From Struggles to Stage

By day, Billy Aw is an interdisciplinary designer. By night, he’s leading multiple Les Mills programs from BODYPUMP™ to LES MILLS GRIT™ at Pure Fitness Singapore. After discovering RPM™ during a challenging time in his life, he now channels that energy into uplifting others on stage or, for this quarter’s Masterclass filming – a tropical rainforest! In this interview, Billy reflects on the highs, lows, and life lessons that have shaped his career.

How has group training played a positive role in your life beyond fitness?

‍Growing up in Singapore, it was extremely challenging to face the pressure of a rigid, academically driven education system. My emotional health was poor, and I found it difficult to get out of bed. All I wanted to do was sleep and never wake up. I remember joining RPM classes and feeling the incredible energy that surrounded me – it was uplifting and inspiring. Over time, I found energy and purpose again.

‍Which was your first program, and why did you choose it?

‍BODYPUMP! I was always very confident training with weights. The exercises were simple, and I didn’t need to worry much about my technique. I found that all I needed to focus on was improving my coaching.

‍Describe your journey from Initial Training to filming Masterclass.

‍It felt like an incredible journey: I went through my fair share of challenges, revelations, and transformations. I had to work my way from the ordinary world by completing AIM1 and AIM2 as it was then, auditioning for the Trainer and Presenter (TAP) team, becoming a presenter, and then training to be a trainer. Finally, I crossed the threshold into the special world when I was selected to join the Global Development Squad in 2023.

How long does it take you to learn the choreo these days? Any tips to speed it up?

‍Depending on the program – if it’s GRIT or LES MILLS SPRINT™ – it takes about 5 minutes, since I do those programs twice a week. That’s my advice: do the releases at least 10 times before you teach them; that way your body is loaded with muscle and movement memory.

‍Are there times during a class when you’ve felt close to failure or thought, “Gosh, I don’t know if I can do this!”?

‍Definitely! Everyone who has ever filmed would say the same – and I think that’s one of the invisible, magical forces of group training: we feed on that powerful effect of having bystanding witnesses at our breaking point.

‍Do you get nervous before filming Masterclasses?

‍Anyone who says they don’t get nervous is either lying or doesn’t care enough – because it is indeed a big deal. (It does get easier to manage nerves with repetition and practice.) I don’t like to treat it like a regular class because I acknowledge the weight of the responsibility I have as a Masterclass presenter. What I find most effective is to prepare relentlessly and connect continuously with my surrounding teammates; it helps diffuse the nerves and lets the energy flow.

‍Do you ever struggle balancing “looking the part” and remembering that “life is for living”?

‍Yes and no. For me, it feels like a lifestyle. I find it relatively easy to maintain my fitness because I’ve been doing it so long and so consistently; on rest days I do feel a bit out of place, even though I know they’re for my own good. For my diet, I follow a simple “no treats before sundown” rule, no snacking, and no processed food. That way, I can eat however much I want and whatever I want.

‍What’s been the biggest challenge in your journey, and how did you overcome it?

‍Finding time to exercise after entering university, becoming a father – basically whenever my life enters a new stage. I’ve found that LES MILLS+ is extremely helpful. I can work out anywhere, anytime. Also, HIIT programs are very short and effective.

Do you have a Les Mills hero?

‍It may sound cheesy, but every time I see an individual who is truly, fearlessly, and authentically themselves, they are my hero. They have earned my utmost respect and admiration.

‍Did you have a mentor? If so, can you tell us about them?

‍Reagan! His approach, style, and delivery of Masterclasses are my favorite and a big source of inspiration. He has offered his help time and again whenever I’ve faced challenges in filming; not once has he failed to show up. Thank you, big bro!

‍How do you deal with bad days, when you don’t feel motivated?

‍I used to have bad days when I was teaching too many classes – so I stopped. Now, I’m always ready to rock a class. I like to think of us as cups of water with limited capacity (each individual is different); my sweet spot is three classes a week.

‍Have you ever had anything embarrassing happen to you during a class?

‍In my latest filming of BODYPUMP, my mic belt broke. If you look closely at the Masterclass, you can see the moment it happens!

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EXPRESS Q&A

What Les Mills program do you want to train in next?

LES MILLS YOGA™. It’s the side of me that I have been practicing and I am ready to share that experience with others. 

Go-to pre-class meal?

Yuan Yang (Singaporean mixed iced milk coffee & tea – AKA straight-up rocket juice!)

Fave TV show right now?

The Rookie. 

Fave holiday destinations?

Taipei, Thailand and Europe.

If there was a building or famous landmark you would like to film a Masterclass on, where would it be and what program?

BODYPUMP – all day, any day! On the Great Wall of China or Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. 

Fave music genre?

Trance.

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