INSTRUCTOR OF THE MONTH - TERUMI HAYASHI

What inspired you to become a Les Mills Instructor?

I competed in volleyball and athletics (mainly high jump) for long time, and I also played tennis for fun. My parents were very athletic when they were young, so I think I got the genes!

In 2008 I made a big change in my life. I left my country (Japan) and moved to Australia with very limited English. That gave me enough challenges for a while, but eventually I felt comfortable enough to go out and meet new people.

I was missing moving my body, so I joined a gym. I thought I was fit enough but soon discovered I was not!

The first program I ever attended was BODYCOMBAT. I’d never moved my body in the way BODYCOMBAT makes you - the 60 minutes felt like forever but I loved the challenge.

Unfortunately, BODYCOMBAT was removed from my gym’s timetable, but I found a new love in BODYATTACK. With my volleyball and high jump training, I loved anything where jumping was involved, so this program became my thing.

Back then, two BODYATTACK Instructors were my inspiration. And after two years of being a BODYATTACK participant, they asked me if I was interested in becoming an Instructor. I took the challenge and I’ve never regretted it! And today, they both still continue to motivate, encourage and support me, as a fellow Instructor.

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

Keep educating myself to teach the people in front of me, and to keep developing my techniques so I can be a good role model for others.

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

Benefit to attend workshops for me are just enjoy and feel the new Releases before I start having to think about choreography, timing, reps, tempos, pre-cues and options. At Workshops I get to see how the Presenters change their energy in each track; where and when their voice goes strong, soft, uplifting, quieter; and what they say and how they say it. Every Quarterly Workshop gives me things that I can take away and use in my classes to make them even better – it could be technical tips they share or learning new cues that I can then use too; or it can even be random chat that gets people’s attention.

Thinking about In-Person Workshops, what do you like the most about them?

I enjoy catching up with my Instructor friends who I don’t see often; and I like meeting other Instructors who I don’t usually come across or don’t yet know.

Thinking about Online eWorkshops, what do you like the most about them?

To be honest, I attended eWorkshops only during pandemic times because the In-Person Workshops are readily available to me here in Western Australia. But, I think eWorkshops are great for those who aren’t located close by because you can attend from anywhere, so long as you have internet access. I, personally, prefer to attend in-person Workshops, if I can.

What do you find most helpful about the Quarterly Release Kits?

I can access the Masterclasses whenever I need to reconfirm choreography, check reps, etc. I can easily check on my phone anywhere, anytime – even right before class, if I need to!

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

I usually start by learning the programs that don’t take as much time to remember such as BODYPUMP, LES MILLS STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT and LES MILLS GRIT. For these programs, I actually find it easier to learn them by having the notes in my hand as I learn the songs, rather than by rewatching the Masterclasses.

For other programs, I tend to learn two to three tracks first, and then I put the music on to make sure I can cue. If I get stuck, I go back to that part in the Masterclass or notes, and then I repeat the same track until I get it right.

Once I have learned those tracks, I’ll then add in another 2-3 tracks. Then, I’ll check I’ve got all four to six tracks correct, including the cueing with music.

I am also constantly cueing in the car using hand signals (especially when I am learning BODYATTACK); I’ve noticed that people in other cars sometimes do pass me by with smiles on their faces!

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

I love meeting people who I would otherwise never meet! I also enjoy seeing participants getting fitter and stronger, and I love connecting with people who have different beliefs from mine. It’s also great to feel appreciated and loved for what we do.

Being a Les Mills Instructor has helped me see the world. It’s helped me make such diverse friends and I thank all the friends who have mentored me, taught me, and showed me how to be an inspiration to the others.

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

You will never be ready if you don’t do it! You will be surprised at how much potential you have, which you’ll see once you push yourself. You will never regret the decision. If you are thinking about becoming a Les Mills Instructor in your native language, then you have one less problem than I had to face. If you are thinking becoming an Instructor in a second language, then just know that I did it, then you can too as I had very limited English when I first arrived in Australia. If you are wondering if you are too old to be an Instructor then don’t! I was 39 when I did BODYATTACK training. There is nothing holding you back except yourself! SO JUST DO IT!

Where can people find you online?

Facebook: @terumi.hayashi.75
Instagram: @terumi_/

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.