Today we launched the latest round of Les Mills releases. Bodycombat and Bodypump at 3 outlets, Bodyjam at Parkway, Bodyattack at Suntec and Bodybalance at GWC.
I launched BC39 with Elaine and Rhomeiny at Parkway, and I must say I certainly enjoyed myself very much. It helps if you like the release (nothing to do with me attending the filming, I certainly didn't quite take to BC36 done during Global Summit as I did for BC39), the music is good and I especially loved the choreo for some of the tracks.
I can definitely see myself recycling ALL of the tracks for future classes and there's unlikely any track which will be binned for good.
Complexity for BC39 is back to low levels, but intensity levels are kept high with the reps and longer combos. I presented T7-10, and T8 has to be one of my favourites. I love the burn on the shoulders and seeing grimaces on the many faces.
I didn't do BP69, would have liked to, but the chronic injury on my left elbow isn't going to allow that.
Stayed for BJ48, and it is awesome. I really loved the entire release and the 2 major blocks - Jive 2009 and UF 'Oh'. It was very well presented by Rhomeiny, Ben and Seb, so I could just let loose and enjoy the release. Still can't dance very well, but there's no harm going for a class and enjoying.
I've got some news that there will be Bodyvive, Bodyattack and Bodycombat instructor courses coming this year. I've already trained for BA and BC, and BV somehow doesn't appeal to me.
The logical choice would be BP, but I haven't been fated to attend the course. Registered 3 times but due to business trips/cancelled courses, I haven't had privilege to do the training. Still don't think I'll do BJ though!
That's it from me... another busy week ahead, but then again, what's new?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
499 and counting...
I'm updating my Excel spreadsheet for my BC tracks selection right now, my routine I go through after every single class, and I just realised that I have officially conducted 499 classes!
When I started this journey just under 2.5 years ago, I didn't know how far I would take this and how many classes I would eventually conduct. It was all for fun and little did I know that I would reach this milestone.
While I'm proud of my accomplishment, what I take heart in is making people enjoy their classes and their workout. Exercising should never be a chore. I know I'm sounding cliche here but this is seriously how I feel.
There has been alot of sweat (pun intended) along the way. I fought hard (yet another pun) and I've seen many people come and go. There have been supporters and there have been detractors. The most important thing for me is that I enjoy what I do. I guess when the day comes when I dread doing new releases and have to drag myself to classes, I will call it a day.
How fitting that my 500th class should be the launch of the new release - BC39. I am sure we will have a blast and everyone will LOVE the new release. I feel that enthusiasm is infectious, if instructors love the release and deliver in a way that they like the tracks, participants will like the tracks too.
P.S. - I happen to love BC39!
When I started this journey just under 2.5 years ago, I didn't know how far I would take this and how many classes I would eventually conduct. It was all for fun and little did I know that I would reach this milestone.
While I'm proud of my accomplishment, what I take heart in is making people enjoy their classes and their workout. Exercising should never be a chore. I know I'm sounding cliche here but this is seriously how I feel.
There has been alot of sweat (pun intended) along the way. I fought hard (yet another pun) and I've seen many people come and go. There have been supporters and there have been detractors. The most important thing for me is that I enjoy what I do. I guess when the day comes when I dread doing new releases and have to drag myself to classes, I will call it a day.
How fitting that my 500th class should be the launch of the new release - BC39. I am sure we will have a blast and everyone will LOVE the new release. I feel that enthusiasm is infectious, if instructors love the release and deliver in a way that they like the tracks, participants will like the tracks too.
P.S. - I happen to love BC39!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Some Random Pics
Firstly, I have to give credit to the person who helped me with the screenshots. I owe you not one, not two, but many many... for all the help other than the screenshots. Appreciate everything you have helped me with, and I will always treasure you as my good friend.
Here's a chance for you to spot Wally! I mean, spot me. (Doubleclick to see all the full sized pics! - it's a bit late now, no time to resize pics and do nice nice edits)
Bodycombat 39 - Presenters simulating the combo in T2
Bodycombat 39 - Track 3
Bodycombat 39 - Track 5 (note the difference)
Bodycombat 39 - After T5, with PJ standing beside me. Check out my Singapore team jersey!
Bodyattack 64 - Spotted in running track
Bodyjam 48 - Luckily for me, it's dark. Very dark. Last filming of the day, started at 8:30pm. Phew!
Here's a chance for you to spot Wally! I mean, spot me. (Doubleclick to see all the full sized pics! - it's a bit late now, no time to resize pics and do nice nice edits)
Bodycombat 39 - Presenters simulating the combo in T2
Bodycombat 39 - Track 3
Bodycombat 39 - Track 5 (note the difference)
Bodycombat 39 - After T5, with PJ standing beside me. Check out my Singapore team jersey!
Bodyattack 64 - Spotted in running track
Bodyjam 48 - Luckily for me, it's dark. Very dark. Last filming of the day, started at 8:30pm. Phew!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Harder Than It Looks
What's harder than it looks? BC39 of course.
On paper (choreo) and on video, BC39 looks simple, lower complexity, easy moves, but the repetitions will kill you.
Watching the video again brings back all the fond memories of my little expedition to Auckland last Nov for the filmings. While I can't wait to go for the Apr filming again, let us focus on the present.
Those who have access to the video will see me at the bottom left corner in a prominent red top. It wasn't intended to be flashy, but I was just discussing with Lynn what I should wear for the filming because I wanted it to be representative of Singapore. I decided on wearing the football team jersey with the flag on it, but little did I know the red appeared so 'red' in the DVD.
I love watching the video because it brought back all those memories. The atmosphere was electrifying as usual and I had alot of fun. I made it a point to try to appear in the video so that when I look at the video again years later, I will tell myself - been there done that.
On the release, I'm finding myself liking the lower warm up more and more. It's the song. It has really grown on me. The tracks which looked deceptively easy were T4 (oooh the 16 knees), T7 (this is a killer) and T8 (my arms). Even T5 is no joke.
Besides BC39, I have heard that I appeared in BJ48. I didn't even stand in the front row, stood quite far back so I don't know how I managed to appear. I haven't seen the video yet but I'm panicking cos I'm wondering if I made a disgrace of myself cos I can't dance very well. But seriously this BJ is not to be missed! I haven't liked a release of BJ so much since BJ44 and BJ45 (Global Summit).
For TF, we will be officially launching the new release on 15 March. I shall spare everyone the details here and let everyone enjoy the workout during the launch itself.
On paper (choreo) and on video, BC39 looks simple, lower complexity, easy moves, but the repetitions will kill you.
Watching the video again brings back all the fond memories of my little expedition to Auckland last Nov for the filmings. While I can't wait to go for the Apr filming again, let us focus on the present.
Those who have access to the video will see me at the bottom left corner in a prominent red top. It wasn't intended to be flashy, but I was just discussing with Lynn what I should wear for the filming because I wanted it to be representative of Singapore. I decided on wearing the football team jersey with the flag on it, but little did I know the red appeared so 'red' in the DVD.
I love watching the video because it brought back all those memories. The atmosphere was electrifying as usual and I had alot of fun. I made it a point to try to appear in the video so that when I look at the video again years later, I will tell myself - been there done that.
On the release, I'm finding myself liking the lower warm up more and more. It's the song. It has really grown on me. The tracks which looked deceptively easy were T4 (oooh the 16 knees), T7 (this is a killer) and T8 (my arms). Even T5 is no joke.
Besides BC39, I have heard that I appeared in BJ48. I didn't even stand in the front row, stood quite far back so I don't know how I managed to appear. I haven't seen the video yet but I'm panicking cos I'm wondering if I made a disgrace of myself cos I can't dance very well. But seriously this BJ is not to be missed! I haven't liked a release of BJ so much since BJ44 and BJ45 (Global Summit).
For TF, we will be officially launching the new release on 15 March. I shall spare everyone the details here and let everyone enjoy the workout during the launch itself.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Weekend Of Sleep
It has been an eventful past week, not only was it the last week of the month, ensuring that I would not get ample rest, I also spent the most money I've ever spent in the space of 2 days.
The adrenaline kept me going, or rather it kept me sleepless for a few nights. Nevertheless, I was exhausted and deprived of sleep.
I did push myself hard for my 2 Sat classes, and I backed out of a track in my second class. Halfway through the class, I was thinking if I was going to make thru those flying jumpknees in 'Check Your Head' unscathed before I pulled the plug and ditched it at the last min.
I went to bed on Saturday night before 10pm. For the life of me, I cannot remember when was the last time I slept for nearly 12hrs. A rainy Sunday ensured another nap which recharged me further.
I've just finished watching the League Cup final between Man Utd and Spurs. Went all the way to extra time and penalties, yet I'm not feeling any signs of sleepiness.
The next three days will be important for me. The anticipation is already killing me. For now, I shall convince myself to sleep because it's another long week ahead. Suddenly, the NZ trip in end Apr seems so far away. I need a break, desperately.
The adrenaline kept me going, or rather it kept me sleepless for a few nights. Nevertheless, I was exhausted and deprived of sleep.
I did push myself hard for my 2 Sat classes, and I backed out of a track in my second class. Halfway through the class, I was thinking if I was going to make thru those flying jumpknees in 'Check Your Head' unscathed before I pulled the plug and ditched it at the last min.
I went to bed on Saturday night before 10pm. For the life of me, I cannot remember when was the last time I slept for nearly 12hrs. A rainy Sunday ensured another nap which recharged me further.
I've just finished watching the League Cup final between Man Utd and Spurs. Went all the way to extra time and penalties, yet I'm not feeling any signs of sleepiness.
The next three days will be important for me. The anticipation is already killing me. For now, I shall convince myself to sleep because it's another long week ahead. Suddenly, the NZ trip in end Apr seems so far away. I need a break, desperately.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Help Boost The Economy
In response to my previous post, all I can say is I bought a continental car and not a Japanese car (which my colleagues and even myself thought I'll be getting). There's a little bit of impulse factored into it. I don't think many people would have guessed anyway.
Sometimes I am concerned about recession and downturn, at the same time, I also feel that the best time to spend money is during recession, not only do you get to boost the economy, but your dollar stretches further because things are cheaper and going for discounts.
For instance, my BC coursemate (now conducting classes at FF) told me that 5 of them will be making their way down to Auckland for the May filmings. Found out from him that they got a real steal.
Air tix - $1,114 (SQ 2 to go, or make it 5 to go)
Accomodation - $266
Total works out to be $1,380 for a week's trip and an experience of a lifetime, and on Singapore Airlines, would you believe it. I say its worth it. Even the accomodation they chose is not some shady and dodgy place, but a very classy and upmarket area, which I stayed at during my first visit to Auckland. (www.latitude37.co.nz)
NZ being in recession has caused the NZD to plunge, so it's really a good time to use this opportunity to go before the NZD recovers.(no offence to any kiwis reading this, just speaking from our local perspective for forex here) If we really make a trip once in a lifetime, why not go when NZD is cheap? When it recovers, it will be so much more expensive for us.
Not only that, global downturn probably caused SQ to drop its fares, and which is why I managed to use my miles to redeem for biz class, something which I'm sure I won't be able to do in good times.
I know I'm just finding reasons and excuses for my spending, but I feel that I've been relatively prudent compared to my peers/colleagues during the good times, so it's my time to help boost the economy now.
I don't believe in catching the bottom, but I do believe in bargains when I see one.
In the meantime, I am looking forward to this trip, maybe with a few of us from Singapore there, we can even do some dress code or something.
Sometimes I am concerned about recession and downturn, at the same time, I also feel that the best time to spend money is during recession, not only do you get to boost the economy, but your dollar stretches further because things are cheaper and going for discounts.
For instance, my BC coursemate (now conducting classes at FF) told me that 5 of them will be making their way down to Auckland for the May filmings. Found out from him that they got a real steal.
Air tix - $1,114 (SQ 2 to go, or make it 5 to go)
Accomodation - $266
Total works out to be $1,380 for a week's trip and an experience of a lifetime, and on Singapore Airlines, would you believe it. I say its worth it. Even the accomodation they chose is not some shady and dodgy place, but a very classy and upmarket area, which I stayed at during my first visit to Auckland. (www.latitude37.co.nz)
NZ being in recession has caused the NZD to plunge, so it's really a good time to use this opportunity to go before the NZD recovers.(no offence to any kiwis reading this, just speaking from our local perspective for forex here) If we really make a trip once in a lifetime, why not go when NZD is cheap? When it recovers, it will be so much more expensive for us.
Not only that, global downturn probably caused SQ to drop its fares, and which is why I managed to use my miles to redeem for biz class, something which I'm sure I won't be able to do in good times.
I know I'm just finding reasons and excuses for my spending, but I feel that I've been relatively prudent compared to my peers/colleagues during the good times, so it's my time to help boost the economy now.
I don't believe in catching the bottom, but I do believe in bargains when I see one.
In the meantime, I am looking forward to this trip, maybe with a few of us from Singapore there, we can even do some dress code or something.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Brand New Toy
I bought myself a new car over the weekend. I deliberated about writing it here, but now I guess it shouldn't matter who's reading and who's not. The process of buying my new toy kept me busy for the past 2-3 weeks - doing research, visiting car showrooms during weekends, especially Sundays when I'm not conducting classes.
I've been thinking of buying a car for a few months now, so I'm glad I took the plunge over the weekend, which basically removed the agony of oscillating between the decision to get one or not. And because I was already mentally prepared to buy one, I reckoned the best time to buy it is during depressed COE prices, like right now.
I know all the cons of owning a car, in particular a brand new one. It's expensive, the first owner takes a heavy hit on depreciation, prices could potentially fall further on downturn, and I haven't even started on expenses like petrol, parking, ERP, road tax, maintenance. It's not cheap.
But I just couldn't wait.
The decision wasn't easy. I am concerned about the downturn, and also thinking about parental approval and opinions of others.
When I was young, I did have problems breaking to my parents about certain extravagant purchases and spendings, but now that I work and earn my own money, they don't interfere so much. They still add their 2-cents but to no avail. At work, there's a certain 'invisible' (or maybe self-imagined) pressure about what kind of car one should be driving, and my boss will surely chip in with some comments.
And no, I did not buy my dream car.
My dream car (right now for my age) is the Audi A4. I prefer it over the similar range Mercedes C-class and BMW 3-series and other entry level luxury cars. No proper reason for doing so, except that I love the exterior, the interior and it was just love at first sight when I went to the showroom. I think it's classy, elegant, and most importantly, not a common sight on the road.
Despite my colleagues stirring me big time and my boss asking me to get it, I managed to control myself because the retail price of S$139,000 is no joke. I'm not even sure if my job is secure, so I'd rather not be dragged down by a hefty liability and a loan to finance. I went for something more affordable, so that I still have my dream to aspire, an opportunity to upgrade.
In the weeks leading up to my big purchase, I didn't even look at the car that I bought eventually. Everything just transpired real quick. After class on Sat, I went to Leng Kee/Alexandra to take a look. I saw this model which I haven't really noticed before. Looking at it further got me interested and I enquired about the price. As I took the conversation to the next level, the sales exec suggested a test drive. During the test drive, I liked what I experienced and as they say, the rest is history.
I paid a $5,000 deposit on the spot and from then on, I have been super excited and I am now eagerly waiting for my car to come (subject to successful COE bidding).
When I returned to work, my colleagues continued to stir me. They've been stirring me to get one every single day, so much so that even when I bump into my boss at the gents, the one thing he asks 'when are you buying a car?' rather than my work.
So I broke the news to them. After I told my boss, he gave his stamp of approval. He commented that my car has a 'good engine' but that I am 'very uncle'! To a certain extent it's true with regards to my choice of car and colour, but I don't really want to buy a flashy sports car or a coupe/cabriolet. In fact, I don't even fancy a hatchback. I just feel that it's not me. Anyway, I don't care since I'm the one driving it and seeing it everyday.
My boss has a mantra which sort of resonates in me. I think I concur, but having someone verbalise it simply reaffirms my views.
1) If you don't spend money, money won't come in.
2) Spending money has a psychological effect.
If I apply it in my context, it is certainly true. After that huge purchase, I feel extremely motivated to earn it all back to patch that hole in my pocket. And also, the psychological effect of being able to earn your own money and spend it. Spending money is definitely as therapeutic as blogging, if not more.
That was the personal ambition I was talking about. I've fulfilled it, I am so looking forward to it.
Next up, I guess I can use my ride to start scouring for potential property bargains. I am of the view that property prices will come down for the next 2-3 years and I want to be involved this time round when the property market recovers.
I've been thinking of buying a car for a few months now, so I'm glad I took the plunge over the weekend, which basically removed the agony of oscillating between the decision to get one or not. And because I was already mentally prepared to buy one, I reckoned the best time to buy it is during depressed COE prices, like right now.
I know all the cons of owning a car, in particular a brand new one. It's expensive, the first owner takes a heavy hit on depreciation, prices could potentially fall further on downturn, and I haven't even started on expenses like petrol, parking, ERP, road tax, maintenance. It's not cheap.
But I just couldn't wait.
The decision wasn't easy. I am concerned about the downturn, and also thinking about parental approval and opinions of others.
When I was young, I did have problems breaking to my parents about certain extravagant purchases and spendings, but now that I work and earn my own money, they don't interfere so much. They still add their 2-cents but to no avail. At work, there's a certain 'invisible' (or maybe self-imagined) pressure about what kind of car one should be driving, and my boss will surely chip in with some comments.
And no, I did not buy my dream car.
My dream car (right now for my age) is the Audi A4. I prefer it over the similar range Mercedes C-class and BMW 3-series and other entry level luxury cars. No proper reason for doing so, except that I love the exterior, the interior and it was just love at first sight when I went to the showroom. I think it's classy, elegant, and most importantly, not a common sight on the road.
Despite my colleagues stirring me big time and my boss asking me to get it, I managed to control myself because the retail price of S$139,000 is no joke. I'm not even sure if my job is secure, so I'd rather not be dragged down by a hefty liability and a loan to finance. I went for something more affordable, so that I still have my dream to aspire, an opportunity to upgrade.
In the weeks leading up to my big purchase, I didn't even look at the car that I bought eventually. Everything just transpired real quick. After class on Sat, I went to Leng Kee/Alexandra to take a look. I saw this model which I haven't really noticed before. Looking at it further got me interested and I enquired about the price. As I took the conversation to the next level, the sales exec suggested a test drive. During the test drive, I liked what I experienced and as they say, the rest is history.
I paid a $5,000 deposit on the spot and from then on, I have been super excited and I am now eagerly waiting for my car to come (subject to successful COE bidding).
When I returned to work, my colleagues continued to stir me. They've been stirring me to get one every single day, so much so that even when I bump into my boss at the gents, the one thing he asks 'when are you buying a car?' rather than my work.
So I broke the news to them. After I told my boss, he gave his stamp of approval. He commented that my car has a 'good engine' but that I am 'very uncle'! To a certain extent it's true with regards to my choice of car and colour, but I don't really want to buy a flashy sports car or a coupe/cabriolet. In fact, I don't even fancy a hatchback. I just feel that it's not me. Anyway, I don't care since I'm the one driving it and seeing it everyday.
My boss has a mantra which sort of resonates in me. I think I concur, but having someone verbalise it simply reaffirms my views.
1) If you don't spend money, money won't come in.
2) Spending money has a psychological effect.
If I apply it in my context, it is certainly true. After that huge purchase, I feel extremely motivated to earn it all back to patch that hole in my pocket. And also, the psychological effect of being able to earn your own money and spend it. Spending money is definitely as therapeutic as blogging, if not more.
That was the personal ambition I was talking about. I've fulfilled it, I am so looking forward to it.
Next up, I guess I can use my ride to start scouring for potential property bargains. I am of the view that property prices will come down for the next 2-3 years and I want to be involved this time round when the property market recovers.
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