MEET DAVE BERRILL

Have you always been into fitness?

"I used to go to the odd class at the gym, and run a bit. I even did a marathon once, but I didn't stick at anything. I considered fitness a bit of a chore. I would fall in and out of the habit, only getting back into action when I’d put on a little weight and wanted to lose it. I had just started getting back into the gym when lockdown hit. With the gym shut I thought ‘I can either give it up and go back to being very inactive, overweight and unhappy, like I was at the time. Or I can try something new’. I started seeing ads for LES MILLS+ and remembered the fun I had doing BODYCOMBAT at the gym about 15 years ago, so I signed up for a free trial.

Until this point, I had been exercising because I thought I had to or should. It was only when I was dabbling around with different LES MILLS+ workouts that I discovered BODYSTEP #118 – the workout I credit with changing my life! I pressed play and was like, ‘OMG what is this? This is so much fun!' I was laughing and smiling while pouring in sweat. It changed everything and I realized this is what fitness should be like. I was hooked! Then I took a punt and bought a cheap spin bike and got addicted to THE TRIP, RPM and LES MILLS SPRINT too."

I got hooked when I discovered BODYSTEP #118 – it’s the workout I credit with changing my life!

What made you think of doing instructor training?

"The idea had been floating in my head for a while, but I was thinking, ‘Am I fit enough, am I good enough, will I remember it all, will I be able to manage if I’m also working full time?’ When I went to LES MILLS LIVE in London I got the push I needed. It was incredible, everyone was so excited and there was such a buzz. I realized the Les Mills family is something special that I really wanted to be part of. I thought, ‘Screw it, let's do it. Life’s too short not to give everything a go’, so I signed up to do the online Instructor Training for RPM.

I never actually intended to teach a live class, I just wanted to do the training for my own personal learning. But now that I’ve taught a class I can’t wait to teach again! It was the best buzz ever, I absolutely loved it!"

Dave Berrill with Glen Ostergaard and Khiran Huston at Les Mills Live in London.

The training wasn't exactly what you expected… why is that?

"I was surprised at how much detail and depth there is in it, it’s incredible! There is lots to learn, and it’s a bit scary, but it’s brilliant because you can really learn and develop. I’ll admit that initially, I did think that teaching a cycle workout wouldn't be too hard – it’s on a bike and you’re just sitting or standing so there can’t be too much to get wrong. But I quickly learned there are lots of different positions and techniques to focus on. What I learned in just one morning really transformed how I ride, plus my speed and stamina.

Although it was online, we got to break into pairs and practice together. I was partnered with someone who had already trained in other LES MILLS programs. We elevated and encouraged each other, and I loved spending time with someone equally as passionate as me – it pushed me to do more and be better."

What I learned in just one morning really transformed how I ride, and my speed and stamina.

You learned more than you expected?

"I loved how the training focused a lot on the impact you have on people. It was really inspiring and now I am taking that positivity into life more generally. There is no such thing as too much positivity, there is not enough of that in the world right now.

Taking time to grow in such a positive and supportive setting made me realize that all the slogans and motivational hype aren't B.S., the Les Mills community is genuinely passionate about positivity – and being part of that is an amazing feeling that you can't buy!"

I just wanted to do the training for my own personal learning. But now that I’ve taught a class I can’t wait to teach again!

Dave Berrill with Mark Nu'u-Steele and Kaylah-Blayr Fitzsimons-Nu'u at Les Mills Live in London.

So what’s your advice to others who want to tap into that positivity?

"Just put aside any fears and concerns and sign up for the training! The structure is great and it’s so well set up to help you succeed. There are no tricks or traps, it’s all geared so positively that you’re sure to come out of it a better person. It’s an amazing experience."

Sign up to Fit Planet and get fresh health and fitness news and advice straight to your inbox. Subscribe

‍