Meet Kyle
How long have you been teaching the programmes you assess?
I have been teaching for almost 10 years, taking my first Les Mills programme, RPM™ back in 2010, Release 46. I fell in love with the music and the experience of riding to a powerful beat. I have been teaching BODYATTACK™ for 4 years and SH’BAM™ for 2.
Why did you decide to become an Assessor?
I wanted to be an Assessor to help provide feedback to other Instructors. I had been very grateful throughout my previous Les Mills training experience of the feedback I had received. It helped me to refine my technique and supported me with developing tools that I could use to inspire my own class participants. To become an Assessor was the next step in my journey as an individual, and it gave me an opportunity to support other Instructors to become their best.
What is the perfect scenario for assessing?
For me, there isn't an ideal time. As assessments come in at different times in the week, I like to schedule time where I know I can do an assessment if needed. It’s important to be in a space that is quiet to be able to hear and focus. I usually do my assessments at the weekend at home (unless they are due sooner). I find the weekend is when I have time away from other things such as my regular classes and non-fitness job where I can focus properly.
What is the biggest piece of feedback that you can provide to an Instructor?
As Instructors we love what we do, and we all want the best for our participants. My biggest feedback to other Instructors is to let the passion you hold for teaching your programme come through in the video. Let’s see the’ Ultimate You!’ It’s a strange situation to be filmed doing what you do - it doesn’t happen in many other industries like being a doctor, mechanic or working in an office. Being able to watch yourself isn’t easy, but it gets easier. If you can see the camera as just another participant in the room, it will help you to relax. When you truly relax into the workout, all of the time you have spent refining each Key Element comes shining through. The workout comes together, and the class goes to the next level. Trust that you know your choreography and you have practiced enough to really enjoy the experience.
What makes you smile when watching a video?
I smile when I see the class engaging well with the Instructor and the Instructor having fun. To see all of the hard work pay off is wonderful. When an Instructor is giving the class 100% of their effort, I usually want to be joining in with the workout.
What is the most rewarding part of being an Assessor?
This is an easy one... I like to know that Instructors are progressing, getting to the next level and becoming better at what they do from the feedback they have received. All I do is apply a set of criteria and make observations about the things I see working well and the areas which need attention. The most powerful thing is that the Instructor takes this information and uses it to develop (they do all the hard work). There is nothing I want more than to see the Instructor pass, then go on to teach a programme with energy and passion, changing lives along the way.
Meet Dave
How long have you been teaching the programmes you assess?
BODYBALANCE™ since 2003, participated first on BODYBALANCE™ 07 on cassette tape! I was part of the LES MILLS TONE™ and LES MILLS GRIT™ team from Release 1.
Why did you decide to become an Assessor?
I became an Assessor after a Bootcamp one year and have never looked back. I remember with fondness the meeting at Fitpro, but the game definitely changed for the better when Les Mills took back control and the levels of professionalism and learning went up. I am also a certified Level 3 Assessor in ETM (Exercise to Music), so the learning never stops.
What is the perfect scenario for assessing?
I like to assess on Sundays at home when it is quiet, equally the other time is the nights when I am not teaching as it allows me to focus much better.
What is the biggest piece of feedback that you can provide to an Instructor?
Be yourself, be genuine, and just do the best you can. You never know where it will ultimately take you on your personal journey.
What makes you smile when watching a video?
Some of the locations… the flashing lights and the stage. The diligence and attention to detail people put in to making the video just perfect, yet we are happy to expect the unexpected at times. For example, the mic falling apart with that giant leap, the person clearly walking out of the back of the class in the mirrors, or the occasional cat or dog appearing in a video! The point is it doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s very much about being who you are, because ultimately that is what makes us all human, but great instructors as well.
What is the most rewarding thing of being an Assessor?
That is easy. In the time I have assessed, I have seen many videos, and given feedback helping people along their journey. So then to meet them some time later as Presenters, Trainers, or even International Master Trainers, that’s the bit that gives me the buzz. That feeling when I watch my release video, thinking I played my small part in helping that person on their amazing journey. Equally just to see some of the Instructors around a Tribal Gathering or Quarterly Workshop and see their progress gives me an enormous sense of satisfaction.
Meet Norma
How long have you been teaching the programmes you assess?
I assess BODYBALANCE and have been teaching this amazing programme for 6 years.
Why did you become an assessor?
I decided to become an Assessor as an extension of my role as a Tribe Coach, mentoring anyone who has ambitions to teach to get started in the fitness industry, as well as supporting existing Instructors.
What is the perfect scenario for assessing?
I love to assess on a lazy weekend afternoon after my morning classes. I find it's a great way to wind down and refresh mentally after a busy week of teaching and running my own fitness business.
What is the biggest piece of feedback that you can provide to an Instructor?
The biggest piece of feedback I can give is to be open to feedback from every source, stay curious (learning is ongoing, and knowledge is powerful), treat other Instructors with respect and to always believe in themselves. Talent is useful but not essential for success. Hard work, persistence and resilience are more important.
What makes you smile when watching a video?
I love watching brand new Instructors teach. You can see them growing in confidence through the class and they have such a natural way of teaching. When they relax and smile for the first time in the class I smile too because I know they're on their way.
What is the most rewarding thing of being an assessor?
The most rewarding aspect of being an Assessor is when I receive a video from an Instructor to whom I originally gave a "Send New Video" outcome. You can see how hard they have worked to implement the feedback from the original assessment, and the resulting growth in that Instructor and how they teach is inspiring.
Meet Isla
How long have you been teaching the programs you assess?
BODYBALANCE 9 years, BODYATTACK 4 years, BORN TO MOVE™ 4 years and LES MILLS BARRE™ 1 year. I have been a qualified Assessor for 8 years.
Why did you become an assessor?
I became a Les Mills assessor as I wanted to contribute towards the Tribe and help to guide Instructors towards achieving certification and delivering life changing fitness experiences.
What is the perfect scenario for assessing?
I have 2 days set aside for assessing, where I work from home whilst my children are at school. Depending on when assessments come through I will either assess on these days or in the evening when my children are in bed.
What is the biggest piece of feedback that you can provide to an Instructor?
For me the most important feedback to provide is the positive. To highlight the Instructor’s strengths and to equip them with confidence and belief.
What makes you smile when watching a video?
Easy question to answer, I always smile when I start playing a submission and can see that the Instructor is teaching in the essence of the programme. To see them being authentic and enjoying teaching. I mean, how can you not smile when somebody is bringing the energy and fun to their BODYATTACK submission for example.
What is the most rewarding thing of being an assessor?
What I LOVE is that I am working from behind the scenes, the Instructor doesn’t know who I am, but I have the honour of providing the Instructor with feedback which they can take away with them and use to enhance their classes. It’s an incredible opportunity to positively present the Instructor’s strengths and map out an action plan to help them towards the next level.
