Freestyle Aerobics in Hong Kong

I've been searching all over the internet for freestyle classes in Hong Kong. There seem to be plenty over there. What intrigues me is the names they give their classes.

Here in Melbourne, we're simply happy to call our Step Aerobics classes by one of several, fairly straightforward and self-explanatory names - Step (intermediate), Step Basic, and for the more advanced or those who like more full on choreography, Step Moves. Every now and then you might even still see Step Athletic which is like Step Basic, but traditionally guarantees lots of high intensity, high impact-style moves for those really focussed on high-caloric expenditure.

As for the names they use in Hong Kong...

• not Step Basic, but Step 101
• not Step, but 1 Step Up
• not Step Moves, but Steptacular
• and finally, the fourth level, super-choreographed is Freaky Step
• oh, they also have Duo Step
  

The names for hilo classes are just as outrageous, being, from beginners' to advanced - Aerobics 101, In Between Hi & Lo (or as James put it... does that mean medium??), Sweat Shop, Cardio Groove...

Whilst, yes, granted, the class names are highly creative, I wonder how effective that is in getting people in to the classes themselves? If it weren't for me looking up the list of names online I would not have realised that they classify everything into one of four levels of difficulty, and really they are all just the same class type but at differing levels.

The thing that annoys me most though is not the variety of un-exaplainable names, but that they appear to boast such a HUGE variety of classes and yet don't offer everything on their list on the timetable.

Clever marketing or just someone with too much time on their hands? I dunno, maybe it's some sort of cultural thing - let people THINK they're able to do many different types of classes cos each one has a different name, let them FEEL they're really smart and capable and all that, and they'll keep coming back.

Me... I think I still prefer the K.I.S.S. principle.

Bodypump release 68 is on it's way!

This time next week is the final quarterly Les Mills superworkshop day for 2008.
I'm looking forward to my first ever superworkshop! Yay, yay, yay!

On the menu for me next Sunday:-

09:30-10:30
Teaching a Hilo class (covering for another instructor)

11:00 - 12:00
Attending Joyce's freestyle Step class at Monash Uni Sports, Clayton

12:00 - 14:00
Hanging out and lunching with some awesome Pumpers!

14:00 - 15:30
Bodypump masterclass and technique workshop!!

15:45 - 17:15
Bodystep masterclass ... I'm not a Bstep instructor but they let Les Mills instructors attend any other workshops they want to provided there are places available after preference has been given to actual instructors of the program

17:30 - 19:00
Still undecided as to whether I'll stick around for the Bodybalance masterclass too.

What a massive day. It's gonna be a blast! Woo hoo.

Gym Funky

Facebook's advertising scheme is clever. Clearly their filters or whatever technology they use have determined I'm some sort of gym freak, hence I came across a website for a cool company that sells funky gym clothes.

Gym Funky - www.gymfunky.com.au

They're based in QLD. The only downside for me is, well, I like to actually try on clothes to see how they look and fit before buying.

If you get any cool gym clothing from them, let me know!

Group Fitness is my life?

Exactly one month ago, I ended this post wondering how other instructors taught over 20 classes per week. Well, I think I have my answer... she probably didn't do it for long.

Since that last post, I've averaged out at over 14 classes per week. I can in fact list the number of classes I've taught each week since 4 September until today: 15, 16, 16, 13, 17, 16, 17, 18.

Wow... when you put it in that context it looks like a lot, huh?

So anyway I've discovered a few key secrets to personal health management - in this case, the health factor being NOT overtraining or subjecting one's body to overuse injury. Newer instructors, or those looking to increase your current weekly teaching schedule, take heed. More experienced instructors, if you've anything to add please do so!

**Vary your class types - try to avoid doing more than maybe 4 or 5 of one particular class type. In fact, for certain class types, less than this even - e.g. no more than 3 Bodypump classes per week was highly recommended to my classmates and I by our trainer, who has been an instructor for over 8 years. Wise words from someone who's been there, done that!

**Whilst we're on the topic of class choices, if you can get some classes that require a little less exertion on your part, even better! Good examples include circuit classes and fit ball classes.

**Another veteran instructor I met a few months ago advised me against taking triples on a regular basis (non-instructors, this simply means 3x back-to-back classes). He has stopped teaching due to major issues with his feet. He learnt his lesson the hard way and has kindly tried to pass this on to me.

**If you're feeling sick or rundown, don't keep going, get a cover and give your body a break!

**Plan your breaks in advance, organise your covers early, take some time out every now and again to recuperate. Not just physically but mentally too! It will prevent you from getting into a "rut" and you'll find you'll still be able to give your participants the best of yourself.

**Today, an instructor who has been teaching for 20 years told me something very profound (in relation to Bodypump but it applies across the board too) - your class numbers/sizes are not determined by the amount of weight you lift, it's the energy and quality with which you deliver the class. By all means, set the example and be inspiring, but don't pressure yourself to perform beyond your means. Remember - it's THEIR workout, not yours!

**Practise what you preach to your own participants. I tell my participants all the time - if it's GOOD pain, keep pushing through, but if it's BAD pain then please, please stop! I need to remember this for myself too! (So do you!)

**It is okay to say no to cover requests. Let me repeat: IT IS OKAY TO SAY NO TO COVER REQUESTS! Looking after yourself is not selfish. Your first responsibility is to your permanent classes before any covers you do, so by looking after yourself you are ensuring you can deliver your best to your regulars.

PUMPers - something for you to have a chuckle at

Heya Bodypumpers,

I've been Googling around online at all things Bodypump, in an effort to learn about past releases so I can figure out where to get started learning more chorey to add to my limited repertoire of ONE release (haha) and came across some very funny blog posts, thought I'd share the love around.

http://rickinoz.com/2008/07/06/you-know-you-do-bodypump-too-much-when
http://www.dietgirl.org/dietgirl/2005/05/diy_body_pump.html

For you non-pumpers out there who might be interested in some great reading that is diet and weight loss-related, here's a good one for you:

http://www.dietgirl.org/dietgirl/about-shauna-reid.html

I've seen this girl's book in the bookstores recently, haven't picked up a copy to read for myself yet but after reading the above post I think I just might have a browse.