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Hey, finally gave in and booked myself on a body balance module in November (which suddenly seems a whole lot closer now).

Have searched the site as I'm sure this has been asked before but didn't find all that many similar questions but any advice, suggestions on what do to prepare? I've already done combat and pump so have been on module training before but have a feeling that balance is going to be different to the other two (ok, I'm sure the 5 key elements will be in there again and the format will be fairly similar).

I'm thinking the usual - get to as many classes beforehand and maybe try a yoga or pilates class or two beforehand?

Thanks!

Hey there Rob - good question - I'll be watching this too!!!  Spoke to my GFM today and she is keen for Balance to come back if the interest is there......

 I spoke to a former instructor  who is trained in Balance, Combat, Step, Attack, Pump and he reckoned that they got absolutely flogged in Balance - it was the hardest of all that he had one - must say that scares me a little!!!  The trainer for the module I am looking at doing (on 30/10, 31/10, 1/11) is apparently going to be Kylie Gates - a Master Trainer I believe.....

Off to Balance again tomorrow.....are you ready hip flexors?????

Hey Rob,

Gratz on the booking. Balance will be a good Yin to your Pump and Combat Yang :)

As you say, doing as many classes as you can before you go will really help to get your body accustomed to the poses and to work your flexibility/strength. I would suggest to practice holding these poses in your own time in front of a mirror too to improve the technique as well as your flexibility. Build up your core strength as that will help you to hold the positions whilst maintaining safe posture.

And as always, at the end of every workout have a nice long stretch, perhaps even moreso now!

 

I did the Balance training in July having already qualified in Pump and RPM. The training will follow the same format, 5 key elements, a challenge, plenty of practice to the n'th degree. You'll get 1 track to learn overnight after your first day then 2 different tracks to learn for module 2 two weeks later. However I found it much more mentally challenging than Pump and RPM but just as physically challenging, probably because there is so much more to learn and remember.

I found that attending BB classes for a few weeks before helped me to understand the format of the class and how the music fits with the moves. I also attended some yoga classes to help my technique on all those warrior poses - this was probably the biggest help for me. I teach Pilates so knew about that but if you can get to some classes to learn more about engaging the core and finding neutral spine it will be a great help. Maybe try a tai chi class to get the feel of how to move - I was a bit clunky and heavy footed at first and it took me a few attempts to learn how to move smoothly and gracefully!

Above all enjoy it - the benefit is that you can practice it anywhere - you don't need any equipment or much space.  I was practicing on my hotel balcony last week on my hols!!! Saluting the sun was a real pleasure

Hey, thanks for the replies.....they're much appreciated.

Got my confirmation last night that I'm all booked and ready to go - I think I'm about as nervous as before my first module as that was the first time I'd done a Les Mills module and having done pump for years I had a fair idea what I was in for. Balance is another big leap in to the unknown though!

I'm so excited for you! I want to do this, too, but right now there are only two BF classes on the schedule at our club, and I can't make either of them, so until I can DO it, there's no way I can teach it. I'm so NOT bendy right now....

 You will be GREAT!

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

I just completed my training this weekend and it was an amazing experience.  I highly recommend it.  I'm not officially certified yet, but if all goes as planned, I will be not later than mid-December.  While it was my first module, I have heard from others who have completed others all agree, it is pretty intense.  All the things suggested by yourself and others (attending many classes, holding poses in front of the mirror, etc.) will all help.  My format was slightly different than the one mentioned, but it was pretty similar.

Enjoy!  Do be prepared to cry when it's over, either while you're leaving or when you get home.  Between the load of work involved, the spiritual connection you feel, the lack of sleep throughout and the toxins releasing from your body, you're sure to get emotional.

 And of course, come back and tell us how it went

I've been working toward going to the BodyFlow training for almost 6 months before my training module. BodyBalance/Flow has completely changed my life and when my trainer told me I passed, I burst into tears. Very emotional accomplishment for me. I will never forget my very first Les Mills training module and my trainer. I think BB is the perfect compliment to any and all the other programs. You will love it!!!

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Don't complain, try harder, never quit.

Rob, that's so exciting!! I'm doing it too, but in December... Can't wait, starting to go to more BB classes now, defenitely need to work on my flexibility....

By the way, i'll have to come TT with you soon, r u teaching 41 now!? Sorry i never got in touch, been so busy with work so haven't really had time to learn it till now! Hope to see you soon!

Is it just me Rob or is the end of October rolling around really fast!!!!  My form is all signed ready to send off to Les Mills.  Just under three weeks to go - eek!!!!!!  Had a great response from members wanting it back on the timetable so woohoo off i go for training no 3

Nope, it's definitely not just you - the end of the month is absolutely rocketing around!

And it's just getting busier and busier - squeezing in a few extra balance classes could be a bit of a challenge :-(

 

I've been doing two a week at other gyms.....  An instructor that used to teach it at our gym is very excited by the prospect of me doing it and I may already have a class lined up for early next year (nothing like a little pressure to pass!!!)  She has offered to have me team teach with her so that is great as we have no one otherwise :(  I've also told her that I'm open to any suggestions on anything technical that  I can fix now - so far I haven't heard anything - hoping thats a good sign!!!  I'm flitting between looking forward to it and being a nervous wreck - thank goodness I'm doing it with another instructor from my gym

Rob as head Body Balance trainer in Chile my advice is to go with your mind and heart open. I actually find that the best students are those that have had no experience in other disaplines such as Yoga or Pilates because they don't have any bad habbits. Remembering that Balance is a group fitness class with many expercises from Yoga and Pilates modified for group classes. For sure go and participate in a few classes so that you are a little conditioned for the class. Many people have the misconception that balance is soft and all stretches, prepare to work and feel it to the bone.

You will have the experience of your life and your life will never be the same again. Enjoy and can't wait to see your comments after the module.

Cheers, Namaste

Lainie 

You got it! Go to a couple Yoga and Pilates classes to prepare, but BODYFLOW will be the most help. Keep in mind, BODYFLOW is INSPIRED by Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates, so some things may not be the same, and some moves may be called something totally different. So, pay most attention on the positioning, posture, and breathing. Yes, the 5 key elements are most def there as you said.

 

 Play with your voice as well, because if you are a PUMP and COMBAT instructor, then you have to be loud, tough, and energetic. Tone it down just a tad, keep your enthusiasm, but find a calming tone. Adapt to each track as well. Example: Abs are going to be tough, so I like to think "BootCAMP Commander" when I teach this track. Now, Balance on the other hand, is very different. People should already feel in the zone, but now, they need to center themselves. So, coach them calmly through this. Any abrupt or unexpected noises could trip up their concentration. So, pay close attention to this as well.

Good luck!

 

Kia Kaha!

<3 Tiffany

Lokita-Atrevida:

You got it! Go to a couple Yoga and Pilates classes to prepare, but BODYFLOW will be the most help. Keep in mind, BODYFLOW is INSPIRED by Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates, so some things may not be the same, and some moves may be called something totally different. So, pay most attention on the positioning, posture, and breathing. Yes, the 5 key elements are most def there as you said.

 

 Play with your voice as well, because if you are a PUMP and COMBAT instructor, then you have to be loud, tough, and energetic. Tone it down just a tad, keep your enthusiasm, but find a calming tone. Adapt to each track as well. Example: Abs are going to be tough, so I like to think "BootCAMP Commander" when I teach this track. Now, Balance on the other hand, is very different. People should already feel in the zone, but now, they need to center themselves. So, coach them calmly through this. Any abrupt or unexpected noises could trip up their concentration. So, pay close attention to this as well.

Good luck!

 

Kia Kaha!

<3 Tiffany

 

AHHH yeah niiiice advice tiff, i totally agree, one of my instructors (who used to teach step till she sustained a collapsed arch in her foot) gets a little bit "excited" sometimes, and it can feel a little like she's YELLING at you, even though you know she's not! 

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"This is my body and I can do whatever I want to it. I can push it, study it, tweak it, listen to it. Everybody wants to know what I'm on... What am I on!?! I'm on my bike, busting my ass 6 hours a day. What are you on???"