When you’re considering becoming a Les Mills Instructor, you’ll see on the Initial Module Training (IMT) Schedule, that Online Initial Module Training (OIMT) is available for some programs.
Online IMTs are fantastic because Days 1 and 2 of your Training are delivered in real-time via Zoom. This enables you to attend the training from the comfort and convenience of your own home or other location, which can save you time and money on travel, accommodation or child or pet care. Then, Day 3 (Assessment/Certification Day) is attended in-person, which means you’ll enjoy both an online and a face-to-face training experience.
When compared to Instructor pass rates for In-Person IMTs, the pass rates for Online IMT participants are the same! BUT, don’t just take our word for it. We caught up with Instructors who have had a first-hand experience with OIMT and here’s what they had to say…
Originally from the USA, BODYPUMP® Instructor Kristie Larsen has lived in Asia for 12 years with her husband and their five sons. Currently, they live in Bali (Indonesia), and recently, Kristie undertook Online Initial Module Training for BODYBALANCE®.
“I was so excited to discover Les Mills Asia Pacific offers training online. It was the original reason I decided to start training, because with five children at home and a husband who frequently travels, I couldn’t see how the In-Person training would work with my schedule. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish training without it being online – it’s a wonderful offering,” explains Kristie.
Aminath Shuzana (known as “Suza” to most) lives in the Maldives and is a certified personal trainer, rehab trainer and Zumba instructor. “I started my fitness journey in 2009. I did my BODYJAM® IMT in 2010 and in 2023, I also participated in an Online Initial Module Training for BODYBALANCE®.”
“For me, online training was a huge relief and convenience because I have two small boys aged 7 and 9; so, with their school and other commitments, it’s difficult for me to travel,” Suza explains.
Winnie Chong is based in Brunei (the small nation on the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia). “Shout out to my homies! I have been teaching since my first module way back in 2013. Fast-forward 10 years, and I’ve just done my Online IMT in BODYATTACK®!”
“This was the first OIMT,” says Winnie. “I missed out on doing some In-Person IMTs, but after learning of OIMT, I liked the convenience of getting the training done through my screen and from the convenience of my home. Of course, despite my love for being able to be physically together, I was also very happy I got to save on the costs of travelling.”
“I have to be honest – I’m not a very tech-savvy person,” Winnie adds. “So, I was worried about facing technical glitches while in training. I also didn’t quite know how OIMT would run – for example, would the Trainer be able to clearly see my form? And I was concerned with how the drills would happen through the screen.”
Ryan Chua is based in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). He is a certified BODYPUMP® Instructor who has been teaching since November 2021. Ryan shared similar thoughts to Winnie. “One of the major concerns I had around undertaking the IMT online, was the ability to obtain effective feedback from the Trainer. I was worried that the Trainer may not be able to see us properly, and therefore be unable to provide effective feedback for me to ensure proper execution of the moves. I was also worried that I could not obtain as much information due to distractions at home, during the training.”
The Online Training Experience
Both Ryan and Winnie ended up very happy with their Online IMT experience. “It was quite pleasant, as the Trainer was able to conduct the module interactively,” explains Ryan. “So, I did feel that I was able to bond with the other participants and Trainer. The Trainer was successful in getting us to interact with one another through breakout rooms and during practise sessions, allowing us to bond with one another. Even after the training was concluded, we were still interacting with each other. It was great to be able to meet and make new friends in the training, with people who share the same passion.”
Kristie agrees. “Surprisingly, after two days of training online, you really do feel connected to the other participants in the class. You spend eight hours a day together, giving and receiving feedback to help each other succeed. You have opportunities to get to know them when you practice one-on-one, and the Trainer was personable and available for questions and advice. And because every participant is new to the training, you know you are in it together.”
“I definitely felt like I bonded with the Trainer and other participants during the online training,” adds Winnie. “We were a very small group of four people and I think we connected well in the module, as everybody had the opportunity to speak up, and listen to each other’s experiences, questions, etc. The training also felt inclusive and interactive (it wasn’t like just watching a lecture). It was also great that it’s real-time training - not pre-recorded.”
“Days 1 and 2 both went very smoothly,” says Suza. “I felt like I got to know the Trainer and the other participants well, even though it was online. It was like a bunch of friends meeting up and discussing and participating in something we were all very passionate about. I had no reservations or awkwardness – and the experience cleared any doubts I had.”
“I wasn’t concerned about the ability to accomplish my training. I figured the brains and talent at Les Mills Asia Pacific had figured out how to make it work! However, I was curious how it would all roll out. My one and only concern was consistent internet connection, which can be a struggle in Bali,” Kristie adds.
Singapore-based Miu has completed Days 1 and 2 of the Online IMT for LES MILLS CORE®. “When I found out that it's an OIMT, I was concerned about technical requirements, such as ensuring a strong Wi-Fi connection, a good conclusive space, and gathering all necessary materials in advance. I also had initial concerns about potentially missing out the personal, hands-on interaction of technique learning, such as the physical approach to learning the correct alignment, posture, and technique for the movements. But thankfully, I experienced a strong connection with both the other participants and Trainer. And throughout the entire learning session, the Trainer maintained a high level of attentiveness towards each of us. The Trainer’s professionalism, excellent communication skills, and friendly demeanour created an environment where we felt completely at ease. This encouraged us to pose questions and exchange our thoughts, further fostering a sense of connection within the group.”
Dian Pradina is a BODYPUMP® and RPM® Instructor from Bali (Indonesia). “I did my Online IMT for RPM in early 2021 and have been teaching since end of 2021. “I was curious and excited at the same time! The Trainer was amazing! Also, the Les Mills Asia Pacific team, especially Tata, helped me a lot along the way. They were super quick to respond and I felt I was In good hands.”
Technical considerations
OIMTs are fully interactive, so you are required to have your web camera turned on at all times, and there are specific technological requirements to participate in this training format.
Tran Ngoc San (called “SAN”) from Ho Chi Minh City in Viet Nam completed his first IMT (in-person for BODYPUMP) in 2019. Today, he teaches BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, LES MILLS CORE (OIMT), BODYSTEP (OIMT), and is certified in RPM (OIMT) and BODYATTACK (OIMT). “All my OIMTs were conducted in totally different time zones compared to mine (Viet Nam, GMT+7) so I had to really be cautious about the time of the training when booking my spot. I also had to carefully check that I had all the equipment needed for the online training. For example, in RPM I purchased an indoor bike and riding shoes (which are all paid off!).”
“Also, I checked the internet connection to make sure it would be super stable, by sitting as close to the router as possible. I checked the webcam to make sure it was clear, even when I was 2m away from it. I also checked to make sure the image was backlit.”
“And because I knew I would be sitting all by myself in front of the computer for long periods of time, I wanted to make sure that my set up was good for my body alignment (e.g., my chair was comfy enough for my butt and back; the desk was high enough for my neck not to look down). I also made sure I had snacks and drinks placed around my zone for each OIMT too.”
“I also had to ensure I had enough space to present my track. And because you are away from the camera while presenting and the music is being shared directly to the online training room from your computer, there is a chance your voice may not be heard clearly. So, I needed to make sure I had good wireless earphones (with inbuilt microphone) so that I could listen to the music of the track better and be clearly heard by all the participants.”
“Other tips to help you have a positive experience, are to always stay hydrated; have dry clothes/towels to change into during the training; make sure you know beforehand, how to use the OIMT software, and respond quickly and clearly to instructions. And remember to check if you must complete pre-training preparation (pre-work), such as sending in a video before the training starts” advises San.
The verdict
Miu says, “What I appreciate about online training is its flexibility and convenience. It eliminates the need for travel, allowing us to choose our preferred learning environment. I value online training. The Trainer frequently encouraged us with gestures like ‘give me a thumbs up’ and ‘give me a high five’, and always ensured our comprehension of the content. During the training, we get the opportunities (i.e., 10 minutes) for individual breakout rooms, to practise our designated track. During these moments, I can focus on applying the techniques and coaching methods we learned earlier. The advantage of Online IMTs is that they let me progress at my own pace, creating a more comfortable learning environment where I do not need to worry about any judgements from other people in the room.”
“Perhaps, when it is done in-person, we would have been chattier and mingle more,” says Dian. “But the OIMT was, for me, was very effective.”
Want to know more? Click the links for full details about Initial Module Training or Online IMT or email ask@lesmills.com.au.
