Naomi Barnett participated in her first group fitness class around the age of 18, while she was completing a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science (Psychology) at university. Back then, Naomi used to plan her lectures around the group fitness classes she wanted to do!
Based in Melbourne (Australia), Naomi is trained in BODYPUMP®, BODYCOMBAT®, BODYSTEP®, LES MILLS CORE®, BODYBALANCE®, and LES MILLS SPRINT™. She is also trained in LES MILLS FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH™, LES MILLS SHAPES™, LES MILLS STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT™ and LES MILLS PILATES™.
Tell us a little about your background
I participated in my first BODYPUMP® class – I think it was Release 9 – and immediately fell in love with group fitness. I became an Instructor around 1999, starting with freestyle, including Step. I finished my degree, but I ended up staying in the fitness world instead.
I started working at Aqualink in Box Hill as a BODYSTEP® Instructor (and I still teach there today). I trained in September 2000 with Lisa Osborne (very awesome!), and in 2000 I trained in BODYPUMP® (on Release 34), and BODYCOMBAT® (on Release 3).
At age 27, I had my first Multiple Sclerosis (MS) episode. Realising I needed to make money, even when sick, I continued to teach all my programs while working full-time. I had my first baby girl at age 30, and was soon after, officially diagnosed with MS. I went on to have two more baby boys. And during my maternity year with baby #3, I completed a Diploma of Education (with Distinction); and all the while, I kept teaching classes on the side.
When COVID hit, living in Melbourne and working in the fitness industry made for a very difficult time. But when the world returned to ‘normal’, I decided to put me and my health first by opting to finally work full-time in the fitness industry. I became the Group Fitness Manager (GFM) at Element Fitness and since then, the club’s group fitness participation has gone a little nuts (in a good way!).
What is your favourite Les Mills program?
This, I cannot answer – it would be like asking me who is my favourite child?! BODYSTEP is my first love; BODYPUMP is like coming home; BODYCOMBAT is my true love; BODYBALANCE is my sanity; LES MILLS CORE is my spine and health; and the new programs are like a new bit of spice in life that was so needed! I must say, LES MILLS FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH has made BODYPUMP feel like a gentle walk!
Who inspired you to initially become a Les Mills Instructor?
Definitely, Lisa Osborne, at first – she was just so positive! Then I gravitated towards Rachael Newsham, but I think I really connected with Diana Mills – another tall girl; she really puts so much into her instructing.
What do you love most about being a Les Mills Instructor?
Watching people’s individual fitness journeys. When people start, they initially feel timid, unsure, and completely unaware of their abilities. Then, I see them begin to explore what they can do until, finally, I watch them fly – going to all the different classes, and moving outside their comfort zone. I always say: “The human body is amazing and we always underestimate what it is capable of, so try everything, train every way you can, use your body in different ways, and see what it can do!”
Tell us about an unforgettable moment that you've had as an Instructor
There have been so many; however, Manfred – a gentleman who participated in my classes when I was in my 20s (who, at the time, I thought he was sooo old) – would be in the middle of my class, which was full of girls. His arms and legs would be going everywhere (he was six-foot tall!), but he continued to do my classes. In fact, he would set himself up every Friday morning and say, “oh Naomi, this is your class? How wonderful!”. But then, his eyes turned yellow, COVID hit, and he couldn't come to classes. He was 96 years of age at this point – he must have been in his 70s when he started with me! Manfred is the inspiration for me to continue exercising for as long as I can.
What was also unforgettable - for me and my body - was when I was diagnosed with MS; I was aged 30 and had a new baby. I didn’t know what I would and wouldn’t be able to do in the future. I asked if diet and exercise would help me, and the response I got was, “not likely”. I started taking some serious medications but kept teaching with energy and a big smile. I was determined that exercise and diet would pay off, so long as I kept trying and persisting. And guess what? It helped! Unfortunately, I saw those who were diagnosed alongside me, who weren’t as dedicated to fitness as I am, deteriorate.
How does your MS impact you?
So, my MS is kind of weird; well, I think it's weird! I get shocking fatigue. I was told I needed to meditate to balance out my energy levels, and it was also recommended that I only do gentle exercise and not over-exert myself. However, that is: 1) not me! And 2) doing so made me feel like a sloth – and it didn't end up reducing the fatigue anyway!
I am lucky I had the foundation of a strong, fit body; and so I knew I just needed to keep doing me. I joke that I have a ‘stop’ and ‘go’ button, but no ‘pause’, but it actually works for me – my neurologist is always very impressed! It is hard, but I am incredibly stubborn and I'm lucky to have an amazing family who support my decisions to continue to push through.
When I'm working, I'm usually at my best – I can pull out anything for my participants! That said, I did have a relapse last year. It was Christmas Day and the first day of my two-week holidays. Admittedly, I did completely relax, ate whatever I wanted, and had a very stiff drink from my sister-in-law (I don't normally drink alcohol). I’d woken up and the room was spinning, and I felt nauseous; this tends to be my thing. I couldn’t stand because I wasn’t sure which way was up, and it lasted for two weeks! I did manage to do my Day 3 for SPRINT training, still with the room spinning – but my Trainer was awesome about it! Then, just when I was due to start back at work, medications kicked in and I was ready to go – just in time to get back to teaching my classes! What doesn't kill us makes us stronger!
My MS also causes some weakness on my left side, and so I drag my left foot slightly. My balance isn't great, which is why I teach BODYBALANCE. And this is the really weird one: I can't go outside when the temperature is above about 24 degrees Celsius, otherwise I collapse due to the heat. That being, said I can internally heat myself up when I work out! It’s so weird! But my neurologist says not to over think it – it is the disease.
But, almost two decades after first being diagnosed, at 48 years of age I am still able to teach back-to-back BODYSTEP and BODYCOMBAT classes, which is awesome. However, I don’t think I’m special; I just think I try really, really hard.
Who has been the biggest influence on your Les Mills career to-date?
Definitely Diana – I think she’s awesome. She never needed to teach, but you can see she puts her heart and soul into it, and she always does so with the biggest smile!
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a Les Mills Instructor but doesn't quite feel ready?
Just jump in! You're never ready, but if you love it, you love it! I have trained a number of young people, including my beautiful niece, Liesl (22 years old). In the past year, Leisl has trained in BODYBALANCE, BODYPUMP and BODYCOMBAT. She's got the same passion as me, and it's amazing to be able to share this with her. You should hear our Christmas parties! We know all the Program and Creative Directors’ names, and my husband does a great Mark Nu'u impersonation!
