Body Pump Boot Camp

In addition to coaching on-camera talent, I also do some coaching at the gym. Fitness has always been a big part of my life and it comes in handy when teaching the breath control and posture required for on-camera performance. As a certified AFAA group exercise instructor, I teach strength, pilates and cardio at 24 Hour Fitness. But I wasn't quite prepared for the challenge of becoming a Les Mills Body Pump instructor. The trainers, Megan and Don, challenged us to learn the routines with perfect form -- and an insane amout of "role model" weight. The three-day boot camp tested my limits, especially because I did the training right after pulling an early morning radio news shift at KFI. I also made lots of new friends among my fellow instructors as we toughed it out together. We've passed two auditions and now only need to submit a video of an actual class so our teaching skills can be evaluated.
You may have read my earlier post (Body Pump, May 31, 2010) about the Body Pump instructors I met in Maldives. Now I have joined them as part of the worldwide Les Mills "tribe." The organization is based in New Zealand and sets the standard for barbell group strength training. A master class with their world class instructors at the IDEA convention in Los Angeles was truly inspiring. Soon, I'll be teaching Body Pump at 24 Hour Fitness in South Hills and Glendora, including one class that I'll be co-teaching with my Group X boss, Manny Ruiz. This program has taken my own fitness to a new level and I can't wait to inspire others to achieve their fitness goals.

Body Pump!

DhiTV ran a Maldivian version of "The Biggest Loser." The host of the show, called "Dream Body" introduced me to the personal trainer who helped him lose 40 pounds. His wife teaches at a gym called "The Body Club" and when I went there for a workout, I was suprised to find two excellent Les Mills Body Pump Instructors, Maai and Hishko. They would fit right in at 24 Hour fitness, where I teach as a part time Group Exercise instructor in California. They kept up the energy throughout the one-hour class with excellent form and perfect cueing. Hishko also teaches an aqua class at the artificial beach, seen here on a typical evening. Notice that the women swim completely clothed, including a head veil if they wear it.Hishko also has a special story to tell. Her baby boy died last year of a congenital heart defect, when he was only two months old. After struggling to get a lifesaving operation in India, she and her husband started a non-profit organization called "Tiny Hearts." Until now, no one was even keeping track of Maldivian children with similar heart problems. Now, the organization is raising money to help 80 families with kids in need of medical care . TV newscasters from all the stations will be playing a soccer match for charity to help raise money and local companies including the Holiday Inn are helping out with contributions.Finally, Maai, Hishko and one of their friends showed me the World Cup dance they are planning to perform in a parade this Saturday to the Shakira song "For Africa." In addition to being great dancers, they are also outstanding human beings and I am proud to know them.