Aukland 08/02/2009
 
Yesterday was fairly uneventful. We slept in, went to the cafe and talked with the other Make More Freaks winner (DeDe), shopped a little, went to bodyjam and then watched a movie at the hotel. It was really cold, but fortunately no rain.

I thought Chris Richardson would be teaching jam, but it was Gandalf, Carla & Danny again practicing for the filming (which is today). I'll be excited to do a different routine after today. The class was packed! It was in studio 2 (the smaller room) on a Sunday afternoon.

Today, we're just waiting for our laundry to finish and then we'l be heading to the ferry to go to Devonport, a nearby island. If we have time, we'll go tot the New Zealand museum.

The filming begin this evening for bodystep, bodyjam, bodyflow and rpm. I'll be doing all of them except rpm. They'll do the base bodyjam version tonight and the + version on Wednesday evening. Should be a good time.

I realized that I forgot to write something about the pump filming last week... The instructors use FAKE weights! Everyone in the class uses the heavy silver bars, but the instructors use lighter black bars with weights that look like the same ones we have at the Mesa & Gilbert Fitness Works (bulkier). The participants use the weights similar to those at Chandler, that are slimmer and more compact. ...Just an FYI. I've got a couple more things to say about the filmings, but you'll have to ask me in person ;-)

Here are some pictures from our Harbor tour a couple days ago:
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Above is a view of the Aukland skyline. Our hotel is right by the tall tower.
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Above is a view from our harbor cruise of a small island.
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Comments

Kimm T

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:18:57

You'll have to let me know how the new BodyFlow is. Who is presenting?! Hopefully you are getting used to the time change as well! Keep the blog coming!

 

Les Mills Lover

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:35:15

Do you even like Les Mills because you seem to be bashing everyone and everything about class filming. These are the same people that make it possible for you to do your job.

I don't think that the people that paid for your trip would really appreciate what you are saying. It doesn't sound like you appreciate what they have done for you at all. In times of such economic uncertainty to be given such an opportunity as you have, is something that you should be so grateful for. The way you are talking about this trip sounds like a spoilt brat.

As someone who loves and respects Les Mills and everything they stand for, it breaks my heart to see an instructor, who is suppose to represent Les Mills, speak of all of the hard work they put in as you have.

What is the good in calling people out when they are practicing for a performance? Gandalf and Co. create each release from scratch; it is not handed to them like it is to you.

As for the "Fake Weights" did you lift or even touch these weights at all? If I were you I would make sure I had my facts straight before I started to call out the Pros. Even if the weights are fake, which I highly doubt, you as an instructor should know and understand that they are demonstrating, coaching and creating fitness magic at a level that is much greater to anything you have ever done at your little gym.

At the end of the day you are what you do and if this is what you think of the work you do what does that say about you?

Check your head.

P.s. It is Auckland not Aukland.

 

Cindy

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:09:22

Wow, well, I'm not really sure where you are coming from. Of course I love Les Mills. That is why I teach it and dedicate countless hours (unpaid) to my classes and participants. Any one who knows me knows how true this is.

I've gone back to read what I've written over the past few days to try to figure out why you would even think that. I can't see where you would think that I am "bashing" Les Mills or the programs or the people. I've said over and over how amazing this experience has been. Who did I call out? I believe I said multiple times that G, and the other instructors are absolutely incredible.

Anyway, I apologize if you've misinterpreted any of my writings. I certainly want to make it clear that I am a huge fan and understand the commitment and hard work it takes. I am in NO way ungrateful for this experience.

 

Alison Solomon

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:26:13

I know that Cindy is having the time of her life. The rest of us instructors here at home are so jealous of her opportunity to go to New Zealand and we have been checking the blog, facebook, email, etc... about every 5 minutes to get updates and photos about her trip. Those of us who know Cindy, know that she loves Les Mills with all her heart- which is why she was a worthy recipient of this prized journey. Only fellow instructors can understand how much time and energy we put into being the best we can be for those whom we serve, whether it be here at our "little gym" in Arizona, or somewhere else in the world. We are all very appreciative to the talented people at Les Mills for putting these programs together and delivering such a great product. We think the presenters are brilliant and love what they have to offer. I don't feel that what Cindy has published was in any way putting down the people at Les Mills. We are just in awe of everything that goes on there and I think that Cindy has just been trying to create a "behind the scenes" picture for those of us at home so that we can share her excitement with her and feel as though we are taking this journey together. Cindy is one of the kindest, most hardworking people I know. No one is more deserving of this trip than she is. I love her with all my heart, as do the other instructors and members at our little club and at the end of the day, she should feel proud to be who she is.

 

Stephanie Hardy

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:32:01

Just wanted to say I love to read your blog and look forward to reading it. I can't wait to ask you about the pump taping. Enjoy the rest of the trip!

 

Alicia

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:35:46

I've been following your blog and love hearing all about your trip. Thank you for taking the time to share with us and let us experience it with you. Clearly you are enjoying the prize that your hard work earned. Thanks again for leting the rest of us experience a little of it with you.

 

kristi

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:21:39

Hello World Traveler! It looks like you're having an amazing trip!!! Just so you know, the gym is just not the same without you (insert sad face here!)!! Enjoy every moment of all the hard work that got you to this place of fun and excitement! Hugs and love to you and your man! :)

 



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