Open and Approachable You will find that as soon as you get to know someone, the power of your communication withthem improves dramatically. Organize at least 10 minutes before and after class to introduceyourself to any new people and screen any injuries and pregnancy. Try to learn their names, sothey can be called by their name in class. A “Winning Beginning” will relax your class and get you into a good communication zone.Explaining technique and benefits to your class gives them a feeling of empowerment throughexpert understanding and also gives them reasons for coming back. Start always with a structured and enthusiastic introduction, which will inspire your participantsand emphasize their decision to be there. During your introduction invite the class to leave their day and their worries behind. This helps toestablish a mind/body connection and allows learning to happen, because the brain can often beengaged and overloaded. Share something personal about yourself that helps your class to appreciate who you are. Letthem get to know you and build small details of your life into your script. Show your enjoymentand tell your participants what you like. In every class, share something like your favorite song,track etc. Deliver your pre and post-class scripts with confidence and caring. Talk like you expect aresponse and be consistent in your delivery. Encourage open feedback by making statements like“If anyone is new, please come and see me...” or “If you want me to review any of the exercises,please come and talk to me.” ‘Go that extra mile’ – find ways to add value for your participants.Catering to your Class Every single group will be different, each and every day. The key to creating connections in classwill be directly related to your willingness and ability to adapt your behavior to the group in front ofyou. Think constantly about whom you’re doing it for and how you’re going to connect with them... Beavailable for questions, share a new technique tip, remember someone’s birthday (and make afuss)... Provide options, distribute handouts, free class passes, have a raffle, play music before class to‘set the scene’ or include special lighting, posters and/or ‘props’.5. FITNESS MAGICDid you stay true to the essence of BODYATTACK?Creating Fitness Magic is important because by making our class an experience we allow exercise to become more enjoyable andeasier to commit to.Fitness Magic is evident in an <strong>instructor</strong>’s willingness to teach with feeling and in the way we show our emotions by interpreting themusic.Accomplished <strong>instructor</strong>s who add elements of magic into their classes are often able to attract large numbers of participants — which isone of our main goals. They are also able to engage their participants in a positive social experience.When the other four key elements begin to come together you’ll begin to see magic. The biggest thing we can do as <strong>instructor</strong>s is let themusic, movement and essence of the program create this and just hang on for the ride!BODYATTACK provides the framework into which we can build our own special touches and create the stage for a magicalexperience that lifts our participants out of everyday life.“While we aim to be star performers we remain team players.”Action Plan (Drills):The Program EssenceContrasting the Journey BODYATTACK is a high-energy cardio-conditioning fitness class inspired by sportstraining that leaves you on a ‘high’! When we stand in the essence of the program it’s easy to take the next step in building ourperformance with the way we use the music. Use the power, strength, athleticism and energy in each track and create a blend of music,movement and flair! BODYATTACK projects feelings of excitement, energy, fitness and sports training. Toconvey these feelings and ‘set the stage’ for participants we must dress to naturally portraythis. Video and review the class. Critically assess your grooming and clothing. Ask yourself “Whatcan be changed to add to your presentation?” Contrast can be found within and between tracks.© <strong>Les</strong> <strong>Mills</strong> International 2010 12
Action Plan (Drills): Some tracks are fun, some are strong and others are high-energy. Everyone has differenttastes in music so it is important to learn to express the energy highs and lows according tothe nature of each song and the nature of the track. As we begin the process of learning each new release, focus on really working with the song,rather than being at odds with it. Prepare a class plan; identify high-energy points and strength points. Ensure you knowwhere you are taking the class and alter the intensity and approach you have to each track. As it is important to be able to create different feels within each track, ask yourself: “What isthe song’s energy level?” Get to really know the new release music – take it apart like a surgeon would, workingthrough all the layers and exposing its heart… then put it all back together again.There’s no need to go in search of a magic box of tools… it’s all there in the music, justwaiting for you. Maximize the music potential and let your class know about any ‘Magic’ moments that allowthem to join in and express themselves too! Challenge yourself and overcome feelings of self-consciousness and worries. Unlock theperformer within and build your stage confidence, reacting to situations naturally and taking arisk. When we teach, we must unlock our personality in ways that add new aspects to the class toincrease the entertainment value for participants. Be free to express yourself in a dynamicand ‘larger than life’ manner. Learn to improvise by acting and reacting to different situations. Practice dramatizing your vocals, recording your class or use a voice recorder and listen toyourself without watching and ask: “Do I have impact? Does my voice mirror the music?” And“What does the song feel like?” Ask yourself: “Is this song strong, energetic, relaxing,powerful, hard core, happy, serious, exciting or inspiring?” Once this is completed, matchyour verbal and physical delivery style to copy it. Create fantastic finales, where appropriate. Find the soul in each track and teach it with passion!Natural Teaching Style Relax and just be you! Teach from the heart with a voice that is natural and YOURS! Get to know your strengths to ensure your delivery is always upbeat and positive. There is agreat deal that can be said with a smile, cheeky grin or knowing look. Take what you do seriously, not yourself. Practice your favorite facial expressions and observe your body language in front of a mirrorand think about how people would see you – remember that perception is reality. Love what you do and show it!© <strong>Les</strong> <strong>Mills</strong> International 2010 13