LMAP: What inspired you to become an Instructor?
I started participating in Les Mills classes with BODYPUMP, back when I was at university; and I absolutely fell in love with the classes! The fun and the energy that came with doing a class was just unreal and I loved the push and accountability it gave me to get fit and stay on track with my fitness goal. One day I was participating at my hometown club, and I was doing my regular Friday morning 9:30am BODYSTEP class (always participating at the back corner of the room, HA!). The GFM (group fitness manager) at the time, who was running the class, came up to me and said “have you ever thought about being an Instructor, I think you would kill it?!” This was the first time I seriously considered whether I had the ability to actually get up on stage and lead people through a group fitness class. Once I made the decision, my GFM endorsed me and I was off to my first Initial Module Training (IMT) for BODYSTEP, delivered by the AMAZING Chris Hutton. I guess for me, it was someone believing that I had the ability to become an Instructor, which really gave me the initial push to do so.
LMAP: How has LES MILLS GRIT® helped you in your overall fitness?
When I did my IMT training for GRIT, I was so drawn in by the HIIT (high intensity interval training) principles that the program was based on. I thought to myself, ‘Man I have to experience this kind of training!’ Back then, GRIT was in its early stages, and my training was only in GRIT Strength. Training and teaching GRIT has been the biggest game changer for me. Not only has it taken my fitness to another level but it has also helped me become even fitter to teach all my other programs – especially during the lockdown period; training GRIT twice a week kept me mentally engaged and physically fit for when we returned to live classes.
LMAP: You’re an Instructor for multiple programs and also a GRIT Coach. What’s the difference between being a GRIT Coach versus other LES MILLS Programs that you currently teach?
The main difference between being a GRIT Coach versus teaching my other programs, is the ability to go out and move freely on the floor with my members. The one-on-one floor coaching enables me to give them a personalised experience, and have them connect with and cheer on each other. Connect with members in this individual way really helps to tap into that feeling of team/comradery training; it’s like a combination of PT and group fitness vibes, which is just the coolest thing!
LMAP: What advice do you have for people who are considering trying LES MILLS GRIT for the first time, or thinking about becoming a LES MILLS GRIT Instructor?
I would say, it’s hard, it’s challenging and it most definitely puts you on your butt! BUT lean in to all those feelings and embrace the training feel. Because when we are uncomfortable, that’s when the magic of GRIT happens, and that is where we have the biggest chance to gain and inspire the people around us.
LMAP: Why do you love coaching LES MILLS GRIT? And why do you think your members come back week after week?
I love coaching GRIT because I really like the feel of pushing hard with my members, and the challenge and energy that GRIT brings to every single class. I love seeing my members progress with their fitness and celebrating their success every class. I also really enjoy the connection and the team spirit that I have with my members – and I think that’s why my members keep coming back each week.
LMAP: What do you love about being a Les Mills Instructor?
I feel proud to call myself a Les Mills Instructor because of all the time, effort, and research that goes into creating Les Mills programs. I am proud to deliver something that has decades of research and such success behind the brand. Being a Les Mills Instructor has really allowed me to meet amazing and inspiring people every day – from my regular club classes, at Initial Module Training and at Quarterly Workshops. It has allowed me to champion so many people and for that I am so grateful.
LMAP: What would you tell someone who is considering becoming a Les Mills Instructor, but does not quite feel ready?
You’re never truly ready, so my advice is to lean in, be open to learning, and trust the process. There is so much support and guidance throughout your journey, whenever you decide to begin.
LMAP: Where can people follow you on social media?
Karola Schulz-Misic on
Facebook
KarolaSchulz-Misic.96
on Instagram
