INSTRUCTOR OF THE MONTH – AUSTRALIA (May 2024)
In this new regular feature, we’re highlighting Instructors from Australia and Southeast Asia who demonstrate exemplary commitment to ongoing education and upskilling by regularly attending Quarterly Workshops, training and events, purchasing Quarterly Release Kits. And thanks to our friends at Fitness Audio, each featured Instructor receives a microphone case and belt valued at $75. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Mike Neary from Queensland.
Palm Beach (Queensland) local, Mike Neary, suffered with depression for years, until he discovered that exercise really helped him manage the symptoms. “I tried RPM® and being a music lover, I was pretty quickly hooked! But I found it difficult to be consistent and when I would not exercise for a few days, depression would become a problem again. Until it hit me: if I became an Instructor, I would have to be consistent! So, I asked a few Instructors what was involved, and they were so helpful and even agreed to mentor me through my training. Thirteen years later, I’m still doing what I love, and the depression remains under control!”
The joy of being an Instructor
What Mike loves most about being a Les Mills Instructor is the ability to build community. “Some of my best friends are Instructors and members who I met during my journey. I have moved states a few times in the last few years, and I’ve been able to make new friends quickly because I get to connect with many people on a daily basis through teaching.”
“I also love seeing that brand new member who was a little reluctant and lacked confidence grow into being an absolute star of the class! When I look at them and see how much they love the workout, it gives me such a great feeling, and the energy and feels I get from this is beyond rewarding!”
“My goal is to keep building communities of people who fall in love with exercise. I also want to keep growing and learning, and Les Mills gives us the opportunity to do just that. I might even pick up another program this year, as this always pushes me outside my comfort zone and that’s what we need in order to continue growing, as a person!”
Quarterly Workshops and New Releases
Mike is consistent in his purchases of Quarterly Release Kits. “What I find most helpful is the Technique and Coaching notes in the choreography booklets,” he says. “Once I know the choreography, I always go back to this section to get inspiration for my layer 2 and 3 cues. I also find the track tips insightful as they give us the experience of someone who has presented the track to a class before, which helps us to be more succinct in our coaching. I also find new Releases easier to learn after having already experienced it at the Quarterly Workshops.”
“It’s pretty cool being in a room full of people who all love teaching the program and enjoying it for the first time together,” Mike says, referring to In-Person Workshops. “It’s also great to catch up with other Instructors whom I already know, as well as meet new people. In-Person Workshops can also give me the chance to thank an Instructor who may have covered for me recently.”
“Sometimes the Trainers who I did my Initial or Advanced Training with are delivering Workshops, in which case it’s always nice to catch up with them, as they have been a significant part of my Instructor journey.”
Mike believes the key benefits of attending Quarterly Workshops is experiencing new Releases for the first time. “Doing so takes me back to being a member instead of an Instructor. It’s so important for us, as Instructors, to remember and feel what it is like to be the participant.”
At Workshops, I’ll ask myself ‘what did I need during the workout?’ and ‘what great moments did the Presenter create?’ and the answers are things I then take back and implement in my own classes.”
With regards to Online eWorkshops, Mike says, “I actually love the convenience of the Online eWorkshops. Sometimes I just can’t get to them in-person, so being able to still see the Release being presented is super valuable as it assists in my own delivery of the program and helps me learn it.”
When it comes to learning choreography, Mike says, “I learn the choreography first, so I can say the entire track without looking at it. Then I put it to the music. Then I do the scripting so I can deliver what I know members need from me. The last thing is then to figure out moments when I can have fun with my class. The beauty of Les Mills is that even though the workout should always be the same, we do have the capacity to connect with people by bringing our own authentic self to every class we teach.”
“Being an Instructor has really changed my life for the better. Many people were involved in my journey, and I am grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way; I couldn’t have done it without them. I am, however, most grateful to my participants; it is a privilege to spend time with them week in and week out, doing something together that we love!”
To anyone who is considering becoming a Les Mills Instructor, Mike says, “Do it! It will change your life and I’m here to help you anyway that I can.”
You can follow Mike on Facebook or Instagram.
If you’re ready to help more people fall in love with fitness, just like Mike Neary, then explore becoming a Les Mills Instructor at www.lesmills.com.au/instructors.
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.
