I grew up very involved in dance and sports so music and motion have always been a very important part of my life. It created great energy and excitement and always made me feel alive. After having a family, life became very busy. Raising two small children while my husband was away at grad school and moving to a new state was a huge challenge. Unfortunately, in the process, I didn't make time to work out or eat healthy.

I gained 50 pounds (23 kilograms) over five years and felt tired, sloppy and defeated. My doctors told me I was pre-hypertensive and pre-diabetic. For years they said I needed to lose weight or else I would be heading down an unhealthy path. For years I tried and failed to lose weight. Then my mother passed away at the young age of 66.

She was overweight and had health issues that come with being overweight. It was then that I knew it was time for change. I had to take hold of my life again so I re-entered the work force part time at my local gym. I figured that if I surrounded myself with a healthy and fit environment, I would get the "bug" again and turn myself around. Sure enough, with the guidance of a personal trainer and the encouragement of my best friend, Sue, I was able to lose the weight and begin to feel like myself again.

At around the same time, my gym was scheduled to host a BODYCOMBAT Training Module. Although I had never seen or taken a class, it sounded interesting to me. Sue twisted my arm (hard) and convinced me that this was something I needed to do. Without knowing much about Les Mills and having never been any kind of instructor (unless you count being a Brownie leader) I signed on the dotted line. I was VERY apprehensive and nervous, but in my mind there was no turning back. Little did I know that this would be a pivotal moment in my life.

From day one of training with the incredible Angel Santiago as my trainer, I knew I was hooked. The energy, the rush of excitement, and the camaraderie between the trainees was addicting. I knew I needed more! BODYCOMBAT was what was missing from my life! I began teaching classes at my gym and transforming my body even more. I attended several Super Quarterlies, met many amazing Les Mills presenters, and made numerous new friends with the same passion I have for the world of fitness. It was exactly what I needed mentally and physically

‘‘ It has helped me through some personal challenges and inspired me to power through life with everything I've got. ’’

-Allison Machinchick

Four years later, I am still a BODYCOMBAT instructor adding BODYFLOW and CXWORX to my line up, I am still fit, and I am stronger and happier than ever!!! In total, I lost 50 pounds and three dress sizes. I feel like I have a new lease on life. Now I live for sharing my love for fitness with my members!

More recently, this Spring I attended a Quarterly in my area and was asked to accompany the presenters on stage. It was totally OFF THE HOOK! I never imagined that my excitement for BODYCOMBAT could grow any bigger, but it did!!! I instantly knew I wanted more! I returned home from that experience with more energy and passion than ever!

Unfortunately, three days later, my world took an unexpected turn when my 16 year old son was diagnosed with leukaemia. In order to provide the best care for him, I had to take a month off from the gym and my passion for teaching BODYCOMBAT. Throughout this journey I knew I had to be strong for my son, for my family, and for my fighters at the gym. I truly believe that my inner strength and passion that I developed from being a BODYCOMBAT instructor set the foundation for my personal battle at home. We are fighting hard and winning!

I know that BODYCOMBAT and Les Mills came into my life for much more than a teaching opportunity. It has shaped me (no pun intended) into the strong, passionate, and fit person that I am today. It has helped me through some personal challenges and inspired me to power through life with everything I've got. Every release sparks even more love for this awesome program. Directors Dan and Rach are two of the most passionate and admirable people whose energy and dedication to fitness are contagious. My goal is to pass that incredible feeling straight to my members to hopefully inspire them the same.

BODYCOMBAT defines who I am and for that I am forever grateful. I'm hooked for life. I've got Combat running through my veins!