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Hi to all my BODYVIVE™ trainer/instructor friends and to BODYVIVE™ fans everywhere.
I’m rapt to let you know I’ve been appointed BODYVIVE™ Program Director, with a clear brief to continue the growth and development of this great program.
I’ve been Head Choreographer since early 2007 and it’s great to see the number of clubs with BODYVIVE™ now heading for the 2000 mark. I’m looking forward to hitting that mark and bringing BODYVIVE to many, many more people in the years to come.
Huge thanks to Les Mills’ Training Director, Maureen Baker, who’s done a fantastic job as BODYVIVE™ Head Trainer. Maureen is now going to focus totally on her global training responsibilities, although remaining an international master trainer for BODYVIVE™.
Thanks, too, to the BODYVIVE™ creator and Creative Director, Emma Barry and the technical consultancy team of Bryce Hastings, Lynne Brick and Cedric Bryant. They will all continue to help me in my new role.
And thanks to all of you for your contribution to our success so far.
See you soon!
Susan
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Check out our awesome new video showing how Les Mills inspires people to get out and get fit!
It's got all the elements - fun shots of the Les Mills Tribe at Global Summit, filming of the new releases in Auckland and some great quotes from people at the heart of Les Mills who've been inspiring people to fitness for years. It's inspiration in numbers, without a doubt!
The new video has been entered in a competition on "How You Inspire Others to Wellness and Fitness". Have a look at the video, feel the Les Mills buzz and then place your vote if you agree that the Les Mills Life Changing Fitness Experiences are truly inspiring others.
We'd love your support on this one!
Kia Kaha
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Can you believe filming for 3/2008 is already under way? Seems like only yesterday the Global Summit team were doing their best to bring down the roof at Auckland’s Sky City!
Glen and Sarah Ostergaard, and Dan McDonogh got things rolling on Friday, recording RPM™40 in Les Mills Auckland’s awesome new purpose-built studio for the first time. Apparently the atmosphere was amped and it’s no wonder - it can hold an amazing 62 bikes (when there aren’t any cameras in the way!)
Over in Studio 1, Gandalf, Carla Fitzsimons and Chris Richardson funked it up for BODYJAM™46 while Lisa Osborne, Bevan James Eyles and Nathan Jones led the BODYATTACK™62 charge. BODYVIVE™08 had a huge turnout up front with Susan Trainor, Maureen Baker, Mark Nu’u, Pete Manual and Australia’s Dione Ware looking fine.
Can’t wait for Monday when BODYSTEP™73 , BODYPUMP™67, BODYBALANCE™42 and BODYCOMBAT™37 - featuring our favourite newly-weds Dan and Rachael Cohen - get their turn!
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 Some people are lucky enough to find someone who lights them up every day…
On March 8 2008 our family and close friends joined us on the edge of the world (literally) - on the west coast of the North Island, New Zealand - to share a very special day.
The sun shone and our hearts sang (my legs wobbled)!
Dan looked so beautiful and smart, standing there in his suit and tie, smiling back at me as my legs seemed to move of their own accord down to meet him! (I’ve experienced adrenaline before so many times but let me tell you, this was the crème de la crème of adrenaline. Grade A, make you move mountains kinda gear.)
Chris, our best man was by Dan's side. Little Jackson (Lisa O and Pita’s little boy) was our ‘little’ best man, and he carried the rings. Claire, our Maid of Honour, flew from the UK to be there too.
The day was perfect. This kind of high cannot be bought. We are blessed with it.
Arohanui
Mr & Mrs C.xx
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 I know – it’s been a while – but the wait is worth it! The new LES MILLS™ Bodcast is ready for downloading today and thanks to your feedback it’s a lean, mean, refined machine.
Now, we want people all over the world to get into group fitness and improve their lives – like you’ve done! So we decided to create a Bodcast that is beneficial not only for those of you who already reap the benefits of Les Mills’ program, but everyone who is interested in group fitness - or maybe needs that little push to give it a go.
Check it out! LES MILLS™ trainers from around the world share their diet and workout secrets, BODYVIVE™ Program Choreographer Susan Trainor talks about the newest addition to the Les Mills stable and Les Mills’ Technical Consultant physiotherapist Bryce Hastings discusses the latest research behind stretching – is it really that good for you? Interspersed with Fitness Facts, this Les Mills Bodcast will leave you wanting more. And guess what? You’re going to get more because we’re recording a new LES MILLS™ Bodcast every twelve weeks.
Again we’d love to hear what you think so have a listen and make sure you email your feedback and ideas to melanie@lesmills.com
Turn it up!
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 Hi Everyone
Just wanted to update you on some changes here in the RPM team.
As you’ve probably heard, I’m on the move to Les Mills West Coast in the United States where I’m taking up a new role as USA RPM™ Ambassador and Program Coach and continuing as an International Master Trainer.
The shift means my buddy and co-Program Director Glen Ostergaard will be taking over as sole RPM™ Program Director in New Zealand from now on.
I will still be keeping my hand in as International Master Trainer (IMT), representing Les Mills at major industry conventions and workshops and contributing to the RPM™ program team as a video presenter.
See you all west-side soon!
Dan
Live and Ride Strong
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 Fancy yourself as a wordsmith? One who can wax lyrical? Well then, have we got the competition for you!
The BODYJAM™ instructors out there will have seen the awesome rap G, Rach and Matteo used to introduce BODYJAM™ 44. We think it’s pretty cool but know you can come up with something equally as good – if not better – using theirs as your inspiration.
All you have to do is click here to download the beat, add some of your own lyrics and film it against the backdrop of your choice – at the beginning of your BODYJAM™ class would be perfect.
This is your way of introducing yourself and your class. You can use any of the lyrics from the Masterclass on the DVD – maybe the chorus is your way of tying it all together. Get creative and express what BODYJAM™ means to you and your members.
Transform your performance into an mpeg format and upload it today. Tell all your mates to vote for you and you could win an Apple iPod Touch.
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Wow - what a week! The 2008 Les Mills Global Summit was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, uniting the team as the Les Mills Tribe.
Another day of masterclass filming was kicked off with BODYPUMPTM 66. The presenting team - Glen Ostergaard, Susan Tolj, Emma Barry, Matt Thraxton (UK), Peggy Cleland (Canada) and Petter Ehrnvall (Sweden) - transformed the room.
Next up was BODYSTEPTM 72. Mark Nu'u took to the stage with his fast and furious team consisting of Lisa Osborne, Sarah Robinson (NZ), Brent McLemore (USA) and Olivier Klein (France).
BODYVIVETM 7 provided more smiles per mile with Susan Trainor, Maureen Baker, Dr David McKenzie, Mark Nu'u and Pete Manuel hitting the stage with a Love Boat theme.
The BODYJAMTM 45 team consisting of Gandalf Archer, Rachael Newsham, Kili Marti (USA), Fabien Lesch (France), Matteo Cerruti (Portugal) finished off an amazing filming experience in style with a seamless transition to a post filming party.
The delegates were treated to a beach day at the gorgeous Pakiri Beach on Tuesday indulging in the great Kiwi weather and trying their hands at surfing, horse riding, beach volleyball and cricket.
Wednesday it was back to work with agents, sales and trainer sessions. The Les Mills International team took to the stage showcasing an awesome new marketing campaign and plans for Les Mills moving forward.
The Grand Finale on Thursday night was a perfect end to a perfect week uniting the Les Mills Tribe - together we are changing the world!
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 Over 600 LES MILLS™ agents, sales staff and trainers from all over the world have traveled to Auckland, New Zealand – the birth place of Les Mills – for the 2008 Global Summit. And it is going off!
The summit was officially opened on Sunday February 10 by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Helen Clark. It was a cultural celebration with a new LES MILLS™ haka revealed, the LES MILLS™ promo song Kotahitanga performed by its composer Hinewehi Mohi and the LES MILLS™ handshake (the hongi), shared by all.
After this spectacular event, the room at SKYCITY Convention Centre was transformed into an amazing racing track where 100 RPM™ trainers rode to the rhythm of RPM™ 39 set by their presenting team of Program Directors Dan McDonogh and Glen Ostergaard, International Master Trainer Pete Manual, Sarah Ostergaard (NZ), Chris Richardson (NZ) and Meg Chalker (Aust).
The BODYCOMBAT™ 36 presenting team consisting of Program Directors Dan Cohen and Rachael Newsham, Hernan Lopez (Mexico/Argentina), Thomas Cerboneschi (France), Oscar Fernandez (Spain) and Haruka Tamura (Japan) then took to the stage with a fusion of many of the world’s finest martial arts – karate, boxing, capoeira, kung fu, muay thai, taekwondo and kick boxing. And wait until you see their outfits!
BODYATTACK™ 61 brought the house down with a hugely energetic release by a world class team. Program Director Lisa Osborne was joined by Will Brereton (NZ/UK), Fabio Abrantes (Portugal), Bevan James Eyles (NZ), Kendall Kimball (USA), Mark Sinclair (NZ) and Robinson Kennedy (Brazil).
BODYBALANCE™ 41 finished off the first huge day of filming – providing the calm in the storm – so to speak! Program Director Jackie Mills was joined by Corey Baird (NZ), Dr David McKenzie (NZ), Kylie Gates (Australia) and Laurence Klares (France).
Turn It Up!
Click here for more pics...
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Ssup everybody! Hey I gotta tell you about this wicked new collaboration… Les Mills has joined forces with MTV (YEAH, MTV!!!!) with the result being a series of brand new BODYJAM™ inspired routines broadcast to viewers all over the Netherlands and the Flemish part of Belgium.
In December I flew to Amsterdam and recorded 15 two and a half minute sets. Until March 15, five of these are being broadcast every day on MTV in the Netherlands. Bad huh? The aim is to get people off their couches and into a club to try out more BODYJAM™!
The two weeks I spent in Amsterdam were full on but fully worth it – I spent a day auditioning a huge group of BODYJAM™ instructors, then picked the best to join me on screen. We had a day of rehearsal to get our stylez looking tight, then spent two days (in the freezing cold) filming. And when I say cold, how does minus five sound? In a crop top? Not me – the girls! But you get the picture.
The release of the Les Mills/MTV project coincides with the launching of www.lesmills.com/netherlands – the all new Netherlands website. Since the launch, a huge amount of traffic has been directed to the new site, guaranteeing massive exposure of your favourite dance class.
It’s awesome to be working with MTV as they represent some of the most important values of the BODYJAM™ experience: music, entertainment and inspiration.
Click here to see more pics!
G
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While the rest of the world battled their hangovers and spent time with family and friends on New Years Day, 15 Italian instructors and potential trainers, Team Italia (Saskia, Roberto and Gabriel) and Steve and I traveled from all over the continent to attend the first module of 2008. This was held in a small Italian village, one hour drive from Turin.
It was a beautiful location, situated at the base of a mountain range fit for the world’s best skiers. Staying in a family hotel with great Italian food and a really cosy room to work in for five days was fantastic.
The Instructor Module, which ran from Jan 2-4, was a real success with all 15 instructors passing (must have been the great trainer)! Because it had snowed for the first three days, some instructors were snowed in.
Seven instructors were selected for the BODYVIVE™ trainer bootcamp which ran from Jan 5-6. Trainers were up-skilled in the new module and a real BODYVIVE™ spirit was ignited in Italy.
It was amazing to work with the passionate Italian teachers and trainers. Like everything they do, it was all about style and energy. Dinner with Roberto and his family was a highlight with everyone managing to survive the full four courses and champagne! That was the real BODYVIVE™ challenge. Thanks to Roberto’s wife Barbara for an incredible meal.
The best part of the five days was seeing people really grasp the potential of BODYVIVE™ - I think there is a great fit for BODYVIVE™ in Italy. Watch this space, world!
Susan
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Taking place in Auckland, New Zealand, the Les Mills Global Summit is going to be the experience of a lifetime, with over 300 trainers from around the world attending.
If you’re an instructor and keen to get a slice of the action, now is your chance to register and join our international guests in the 2/2008 Release Masterclass filming which is taking place during the summit on February 10 and 11.
The filmings will be unlike any we’ve done before with new concepts and special effects. They will certainly be a summit highlight so register now to guarantee your spot. Instructors can register for the two day experience, which includes a welcome pack, gift, lunch during the filming and entry to the post filming party, for NZ$250. To be involved in one day of filming will cost NZ$155.
Because there will be over 600 people taking part in the Masterclass filming, you must register to be involved – for capacity and equipment reasons. The filming is not being held in Studio 1 at Les Mills World of Fitness, and just turning up on the day will most certainly lead to disappointment.
This really is an opportunity of a lifetime so turn it up and sign up today! There are a limited number of instructor places available and will be allocated on a first in, first served basis. Please note that the RPM™ Masterclass is already fully booked.
Registrations will be open until January 6 unless sold out prior.
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The filming of the 1/2008 Release went off on Friday November 2 and Saturday November 3!
There was an extra special guest on the filming of BODYJAM™ 44 – 17-year-old Lien Michiels. Lien has been a BODYJAM™ instructor at her parents’ gym in Belgium since she was 15 and an avid fan of BODYJAM™ since 2002. She traveled to New Zealand with her Mum, Dad and sister Anne courtesy of Make-A-Wish – a foundation that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Lien impressed the BODYJAM™ team consisting of myself, Rachael Newsham and Portugal’s Matteo Cerruti with her stylish moves and beautiful attitude. Check out her inspirational story here…
Another big highlight was the filming of BODYATTACK™ 60! Big ups to Lisa Osborne – 60 releases of BODYATTACK™ is definitely worth celebrating. Lis took to the stage with New Zealand’s Bevan James Eyles, Karin Zandstra from the Netherlands and Dean Lightbody from Australia.
Lis and Dean were also part of the team for BODYSTEP™ 71. They were joined by Mark Nu’u, Sarah Robinson and Australia’s Kirsty Robbie.
Jackie Mills lead a BODYBALANCE™ 40 team of Corey Baird, Hong Kong’s Jean Goh and Dione Ware and Matt Sadler – both from Australia. IMT Pete Manual made his BODYVIVE™ debut with support from Susan Trainor and Maureen Baker for the filming of BODYVIVE™ 6
RPM™ 38 had a stellar line-up of Dan McDonogh, Glen Ostergaard, Sarah Ostergaard and Amy Styles and in BODYCOMBAT™ 35 Dan Cohen and Rachael Newsham were joined by Claudia Siera from the Netherlands. Glen was on stage again with the BODYPUMP™ 65 team of Susan Tolj, Mark Sinclair, Brazil’s Cris Tourinho and Australia’s Shannon Cleary.
Special thanks to all the international presenters who made the long journey to Auckland and worked insanely hard while they were here helping create that LES MILLS™ magic.
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Listen up!
We’re always trying to think of new, improved ways to communicate all things Les Mills to our dedicated community. So, a few of us creative types got together and thought;
“Mate, wouldn’t it be really cool if we could put together some wicked behind the scenes stuff that captures what goes on that no one ever sees?”
So, after many meetings (we like meetings here) we sorted ourselves out and got on with the job and created the Les Mills BODCAST. As it’s our first podcast it may be rough in patches but hey, like a fine wine, we will get better with time.
And who is us, we hear you ask?
It’s Pete Manuel, Dan Cohen, Dan McDonough, Gandalf Archer, Emma Barry, Bridget Armstrong, Vaughn Schwass and yours truly! There’s so much to talk about and we can’t keep quiet any longer.
Because it’s a pilot podcast, we’re keen to receive feedback so make sure you fill in the survey and tell us what you think!
Remember to be honest: tell it like it is, how it could be, how it was and of course how it should be! (man that rhymes well)
We want to bring you another Les Mills BODCAST as soon as we can and we want it to be filled with content you’re interested in.
So tell your mum, your mate, your neighbour, your fellow gym buddies – it’s for everybody to listen to!
Download the very first Les Mills BODCAST for FREE and tell us what you think.
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Watch out! Les Mills workout gear is about to get as hot as the classes with the launch our new clothing range for the USA from today (9/19/07).
Collaboration between some of New Zealand’s leading sportswear designers and top LES MILLS™ trainers have resulted in a unique blend of high fashion and performance workout gear.
Initially two ranges are being launched. The “Moko” range captures the essence of the individual programs, while the “Whanau” range reflects a LES MILLS™ look across all the programs. These garments look cool in, and out, of the club.
All the clothing is available for purchase on lesmills.com. The user friendly, interactive clothing store looks so good you’re going to want to buy everything on offer!
If you're in the States, click here to find out more about Les Mills Clothing.
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