Instructor Profile - Addison White

LMAP: What inspired you to become a Les Mills Instructor?

Addison White: I regularly attended freestyle circuit classes at the gym when my sister, Catherine, convinced me to attend a BODYATTACK class with her. I had no idea what I was walking into. I still remember feeling blown away by the energy in the room, and the intensity I felt during Tracks 4 and 9. After that first class, I told Catherine, "I think I could do that. I think I could even be an Instructor!" So, as siblings do, Catherine told the Instructor what I said, even though I asked her not to! The following week, the Instructor, Michelle, approached me after class and persuaded me to give it a go. So, I did!

Michelle proceeded to become my mentor for BODYATTACK and again later for BODYCOMBAT. She was a massive inspiration to me, and I attribute everything I accomplished early on to her. I remember being so impressed that she taught four different programs – I simply couldn't understand how she remembered everything! In the end, her classes and energy are what truly inspired me to become a Les Mills Instructor; I wanted to be just like her and inspire others in their fitness journey too.

The first few years of my own Instructor journey were pretty bumpy. I had to take multiple long breaks from teaching, due to needing numerous surgeries for my double cleft palate. These breaks meant I had to rebuild my fitness from the ground up time and time again, which became increasingly difficult each time. However, I was lucky enough to have endless support and encouragement during those times from people around me, including my work colleagues, my members, and my family – and that always got me through.

In the past, I taught several of my programs while living in the UK. Teaching group fitness abroad has been a highlight of my career so far, as I had the opportunity to connect with people of all different backgrounds and make some lifelong friends along the way.

Over the years, I have mentored many Instructors in BODYATTACK, BODYCOMBAT, and BODYPUMP. Mentoring has become something I love and do as often as I can. I love seeing the excitement of new Instructors training in their first program or levelling up in something new. I find this aspect of my work hugely rewarding.

Currently, I teach 10 classes a week including 5 classes at Keilor East Leisure Centre, 1 at Goodlife Essendon, and 4 at Melbourne City Baths, where I also hold a full-time position as the Group Fitness Team Leader.

I have such a diverse and fantastic team of Instructors who I love working with and helping grow in their own instructor journey. Most importantly, I love every minute of what I do as an Instructor. Ten years after my first certification, I still look forward to every class I teach, and I am still excited about what the future may hold.

LMAP: What would you like to work towards in your career as a Les Mills Instructor?

Addison White: In 2018, I was nominated for ‘Group Fitness Instructor of the Year’ in the Aquatics Recreation Victoria awards. Sadly, I didn't win, but it was definitely a career highlight, after having only been teaching for a few years!

I would love to try out for the Trainer and Presenter (TAP) team and showcase everything I've learned over the last 10 years. Progressing to be a Trainer and Presenter with Les Mills would allow me to explore my passion for mentoring new Instructors on a deeper level and allow me to inspire others. I'd also like to further develop my own Instructor skills by receiving feedback and mentorship from those who have progressed down that pathway; there's always room to grow and learn more.

LMAP: What do you believe are the key benefits of attending Workshops?

Addison White: For me, the most significant benefit of attending workshop is getting the chance to do the workout physically, without thinking about the choreography. This allows me to understand each track's intensity and know how the moves should feel for my members when I eventually bring the Release to them. Getting further insights about a Release from the Presenters – beyond what we receive in the Release notes – makes attending any Workshop worthwhile. This is especially helpful when a Release has new moves or tricky timing, as we get to observe first-hand what these elements should look like. Finally, Workshops provide an invaluable opportunity to network with other Instructors. The Les Mills world is so big, yet small at the same time, so I never want to miss a chance to meet other members of our community!

LMAP: What do you like most about In-Person Quarterly Workshops?

Addison White: In-Person Workshops are just so much FUN! Nothing is more motivating and energising than a room full of fellow Instructors, all having a great time together. Even if you don't know a single person, you will still have so much fun and leave feeling fresh (even after doing a million burpees in GRIT Strength)!

Getting to work out with other Instructors is the best! Workshops allow me to catch up with so many people I've worked or taught with over the years. Usually, we teach our classes solo and then leave, maybe crossing over with one other Instructor if we're lucky, so time to socialise is limited.

LMAP: What do you like most about Online Quarterly eWorkshops?

Addison White: Suppose in one quarter, I'm unable to make it to the In-Person Workshops, either due to distance or a clash with my classes. In that case, eWorkshops is an option that allows me to experience the new Release with Presenters, without having to get my classes covered or drive a long distance to the nearest In-Person Workshops. I've attended Online eWorkshops from my home club with my partner, who is also an Instructor, by taking our laptops to the gym and connecting to the sound system there. The flexibility that eWorkshops give to Instructors is fantastic!

LMAP: What do you find most helpful about Quarterly Release Kits?

Addison White: All aspects of the Quarterly Release Kits are helpful. I find the choreography notes the most useful, as they provide me with everything I need to learn a new Release. The track notes offer a deeper insight into each track, options, information about the required equipment or weight selection, track focus, and coaching cues that I can use while teaching. For me, the Masterclass is a bonus resource that I mostly use when I'm unsure about new moves or tricky timing in tracks.

LMAP: What tips can you offer to other Instructors to help them learn new Releases efficiently and effectively?

Addison White: Find what works for you! Try learning Releases in different ways, and make sure you use all the resources provided. When you first start as an Instructor, don't be afraid to physically "do" the Release before trying to learn the choreography – getting a feel for the music and moves can give you a great framework to work from. Also, don't be discouraged if learning a new Release takes a long time. Always remember, learning choreography is a skill that takes practice and patience, and will develop over time.

LMAP: What do you love most about being a Les Mills Instructor?

Addison White: Every time I get to teach a class, I have an opportunity to create an experience that can completely change someone's day or, sometimes, even their life. Creating a space where everyone feels welcome and successful is so important to me and being a Les Mills Instructor opens the door for me to provide that space for so many people every day. I can't wait to continue creating these experiences for another 10 years (at least!).

LMAP: What would you tell someone who is considering becoming a Les Mills Instructor, but does not feel ready?

Addison White: At times, the idea of needing to "feel ready" holds all of us back. I didn't feel ready for my RPM® training, and that was my fifth program! The great thing about becoming a Les Mills Instructor is that you have a whole community of people who will help you. The Initial Training itself gives you all the tools you need to "feel ready" by the time you have your own class.

To learn more, follow Addison White on Instagram at @addisonwhite_93/ or LinkedIn at @addison-white-8a8a33104

If you're ready to help more people fall in love with fitness, just like Addison, then explore becoming a Les Mills Instructor at www.lesmills.com.au/instructors. Or if you or someone you know has a passion for teaching Les Mills programs and a consistent history of buying new Releases and attending Quarterly Workshops, then you can submit a nomination for Instructor of the Month. To do so, simply email your name and Customer ID to marketing@lesmills.com.au.