifting weights is not meant to be delightful is it? I didn't expect to get an easy weekend from this.

We went into a room for intros, and had to talk about ourselves. I mentioned that my day job was working for a company that makes one third of the world's french fries, and so BodyPump was my way off making up for that! It got a laugh, but I soon stopped smiling when Donny asked who works out in the gym besides doing BodyPump classes. Everyone put their hand up except me. Donny looked right at me and said "You Should." then turned away. I felt a bit shocked and embarrassed.

Next we got our choreo/DVD packs. How cool. It felt smooth, and made a nice "click" sound as I opened it up. I flicked through the choreo and had a little panic about the sheer volume of what we would have to remember. Once the forms were filled in and the intros were done, it was off to the studio for masterclass.

It was great. Donny did a great job of the class, and it felt good to be in a familiar environment again. You could feel the tension in the room as everyone checked each other out .

After class and a short break, we got our tracks assigned. Lunges for me. I have a theory that the masterclass is designed to give the trainer a chance to identify the trainees' weaknesses and then assign them the track they are weakest in. Perhaps I am paranoid.

The rest of the day was various technique drills as far as I can remember.

After we were done, it was back to my friend's place to learn choreo for presentation next day. It was BodyPump 59, and the DVD was the one where the girls wore the "speedo" outfits. My friend commented that the DVD looked like "soft porn" ! Good Grief.

After dinner, I took my friend and his wife through the lunge track. They had never done pump, and quit on me pretty quick. I still didn't have the choreo memorised well enough, let alone all the scripting and stuff we were meant to do. Who knew that BodyPump was this involved? – instructors make it look easy.

I stayed awake until 2am learning the choreo by repetition. Probably not a good idea to miss sleep tonight, but didn't have much option. 59 had not been released at my gym at that stage, so I had never heard or seen this track in class.

Next day – presentations.

How awful. I picked up my bar, talked too much, and missed the start. From there it went downhill. Choreo was a mess. I forgot all the dynamic lunges completely. I had a panic. Who were all these people looking at me? Although my body was moving, my mind froze. I could see them wishing I was doing better. The only connection I had with the people was a sense of Pity  - and flowing my way!

I was glad when it was over, but very disappointed, and even ashamed. I was easily the worst presenter of the session. Donny didn't say much. He asked what I thought I did right. I couldn't think of much at all, and that was his point., Improvement needed was the message.

Looking back I am glad I did so badly. Deep down, I actually had an inflated opinion of myself and thought the training would be easy. I had even scheduled RPM training for the following week (which I subsequently canceled!). I certainly came crashing back to earth. I felt at rock bottom. Now I was exposed, feeling naked and alone. I made all sorts of excuses to myself – the lunge track is physically harder, the choreo was more complicated than other tracks, etc. etc. Truth was, I didn't give it my best shot.

However, when you are at rock bottom like that, there's only two ways to go; wallow in it, or pick yourself up. I went for the latter option.

Somewhere deep down inside I knew that I had it in me to do this. I wasn't going to give up without doing my best.

So when the group was dismissed for lunch, I stayed back. I stood in front of the mirror and went over and over that lunge track until I had fixed all the technique issues Donny told me about, and I had burned the choreo into my mind - and my legs! I was stuffed from doing that. I barely made it through the rest of the day, but my second presentation went a lot better. Now at least I gave an average performance.

Before we left, we were given two tracks to learn for the following weekend. I got squats and shoulders.

Home on the train. I actually did squats on the train and got some very strange looks from fellow commuters!

I am lucky that at my gym, the manager let's Les Mills trainees shadow for their tracks during the 5 day break between training weekends. This was my chance to get on stage and practice.

If I thought the training was tough, this was even harder! Now we had a microphone to deal with, AND you are now in front of your friends. Stakes are high and first impressions count.

I got through the squat track ok. I don't think most people could hear me as I had no idea how to project my voice properly. Shoulders went a little better, but I messed up some choreo. Luckily no one was familiar with it yet! I did three classes that week on stage, and it really helped with my confidence. I think confidence is 90% of it. I resolved to go back to the training and either crash or burn. I certainly wouldn't fail because of my own insecurities. I would overcome them.

The morning presentation was videoed. We had to watch it back. Donny gave me a lot of tips on corrections to technique he would be looking for. In lateral raises, I lifted the plates too high. In push ups, my butt was raised too much. In bar work, my elbows were not in correct position. Geez! All this time I thought I had pump technique pretty good, but obviously I was wrong.

This was certainly hard. And then it got harder. Pump Challenge.

I got paired up with a girl, because I was the smallest guy there ! I got over that pretty quick because she was wonderful --hi Shaz :) I was lucky, because I had done the challenge with instructors at my gym, and so I knew what to expect. Knowing what to expect doesn't make it physically any easier though! It's a bit of a blur. I remember that Donny caught me doing biceps wrong and made me start my set of reps again from zero! Ouch. I remember the bike station without the seat the most, because it was the easiest station! Eventually it was all over and I got a big sweaty hug from my partner! That is my lasting memory of the pump challenge.

We went for lunch,and then final presentations were due in the afternoon. Starting to get nervous again – will I pass? I couldn't face the gym people back home if I failed! Plus I didn't have another 500 bucks to do it again!!!

My turn inevitably came. Deep breath time. Everyone came over to my side of room as I was only person to take shoulder track. Pushups to start (good I don't have to look at the people). Somewhere during the pushups, I just relaxed. Mind became clear, and I stopped observing myself and just did it. Maybe this is the much talked about  "zone". I gave it all I had, trying to focus on everything we had learned in the three days of training.

It aint pretty…… the music faded away. It was done. Donny motioned me over. His facial expression didn't bode well. He stuck out his hand and I shook it. He showed me the paperwork, and I had been cleared to instruct!! I didn't quite believe it. He told me that he was looking for me to coach in a convincing style and that I finally had. He also told me to get in the gym and get stronger, and to get in front of a mirror and fix some technique issues.

I was pretty happy with it all. But exhausted. My metabolism wouldn't slow down. I was ravenous no matter what I did or ate, and I felt like my internal temperature was elevated all night and next day!

Oh yeah, watch out for the "post training downer". It's a bit like DOMS :)

What did it all mean? Not much really, in the grand scheme of things. It is only a first step. It just enabled my manager to let me shadow classes officially. At our gym, the manager makes everyone shadow regardless of the outcome of their training module. Even then there's no guarantee you will get a regular slot. I think this policy is one of the reason our instructors are so good. BUT, it sets the bar really high, and it's hard for us newbies – especially when we are known previously as a participant.

It's 12 months later, I've done the cert video, and I now have my own classes. Two regular slots on the timetable. It is going OK, but I realise I still have so much to learn and improve. I have gone into the gym, and have taken all the advice I got from various people. I have made heaps of mistakes, messed up lots of times, but I am getting there, and I am really proud of myself.

Becoming a pump instructor is one of the best things I have ever done. They say Les Mills is a life changing experience, and while it sounds corny, it can be so true.

My biggest realisation is that no matter how good I would like to immediately be, becoming an expert pump instructor is going to take time and dedication.

Final advice: Baby steps. Keep learning: seek and accept feedback and criticism with grace. Believe in yourself. Stand tall. Teach from "the right place" and above all, Enjoy the ride!  

GOod LUCK!!!

I know Ive heard from others in your shoes.

Usually they had no idea how much work went into making it look easy!

Commit to be great... and you will be great!

Best wishes!

 

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Tim

Wow!  Awesome story.  Thank you for sharing it.  

OMG!!!

My BP module is only 8 sleeps away! We can soooo compare notes My GFM has told me that I need to work on my timing, technique, strength & choro but I already knew that I have a long way to go! My goal is to be a GREAT PUMP INSTRUCTOR and I know that it won't happen overnight, next week or even next month but I want this.

Big ups  to LarryT& MrT for their sharing their strength  & hope!

Martin 

 

Thank you all so much for sharing your stories of inspiration. Its definitely given me some insight and its cool to see how passionate you are about the program. I really believe in the program as well. It was one of the few forms of exercise I could do consistently, and without much compromise, through-out my recent pregnancy. My son is really strong, and I swear he has muscle definition, and he's only 7 months! I totally credit BP (and yoga) for this.

Its cool that BP has created this global community for everyone to share.

I did it as a member for over 3 years been teaching it over 2 years. You'll be fine, being a participant can really help i think you can see the difference and the passion they have between instructors who did it first. Dare I say it, the difference between gym instructors and fitness instructors (ie group fitness) can be noticeable. Good luck.

Gina,

 First off, congrats on making the decision to cross the line from participant to instructor.  I did my Pump training Sept 28-30 on release 63.  For me it was all about timing.  I started taking Body Pump in May 2005 and about a month after that, I was relentlessly hounded by various instructors, members, and group fitness directors to get certified.  That wasn't where my heart was.  Every time I thought about having to be in front of people, I got butterflies in my stomach.  And thank goodness everytime there was a training close to me I would have other commitments, family in town, or I was going out of town.  I took that as a sign from God that being a Pump instructor wasn't for me. 

It got to a point over my Pump participant career that it became obvious I had a natural flair for it.  It came so easy to me.  In class I would know when the instructor messed up the choreography.  They would look at me with a smile because they knew I knew they had messed up.  I had to follow that instructor code of "do as I say, not as you know."  I finally agreed to train on release 60, but then some stuff happened at my gym and I wouldn't have been able to team teach since they had just sponsored 4 people in Pump 4 months prior.  I got kind of down about it, because for so long I was resisting it and there I was agreeing to do it, and a road block popped up.  So in July a group fitness director called me and said "your director and I have unofficially signed you up for training in September."  I was freaked out because that old fear of being in front of people popped up again.  But the training was only 5 minutes away from my house, so I wouldn't have gotten another great opportunity like that again.  So I did it and I came away a much better person.  I passed at the top and started team teaching 3 days later and shot my video 10/28.  For me that was a big accomplishment being only a month out of training.  It was full steam ahead.  I still feel nervous a little, especially if I sub at a place I've never been, but it soon goes away.

I think that timing is everything.  If I would have done it 2 years ago, I wouldn't have had the support I do now.  Also taking the class for that long really got me ready for it.  But you have to go into that training with an open mind.  The things I thought I knew quickly went out the door and you will learn the true "right" way to do things.

Mr Timothy, that is a great story and my first real insight into what it might really be like.  I've taken pump since 1994 in various gyms and through 2 pregnancies.  I want to go for pump training when my youngest starts school (bring it on!) and have assumed it will be plain sailing as i've been a participant for so long.  This is obviously not the case and I will also be brought back down to earth with a bump.  This doesn't put me off but at least makes me more prepared.  Cheers!!

You definitely have an advantage.  I was a participant for 2-3 years before I decided to attend instructor training in January.  There were people in my training who'd never taken Pump before so they had to start from ground zero.  You have a better foundation - especially after taking the class for 7 years!  It takes a while for everything to click into place - the chorey, the coaching, perfect form, and connecting with your participants - but I think that this will all come to you with time and LOTS of practice.

hi, i have been in that position too. in my first bodypump class i weighed in at 105kg (i am only 5'2) and left half way through crying my eyes out, but i went back again and now a couple or 3 years down the track i am 62kg and teaching pump, step, combat and more recently balance. when i first started no one thought i was gonna make it coz all i did was shake and move there was no talking involved at all, haha now you cant shut me up i talk too much, i ama differnt person and although i still may not fit the mold of a city les mills instructor for our wee town i am having a blast. good luck to those of you who are just beginning the journey, its a total rush!.

You will be amazed at how easy it will be for you, especially since you've been taking the class for 7 years.  I only took the class for two years before I switched over.  Good luck! 

I think starting as a participant has its ups and downs. The good part is that you're familiar with the program and, if you're lucky, maybe even familiar with the release you train on. However, you also have to relearn what some "bad" instructors might have taught you (hey we're not perfect and if you happen to have someone who is using old technique yeah, you may need to rethink a few things, but they'll tell you that.) And you may have to deal with the difficulty of other participants not taking you seriously. Some people have, others haven't. I moved countries so yeah, not an issue for me! But if you teach at a gym you are a member at now, you may have some people who feel like you don't know anything and can't tell them what to do. Blah blah blah. Anyway, you burn that bridge when you get to it, and just keep chugging away and eventually they give in and see you as legit.

However, being an instructor is different. I have participants who, sure, they know when I screw up choreo. But if I didn't cue them, they couldn't tell you what was coming next far enough to cue it. It's easy to know choreo as the music changes, but instructors need to be 4 steps ahead, and cueing everything else at the same time - technique, safety, CRC-ing, etc.

Moral of the story - go for it, there may be a few bumps in the road, and it won't be easy. But it's worth the effort.

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Free the body. The mind will follow.