This month we’re celebrating the warriors of BODYCOMBAT, who have been staying with the fight and teaching others to do the same, for a decade or longer. We celebrate all of you by turning your stories into honourable mentions.
Aurelia Lynda
Country:
Indonesia
What made you go into the fitness industry?
In school, my favourite subject was PE, especially basketball. In college, I started
going to the gym and immediately fell in love with group fitness classes. Since
then, sport has played a big part in my life.
Years as a BODYCOMBAT instructor:
10 years
What do you love about being a BODYCOMBAT instructor?
Being on stage and watching members enjoying themselves in class makes me happy.
When my regulars start to show improvements in their technique,the satisfaction on
their faces is what keeps me going.
Why Les Mills and why this particular program (BODYCOMBAT)?
BODYCOMBAT empowers me and makes me feel strong. The endorphin spike is really
addictive and it keeps me coming back for more, every single time. It’s just like
falling in love – it just happens.
How has BODYCOMBAT changed your life?
Anybody who knows me now would never believe that I used to be an introvert. Joining
BODYCOMBAT boosted my confidence tremendously. I’ve made lots of new friends and
gained a whole new community who I now call family.
Your message to other BODYCOMBAT instructors to help them stay motivated?
Look back to when you first started doing this program and look at where you are
right now. How has your life changed? And now, think about your members’ lives. How
have they changed? Think about the positive changes that you have already brought,
and will continue to bring into their lives in the future. These are things that
money cannot buy.
What lessons have you learned during your career?
- There's always room for improvement. And while the road to improvement is not always easy, it's definitely achievable. Persistence is the key.
- Everybody is unique, not everyone has the same interests and needs. If your class attracts all kinds of people then you're on the right path.
What has motivated you to teach BODYCOMBAT for over a decade and will you be doing
so for another decade?
With the program constantly evolving, there’s always something new for me to learn.
Experiencing firsthand the benefits of BODYCOMBAT, I’m excited to see how my own and
my members’ fitness will further improve with this program. And yes, *finger
crossed* there will be another decade of teaching BODYCOMBAT for me!
FUN BITS ABOUT Aurelia Lynda
Favourite taste (spicy, bitter, salty, sweet)
Spicy
Secret Talent?
I can eat bowl of noodles in less than 1 minute! Haha
Movie that made you cry the hardest?
The Pursuit of Happyness
If you ruled the world, what law would you enact?
I will add another day between Sunday and Monday, and call it “FUNDAY” (a longer
weekend am I right?)!
Three words to describe yourself?
Energetic, free-spirited, independent
Tawatchai Vorathamkovit (Magnum)
Country:
Thailand
What made you go into the fitness industry?
I believe that fitness can change the world. It makes everyone stay fit and healthy.
That brings happiness in their lives. Health is the best wealth for everyone.
Years as a BODYCOMBAT instructor:
12 years
What do you love about being a BODYCOMBAT instructor?
I love seeing how members become more confident while they are having fun during my
classes. Finding enjoyment in exercise is important in order to stay healthy in the
long run.
Why Les Mills and why this particular program (BODYCOMBAT)?
BODYCOMBAT is a non-equipment based workout so anyone with a strong motivation to
exercise can jump right in!
How has BODYCOMBAT changed your life?
I gained more confidence and my personality got to shine through. BODYCOMBAT is not
just an exercise – it’s a real technique that makes it a unique kind of martial
arts.
Your message to other BODYCOMBAT instructors to help them stay motivated?
First of all, always remember that you are improving your members’ lives through
fitness. Secondly, observe how other experienced and successful instructors motivate
their class and reach out to them to seek their advice. Thirdly, attend LES MILLS
workshops to help you to continue to improve your teaching technique. And lastly,
remember that practise makes perfect!
What lessons have you learned during your career?
Nothing comes easy. New challenges come every day – from your members, your
colleagues and even yourself. No one can be a star forever. Never stop learning and
always improve yourself. Remember, even your own members or a junior colleague can
surprise you with something new, so open your heart and be willing to learn from
them.
What has motivated you to teach BODYCOMBAT for over a decade and will you be doing
so for another decade?
I’ve had so much fun teaching BODYCOMBAT. It’s good to see members enjoy exercise,
and this program enables everyone to do just that – whether they’re new to the class
or not. And of course, I’ll be teaching BODYCOMBAT for another decade!
FUN BITS ABOUT Tawatchai Vorathamkovit
Favourite taste (spicy, bitter, salty, sweet)
Spicy! My life is never a bitter one.
Secret Talent?
I can play Chinese music instruments like cymbals and drums since I was a kid. It
helps with my teaching because I never miss a beat!
Movie that made you cry the hardest?
A Star Is Born
If you ruled the world, what law would you enact?
I would give everyone the freedom to be themselves. The world would be more
colourful and full of creation and innovation! Three words to describe yourself.
Sincere, strive, spicy
Zeng Junwei
Country:
Singapore
What made you go into the fitness industry?
I tried my first class many years ago and was instantly hooked (trying to pick up
the steps and coordinating both my feet and arms together).
I wanted to bring that same feeling of accomplishment and joy to everyone who was
like the younger me – afraid of exercising or hated exercising – and as they say,
the rest is history.
Years as a BODYCOMBAT instructor:
14 years
What do you love about being a BODYCOMBAT instructor?
My members may not be professionals but within that one hour they will be able to
experience different forms of martial arts. The studio becomes a little safe space
for everyone to live out their martial artiste dreams!
Why Les Mills and why this particular program (BODYCOMBAT)?
I actually hated BODYCOMBAT on my first attempt because my whole body ached like
crazy for the following week! But after a few more tries, I fell in love with the
program. I looked forward to attending it every single day (and sometimes even two
times in a day!). Powerful music combined with even more powerful lyrics, paired
perfectly with the choreography *chef’s kiss*! Les Mills made it easy and addictive
to start and keep exercising!
How has BODYCOMBAT changed your life?
Well, I am definitely in a better shape than when I was in school and also healthier
(and that’s the most important thing). It had also allowed me to become more
confident, both on stage and off stage.
Your message to other BODYCOMBAT instructors to help them stay motivated?
I am pretty sure everyone has that moment of “why am I doing this?” and I, too, get
that. I always revisit the first day I went for my BODYCOMBAT IMT – my first
mentors, my first shadow, my first team-teach, my first clearance class and my first
scheduled class. All of those wonderful feelings have kept me motivated over the
years.
What lessons have you learned during your career?
Tough tracks don’t last, tough people do.
What has motivated you to teach BODYCOMBAT for over a decade and will you be doing
so for another decade?
I appreciate all the new things coming into the program and that’s one of the main
“push” factors for me. Sometimes I might get tracks that are difficult to connect
to, but that’s all part of the challenge and fun!
FUN BITS ABOUT Zeng Junwei
Favourite taste (spicy, bitter, salty, sweet)
MALA! (numb and spicy).
Secret Talent?
I can bake! Cakes, cupcakes – you name it
Movie that made you cry the hardest?
Tabi No Neko (“travelling cat”)
If you ruled the world, what law would you enact?
I’d end the illegal animal trade! Everyone, adopt please!
Three words to describe yourself.
Driven, creative, tall
Gina Maria Bryant (G-TRAIN/GB)
Country:
Australia
What made you go into the fitness industry?
I have always loved exercising but after I stopped competing for Australia in sport
aerobics, I delved into teaching and I’ve loved it ever since.
Years as a BODYCOMBAT instructor:
14 years
What do you love about being a BODYCOMBAT instructor?
It’s a mixed bag which makes every release so different and engaging. Love the
#invicible feeling during a class and seeing my members get fired up! You can see it
on their faces.
Why Les Mills and why this particular program (BODYCOMBAT)?
It will always be LES MILLS for me! A premium brand, tried, tested, re-tested and
world class every time. I teach many of their programs but BODYCOMBAT will always be
a part of my teaching schedule because of the emotions I get during a workout. It’s
not just a workout. It’s an experience!
How has BODYCOMBAT changed your life?
It has helped so many of my wonderful members get through some hard times because
I’ve created a place they can come to every week, to feel great and UNLEASH their
struggles for the week. That has given me purpose and has absolutely been
life-changing.
Your message to other BODYCOMBAT instructors to help them stay motivated?
Personally, I aim to do at least one LES MILLS training every year and I’m at every
workshop. I also put my hand up for as many launches or team teaches as I can. So my
advice is to get yourself to quarterly workshops and book into an Advanced Training.
Advanced Training is great as it gives you the tools to reconnect with WHY you
started teaching and what is important to you while teaching.
What lessons have you learned during your career?
Life is full of lessons and I’ve learnt many, but two of the biggest are:
- Hard work always pays off! Do the work. Always.
- Having a clear understanding of WHY I do what I do, is so important for me. I think of this every time I teach.
What has motivated you to teach BODYCOMBAT for over a decade and will you be doing
so for another decade?
My amazing members, fellow instructors, constant up-skilling, awesome worksouts and
memorable launches have kept me going, and I know (100%) I’ll be teaching for at
least another decade!
FUN BITS ABOUT Gina Maria Bryant
Favourite taste (spicy, bitter, salty, sweet)
Chili for sure, the hotter the better!
Secret Talent?
I can do a one-arm, one-leg push-up on both sides – pretty easily!
Movie that made you cry the hardest?
Anything with animals in it. I even cried in Abominable recently.
If you ruled the world, what law would you enact?
Be kind and BODYCOMBAT!
Three words to describe yourself.
Dedicated, loving, encouraging
Gina has a twin sister! Can you spot the difference.
TO ALL BODYCOMBAT INSTRUCTORS, LES MILLS ASIA PACIFIC WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US AND SUPPORTING US THROUGHOUT!
If you are a BODYCOMBAT instructor who’s also been teaching for as long as these legends have, please let us know! We’d love to receive and read your story. As much as we inspire you, you inspire us to keep moving forward and deliver the best for all our instructors.
#beinvincible #staywiththefight #fightingfit
Fired up? If you want to join the fight and become a BODYCOMBAT instructor too, sign up for our IMT here
