GX Journey

Before I start on this entry proper, I would just like to say that this post is partly inspired by the chat I had with some members after one of my classes last week, and partly inspired by Lynn, whom I've had several discussions (and arguments) over things like GX classes, styles and methods of teaching, pro-LM or anti-LM and so on... And of course Cancer Boy needs to remember everything, so he needs to write them down so that he can read back in years to come and reminisce.

What got me thinking was the members talking about some of their fitness journeys, and how they started attending GX classes.

Back in the good old days, my exercise regime consisted of weekly football sessions with my schoolmates, and swimming some laps. I worked in the US as a lifeguard before and I consider myself a fairly good swimmer.

So in university days, I was introduced to the gym scene via a free trial pass to Cali gym(I'm sure almost everyone has had their initiation there by now). Clueless at those machines and not exactly a fan of the treadmill, I ventured into one of those crowded studios for a class which seemed fun. The class is also what we know as BODYCOMBAT.

Only two things I can remember from the class.
1) One of the tracks was Lady Marmalade (BC11) which I knew, but the rest I didn't and I seriously didn't have a proper idea of what was going on.
2) I suffered a vicious side kick to my thighs, thankfully not to my knees.

Of course I didn't join the gym. Nothing really captured my interest. Then by a weird twist of fate, I had my second exposure, this time it was FF. I remember taking part in a SMS contest for the movie TROY (where Brad Pitt stars as a gladiator or something). One of the prizes was a free membership to FF (so that you can train to be like a gladiator). So I claimed my membership and went there.

I was studying then, on about 16hrs of classes per week, half of which are lectures which I don't bother attending as I don't believe in lectures. So I had plenty of free time and I attended lotsa classes, most of the time at Paragon. Very nice. But it was too expensive so I didn't want to sign up. Instead I chose to join PF, at a relatively lower rate.

So how did I get hooked on all those programs?

BODYCOMBAT - I think those were the early days and I remember these 2 particular instructors would always play the same MT track - Shake from BC15. I started to note a pattern, whenever the same track was played, the moves are always the same. I began to challenge myself to remember all the moves to test my memory. I went for as many classes as I could just so I could remember all of them.

Those days, what I hated the most was instructors not cue-ing in advance and making the participants stand there and look like idiots. So for me as a participant, what I wanted the most was accurate choreo and good pre-cue. That has sort of defined my teaching style now as I know what I wanted as a hardcore participant.

BODYPUMP - It took me a while to get started on BP cos it seemed intimidating. But luckily for me, in PF, BP is usually before BC, and before the BC classes, I would just peer through the window and see what the folks inside are doing. There was this particular instructor that I liked very much and I took up the courage to go for BP class and did BP regularly (2-3 times per week) until I switched to this job where I couldn't rush in time for 6:30pm classes.

BODYBALANCE - I started BB also because I liked this particular instructor very much and I went to try out her BB and got hooked. I loved the songs, I loved the peaceful feel, and most importantly, I was dealing with some personal problems at that time, and BB was one of the outlets for me. The relaxation/meditation was my favourite part of the class, I never miss it. That is the only time where I find some time for myself and just let go.

I had a couple of embarrassing moments in BB, I fell asleep during relaxation! There was once I actually slept for more than 20mins and the instructor didn't wake me up. I was woken up by one of the PTs who saw me lying there. I hope I didn't snore. Ha!

BODYSTEP/Freestyle Step - I sort of lump this together but I know its completely different programs. I buy into the LM philosophy most of the time, but I prefer Freestyle Step over BS. BS is choreographed and more of a fitness workout. Freestyle is more about creativity of the instructors and what I liked was the fact that no single class is the same, even if its from the same instructor. I like doing different blocks and adding them together (read BODYJAM). Keeps me mentally alert as I have to remember what's next.

RPM/Cycle - Sorry, not for me. I find it difficult to find the adrenaline and high.

BODYATTACK - Actually, I don't know what took me so long to really get this program started. It's great for building stamina, and I certainly find my fitness levels have improved after doing BA! Did my second ever BA class at the BA66 filming in Auckland and it was MAGIC. The energy was so high it got me hooked.

BODYJAM - This one I have to give 100% credit to Lynn. For a dare. A dare to try the program. I didn't even mark it down as one of the filmings that I wanted to attend in Auckland, but Lynn dared me to try the program, and I had to try it secretly at Auckland haha.

I am very proud of myself for trying it there, and then back in SG. I remember Sebestian's shocked face when he saw me in his class. Haha. And I'm also proud of pulling in my friends to do his class, and I even advertised for him in my own class haha.

What I liked about BJ was the layering and amalgamating everything into this massive block. There is ample time to practise and get the basics right before putting it altogether. I think there's more satisfaction.

I've been looking at the vids and analysing, I feel that Rach's involvement in BJ has indirectly influenced the new direction of BC. Rach started in BJ36 (that's BC27) and we've seen some layering in BC tracks, eg... Rock Me Amadeus, some of the ginga tracks.

Capoeira - a martial art disguised as a dance?

So this is my GX journey. I believe everyone of us, participant or instructor, has had a GX journey. Anyone cares to tell me theirs?