BAS HOLLANDER: WE ASKED, HE ANSWERED

Bas Hollander is a Dutch fitness lover who’s currently living in Tokyo where he’s busy inspiring and upskilling a tribe of Japanese fitness instructors. Find out what inspires him here.

If you could choose one person to work out with, who would it be and why?

I realize that this is kinda impossible, but if I could choose anybody it would be Michael Jackson. He could teach me how to dance, because that’s one of the many things I’m not good at. And I could help him learn how to squat properly, as I always think he lifts his heels too much when he does.

What’s your favorite workout routine?

I love any High-Intensity Interval Training. When it comes to favorites I can’t decide between LES MILLS GRIT and LES MILLS SPRINT, they are both cool for different reasons. I also love going for runs in the outdoors.

What does a cheat day look like for you?

When it comes to treats I don’t really like the sweet stuff – in fact, when I go out for dinner I always skip desserts to add some extra meat! But I love potato chips like Pringles. I used to collect the cans when I was 16, but then by about the age of 17 I realized it was ridiculous.

If you had to choose your last meal, what would it be?

Boerenkool met worst, without a doubt. It’s a typical Dutch meal where you mix kale, with potatoes and bacon. It’s sooo good!

How do you relax, de-stress and chill out?

Well, in general, I don’t think I do that very well! I always like to be doing stuff. But, on the rare occasions when I do take time out I like to watch series like The Walking Dead or hang with friends.

If you could change one thing about your appearance, what would it be?

When I was young I always wanted to be taller. But now I don’t really care about that anymore as I’ve learned to jump high.

What characteristic do you most admire in other people?

I always admire people who are purposefully doing good and being kind to others. I think a lot of negative stuff is happening in the world every day, and we need people (lots of people) who lift other people up instead of bringing people down. That’s why I think that being a Les Mills instructor is such a positive thing. We inject people with a positive vibe, healthy lifestyle and some really good music.

Name the last book you read, the last movie you watched, and the track you currently have on high rotate.

Book: Talk like TED by Carmine Gallo (to help me with my presentations).

Movie: War For The Planet Of The Apes (although watching this doesn’t really match my last answer).

Track: Rollin by Calvin Harris (I heard it and loved it during BODYJAM in Amsterdam).

What social media can’t you live without? Do you have any favorite feeds?

That has to be YouTube as I love to make videos – check out my channel, hit that thumbs-up button and don’t forget to subscribe. YouTube is such a cool platform because it’s where you find so many creative people doing some really cool stuff. I mainly watch the tech-channels with all the new gadgets #nerd-life.

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose?

I am already able to cook 1-minute rice in 58 seconds. So what other superpowers could I wish for?

What’s the best non-physical thing about staying in shape?

Just feeling good. I love that feeling you get after a morning workout, you just feel ready for the day. I think that being fit gives you a big “buffer” to be able to handle everyday life better!

Who should play you in the movie based on your life?

Wait … What ...? Who thought this would make a good question

Bas Hollander is the Les Mills Japan Training Manager and a Les Mills International Master Trainer, which means he often travels the world inspiring and educating other instructors. He also has a key role in the creation of Les Mills’ BORN TO MOVE children’s programming.

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