For The Love of Group Fitness

Join host Ann-See as she opens up her mind and shares personal thoughts, reflections, and learnings. It's an intimate conversation about the deeper aspects of group fitness instruction.

In this minisode, we delve into unveiling the vision.  Ann-See shares her insights from years in the industry and how we can avoid becoming transactional as instructors.

Discover the concept of group coherence and its impact on creating a supportive and uplifting environment. Learn valuable tips to keep the joy alive, including building a sense of community, embracing positivity, and celebrating small victories.

Don't miss this special minisode and remember to reach out with your feedback.

Join Ann-See on this incredible journey of self-discovery and growth.

Stay curious and keep exploring.

Wendy MacGibbon is ERYT Yoga Alliance, Les Mills (BB, Trip), and PMA Pilates Instructor. She has been teaching yoga in the Northern California Foothills since 2004. She is bhakti trained, and believes that Service is why we are called to the mat, and into our communities. She specializes in Slow Flow, Yin, Flow, Kirtan, and Yoga Nidra. Om lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu.

My key takeaways are: 

• Aging is a benefit and a positive quality.

• Acceptance of what fills you up and have clear boundaries own your worth.

• It's OK that your personal practice and teaching evolves and shifts with time.

• If you don’t know your why over time, the industry is not sustainable.

• We need to find a different approach. Teach what you need to learn. Practice for your students.

Join host Ann-See as she opens up her mind and shares personal thoughts, reflections, and learnings. It's an intimate conversation about the deeper aspects of group fitness instruction.

In this minisode, we delve into unmasking the toxic culture of the fitness industry. Ann-See shares her insights from years in the industry and how we can avoid becoming transactional as instructors.

Discover the concept of group coherence and its impact on creating a supportive and uplifting environment. Learn valuable tips to keep the joy alive, including building a sense of community, embracing positivity, and celebrating small victories.

Don't miss this special minisode and remember to reach out with your feedback.

Join Ann-See on this incredible journey of self-discovery and growth.

Originally born in London Jo holds a BSc Degree in Health and Fitness and is an award-winning Fitness presenter. Jo can be found regularly presenting and delivering training around the UK and Internationally. Based in Leeds for the last nineteen years, Jo is renowned for her positive attitude and fun and effective classes. Jo runs her own community classes plus teaching Dance in schools whilst delivering educational workshops and Masterclass days. Jo is also Co-Director of the globally successful healthy eating program called Motivate, Change, Live making a positive impact on people’s lives. She has trained Manchester City Youth Academy in Street Dance, plus the Ladies First team and Manchester United Ladies First team.

My key takeaways are: 

• Be Versatile, especially for the longevity of your career.
• Sometimes it's not about making money but making a difference.
• You bring the wow factor! Keep doing what you love.
• This industry is rewarding for the soul.
• One door closes, another opens.
• Look after yourself and invest in yourself.

Join host Ann-See as she opens up her mind and shares personal thoughts, reflections, and learnings. It's an intimate conversation about the deeper aspects of group fitness instruction.

In this minisode, we explore the importance of having faith in yourself. Ann-See shares her insights from years in the industry and how we can avoid becoming transactional as instructors.

Discover the concept of group coherence and its impact on creating a supportive and uplifting environment. Learn valuable tips to keep the joy alive, including building a sense of community, embracing positivity, and celebrating small victories.

Don't miss this special minisode and remember to reach out with your feedback.

Join Ann-See on this incredible journey of self-discovery and growth.

Rachel Lavin is a published Author of The Doughnut Diaries, Professional Speaker, Body Love Educator, Certified Health Coach, Certified Personal Trainer. She grew up in Northern California and has lived in Hawaii, Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon and New York City. She currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina with her Partner. In 2000 Rachel began her career as an ACE certified group fitness instructor teaching a plethora of classes such as Aqua Aerobics, Bootcamp, Jazzercise, Dance Aerobics, Stretch and Chair classes. In 2007 she was certified as an ACE Personal Trainer working at big box gyms in NYC and becoming an independent trainer in 2012. Rachel wanted to take her passion for helping people to the next level and became an ACE certified Health Coach in 2018. In 2020 Rachel wrote her first book "The Doughnut Diaries" about her own struggles with her weight and restrictive diets which lasted for over thirty years. As Rachel turned forty, the expression ‘I got sick and tired of being sick and tired’ hit home and she made a decision to take her power back and heal from decades of negative thinking and self-sabotage. Rachel began to do the work on my mind, body and soul. Writing her book was her way of shares her message to women that you are not alone! Now using her book Rachel wants to help people who have had or a still experiencing negative body image. By using what she now refers to as my three pillars of fitness; Nourishment for both the mind and body, Movement & Rest.

“My mission is to create a safe space for all women to feel whole in their own body” – Rachel Lavin

My key takeaways are: 

• Change the conversations we have with out children about their bodies.
• Change the conversation to what the client wants.
• Stop trying to get people through the door for weight loss.
• Get to know the person in order to serve them better.
• You font have to do everything; build a team around you.

Debbie Bellenger is the CEO/Founder of Body by Definition advisory and education services. She is a thought leader in the Industry focusing on wellness programming, community wellness, corporate wellness and medical wellness. She speaks at several annual fitness conventions including, Canfitpro, MFA, Club Industry and SCW. In addition to consulting services for fitness clubs to step into the wellness model, she provides two master classes with CEC's and a 3-month Wellness Academy.

My key takeaways are: 

• Use health as hope.
• Wellness today has evolved into wellbeing, which is more holistic approach. It's about finding joy wherever they begin and knowing their purpose.
• Grow up. Learn more about risk, liability, and compliance.
• The future of our business is partnerships. Having the respect of the healthcare system. Bridge will be created with mutual respect.
• Leadership skills, motivate one to many, music. Best time for fitpros to shine.

Join host Ann-See as she opens up her mind and shares personal thoughts, reflections, and learnings. It's an intimate conversation about the deeper aspects of group fitness instruction.

In the third minisode, we explore the power of consistency in group fitness. Ann-See shares her insights from years in the industry and how balance and consistency plays a major part in group fitness sessions. Learn valuable tips to keep the joy alive, including building a sense of community, embracing positivity, and celebrating small victories.

Don't miss this special minisode and remember to reach out with your feedback. Join Ann-See on this incredible journey of self-discovery and growth.

Stay curious and keep exploring.

Joanne Groves is the Founder and Author of Female Personal Trainers, Faster Course Director, and Head of Education at Faster Health. As a passionate advocate for health and fitness, Joanne has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and communities to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. With over 26 years of experience in the industry, she is a renowned fitness expert and educator, committed to raising the standard of the industry by challenging conventional thinking and inspiring others to do the same.

Joanne’s recent role as Faster Head of Education, London (June 2015 - Present) involves leading and directing education programs focused on functional training, movement quality, and injury prevention. Collaborate with industry leaders and practitioners to develop cutting-edge fitness solutions. Continuously evaluate and improve course curriculum to meet the evolving needs of students Idea Committee Member (2020) Contributed to the development of industry-wide initiatives focused on promoting health and wellness worldwide.

My key takeaways are: 

• Steal like an artist and put credit where it's due.
• We're in the entertainment industry. what brings people back is how you make them feel.
• Create a community.
• Don't try and fix people. Stay within your own scope of practice.
• What you do is of value.

Lincoln has been in the fitness industry for over 30 years. He has presented in over 40 countries and has created numerous fitness programmes. As well as delivering Personal Training courses, he is a Sports Science Lecturer, as well as regularly mentoring group exercise instructors via his PRIME coaching group. He is the author of P.R.I.M.E, which is a simple 5 step system designed to help group exercise instructors launch their own programmes and impact more people.

My key takeaways are: 

1. Think outside the box. Take initiative.

Join host Ann-See as she opens up her mind and shares personal thoughts, reflections, and learnings. It's an intimate conversation about the deeper aspects of group fitness instruction.

In the second minisode, we explore the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Ann-See shares her insights from years in the industry and how we can avoid becoming overworked.

Learn valuable tips to keep the joy alive, including building a sense of community, embracing positivity, and celebrating small victories.

Join Ann-See on this incredible journey of self-discovery and growth.

Stay curious and keep exploring.

Dave Kyle is a performance coach, who enables people and teams to unleash their true potential. Dave has built his experience of group fitness by working with Les Mills, New Zealand as the Club Manager for their Howick Club.

My key takeaways are: 

1. Mentor, inspiration. Connection to the bigger picture.

2. Preparation.

3. Pack it in or step up.

4. Intention is important.

5. Cohesion throughout the club. Work together as a team.

6. Help you live a better life. Changing the messaging.

7. Get underneath perceptions. Get to know the person.

8. Teamwork makes the dream work.

9. Emotional connections.

As a globally recognized fitness professional, Dan McDonogh has had leading roles in the industry with global brands such as Les Mills, TRX and Under Armour. Most recently he joined Fitness Connection USA as the Director of Group Fitness & Team Training. He is the 2012 IDEA Group Fitness Instructor of the Year and was one of the three finalists for the IDEA Program Director of the Year in 2015.

My key takeaways are: 

1. Democratise fitness. For everyone. At any point, can you modify it for anyone?

2. Fulfil your purpose.

3. Authentic to the programme, mastery, not perfection. Be a role model to inspire others.

4. Burnout by being a swiss army knife, be all things to everyone. Need Variety.

5. Diversify your offerings for longevity.

6. We have the ability to completely change someone's life and mindset.

7. Teach every class as if it's your last.

Introducing our new minisodes! Join host Ann-See as she opens up her mind and shares personal thoughts, reflections, and learnings. It's an intimate conversation about the deeper aspects of group fitness instruction.

In the first minisode, we explore the importance of maintaining joy in teaching group fitness. Ann-See shares her insights from years in the industry and how we can avoid becoming transactional as instructors.

Discover the concept of group coherence and its impact on creating a supportive and uplifting environment. Learn valuable tips to keep the joy alive, including building a sense of community, embracing positivity, and celebrating small victories.

Don't miss this special minisode and remember to reach out with your feedback. Join Ann-See on this incredible journey of self-discovery and growth.

Stay curious and keep exploring.

Maureen Hagan, or Mo as she is best known, is a global fitness ambassador, recognized for her teaching, work and leadership in the fitness industry that spans almost 4 decades. She is an international award-winning fitness professional, recognized as Canada's Top 10 Women of Power in 2020 and a Top 100 Health Influencer. Mo is chief operating officer for canfitpro, Canada's leading fitness education authority. Mo's passion for moving people extends beyond the fitness industry as a licensed physical therapist and with her work on the national Board of Directors for Prescription to Get Active.

My key takeaways are: 

1. Follow your passion. Take a sabbatical.

2. Energy is addictive.

3. Passion for a programme that would allow you to grow.

4. Seek to understand and then serve.

5. Plant a seed and grow it, nuture it. Build something for longevity.

The Nikkie Riozzi phenomenon has arrived, hold on tight and get ready to ride the most exciting wave the dance fitness era has witnessed for a long time. Filled with funk, fun and an infectious scouse charm this girl is well and truly making her mark in the world of dance and fitness. Nikkie has been involved in the Dance and Fitness industry since 1994, and presented Internationally along with Nike Women Europe sponsorship has travelled far and wide ; renowned not only for he flawless teaching but her unique style and friendly approach. and the proud owner of her own successful dance events; D.i.E (Dance international Event) and her solo workshop tour GETFUNKD. Working as Music Label manager for Pure Energy Go, Nikkie brings the best of energy to ever fitness release and keeps on bringing new beats to all instructors classes. She has a diverse range of sessions to offer, from her signature hip hop classes to Personal Training programmes, all with inspirational and somewhat addictive choreography and body changing workouts. Welcome to the world of Nikkie Riozzi.

My key takeaways are:

1. Fight for what you love

2. Know your worth

3. Be mindful of the people in front of you

After 30+ years in the Group Fitness Industry, filled with many travels, adventures, memories and friends from around the world, Peg can now be found leading online Coaching programs in Human Design, Parenting, and Relationships. She also has a podcast titled “Between Your Ears” focusing on Mindset and including a weekly meditation.

My key takeaways are:

1. The team sport feel of group fitness

2. The ripple effect

3. It's all about the music!

4. Could someone else enjoy this more?

Denise Imbesi is the visionary who pioneered the launch of Muscle Mixes Music as one of the first fitness music companies worldwide. In 1988, Denise Imbesi, the woman behind the music, a DJ and instructor, saw a need for pre-mixed compilations. Instructors were still using record players to mix music and record it on cassette for their classes. CD technology made things easier, but the beats and tempos were not always right for various forms of exercise. Muscle Mixes Music was a breakthrough. In the three decades since its inception, Muscle Mixes Music has created thousands of rockstar music mixes, a mobile streaming app and now music for virtual classes for fit pros worldwide.

My takeaways are:

1. Music can change energy.

2. Solve a problem & make it easier for people.

3. Set yourself up for your day by sitting down with yourself in the morning.

4. Value yourself more and have something more to offer.

Sally began her journey in the health and fitness industry in 1998 after qualifying as a personal trainer and gaining a bachelor in Sport Science in the year 2001. Soon after, she experienced a deep calling to explore a more holistic approach to movement and breath, which led to Sally certifying as a yoga and paranayama teacher, training with Paul Dallaghan and Sri Tiwari at @centered-yoga in Thailand, in addition to studying at K Pattabhi Jois The Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore. From teaching her female students however, Sally could see that if yoga asana and pranayama was applied in a more bespoke manner with regards to the natural womb cycles that most women experience on a regular basis, the application of yoga could be even more profound.

This led her to studying for several years in earnest with leader and pioneer in this field; Uma Dinsmore-Tuli, with whom she gained qualifications in Pregnancy and Postnatal Yoga and a Well Woman Yoga Therapy Diploma. Since then, Sally has gone on to train as a Doula with Michele O’Dent and a Pilates teacher with A.P.P.I. (Australian Pilates Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute) and has established her own yoga teacher training school The Sally Parkes Yoga Academy in 2010, training over 1500 yoga teachers to date.

Bob Esquerre, MA, MES, NSCA-CPT, is both nationally & internationally recognized as a business planner, a leading educator and personal trainer. As the CEO & Senior Consultant of the Esquerre Fitness Group International [EFGI]. Bob is an active participant in both the national & international lecture circuits as a sought-after speaker not only in the areas of fitness, health & wellness program design, development and implementation, but also has been recognized by IHRSA in 1998 as a subject-matter expert on personal training. He has presented lectures at the following conventions: Club Industry Conferences, IDEA International Personal Trainer Summits, NSCA Personal Training Summits, Reebok University International Programs, and World Class Fitness Conference: Moscow to name a few.  Here are my takeaways:

1. Having a mentor can be a powerful tool and having different mentors for different stages in your career and life.
2. Consider creating another revenue stream, e.g. fee-based small group training, workshops and/or personal training at a club where you teach group fitness classes by having a conversation with the club.
3. Focus on health and wellness and the 80% that we aren't even  reaching.
4. Create the bridge for collaborative vision between club owners, operators, instructors and personal trainers.

You can follow Bob on the following so please check him out:

Rhian is a fitness professional with nearly 20 years experience in delivering group fitness, presenting, instructor training, assessing and coaching. Rhian has a passion for movement and anything to do with improving joint mobility and flexibility as she wants to promote being able to live life WITH our bodies.

Here are my takeaways from this episode:

• Trust your gut with what you want to do.
• Ask people what they want
• Be discerning
• Find a way to enjoy being yourself within it because you'll naturally attract your people anyway
• Find ways to enjoy being you

Lawrence Biscontini, MA, is a Mindful Movement Specialist and has numerous awards under his belt from the fitness industry, such as ACE, IDEA & Inner IDEA, Can Fit Pro, and ECA since 2002.

Lawrence travels the world offering world-class secrets in mentoring, fitness and spa consulting, and presenting for professional conferences, and working also on the Advisory Board for the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), Senior VIP Consultant for Power Music®, and reporter-in-the-field for the International Spa Association’s #ispaDoyou campaign creating #ispaInterviews worldwide.

He creates group fitness and personal training programming on an international level for clubs and spas, including Equinox, 24 Hour Fitness, Gold's Gym International, Bally, and more, and his creations received the Conde Nast Traveler Awards' Top Ten Awards placement for innovative spa programming worldwide. Lawrence has been Spa Consultant and Trainer for leading international spas in Europe, Asia, and the USA.

Lawrence continues to inspire the world to fitness via various modalities. First, his company, FG2000, is a group of leading continuing education providers who offer accredited training at an international level in a variety of languages with a concentration on developing countries who otherwise would not be able to afford this training. For up-and-coming instructors, Lawrence established the Biscontini Scholarships to offer the opportunity for a promising instructor or personal trainer to attend the International World Fitness IDEA convention on the west coast USA or the SCW and Asia Fitness Convention, yearly. He also began a NOTICE M.E.! program through which he helps empower instructors who have innovative ideas in the fitness industry.

Here are my takeaways:

1. Develop your customer service skills, the business of fitness and social media skills.
2. If you're fearful, you're fearful alone. If you're hopeful, you're hopeful with others. So have a community.
3. Can you be both professional and popular?
4. If you can't control the situation, FAITH ... forward all issues to heaven.
5. To stay on top of your game, keep learning.
6. For everything that you do, remember that rejection is God's protection.

Ciaran is the Founder of Purestretch.

Three words to describe Ciaran would be fun, energy and community. And true to the words, this is what Ciaran stands for, and that is what you get when speaking with her, which is why it's no doubt that is what she's also created with her community.

Ciaran believes fitness is all about having fun and feeling part of a safe community where you can grow as an individual.

Here are my takeaways:

1. Self-care is important
2. Develop your mindset. Go with the flow, and don't get stressed.
3. Learn from anything negative and reverse any negative into a positive.

You can follow Ciaran on the following, so please check her out:

Matt can be described as outgoing, dedicated and truly a team player, with a career in group fitness of 20 years. Originally from Devon, England. Matt now lives in Shanghai and is the Training Manager for Les Mills China.

His group fitness journey began when he attended an Instructor Training for BODYPUMP, at Gold’s Gym in North Carolina, USA, in 2002. Since then, Matt has gone on to certify in 10 Les Mills programs, becoming an International Master Trainer in:

BODYPUMP

BODYCOMBAT

RPM

LES MILLS CORE

LES MILLS GRIT

During his 20-year career, Matt has delivered Masterclasses, Quarterly Workshops, Initial Trainings, Advanced Trainings, Education Sessions, Trainer Boot Camps and Group Fitness Management Seminars in more over 20 countries; living in the US, UK, New Zealand, Australia and China.

With a wealth of international experience, Matt is a trusted and respected fitness leader, known for his authenticity, integrity and humility - and for not taking himself too seriously! Matt's Mantra is “engage, educate, entertain, inspire”.

Here are my takeaways from this episode:

1. The butterfly effect moments happen in your day-to-day classes.
2. It's about community, friendship and having a support mechanism to hold you up.
3. The 5 Cs of control, connection, capability, (self) care and community.
4. Do the work so when the opportunities appear, you're ready to take advantage of them.
5. Honour and respect the privilege of what we do in this industry.

Helen is an energetic, fun loving and passionate multi discipline Health & Fitness and Dance professional for 38 years and is the Director of the community-based Fitness and Dance Company, DYBO (UK Fitness Academy Ltd) that offers bespoke, unique and original group exercise and dance classes and one to one services - operating from Church Crookham, Hampshire and Farnham, Surrey.

Helen’s passion is to assist people to ‘reach for their potential - irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, size or fitness experience’! This has resulted in a loyal and diverse following & a large number of her clients have been working with Helen for many years. DYBO clients enjoy a variety of fresh and evolving content, current industry practice, effective programing combined with lots of experience, encouragement and many laughs, keeping them inspired and progressing! DYBO Classes include HIIT/LIIT, Body Conditioning, Dance, Dance Fitness, Mind Body, Yoga, Pilates, Step, Barre and more.

Helen delivers One to One Fitness and Wellness Training for all ages (10-80+), levels of health & fitness (from beginners and infirm to elite athletes) plus Sports Therapy Massage, NLP, Life Coaching and Hypnosis. Specialisms include Ante Post Natal Fitness, Peri to Post menopause health and fitness, Restorative Exercise (recovery from/living with injury and disease including Covid-19) and Gut Health. Individuals with special health and fitness needs and requirements are frequently recommended and referred (via medical professionals and colleagues) to Helen for her expertise, informed instinct and open-minded support. Helen delivers workshops, training courses & seminars including presentations on Ante/Post Natal fitness, Peri to Post menopause health, fitness and wellbeing, Pelvic Floor, Spine & Pelvic Health, Core Stability and Gut Health. Helen is the Director for 'Independance' events where she is joined by a Guest Presenter for an afternoon of original and creative dance and restorative movement classes. These popular events run 2-3 times per year. She has written many articles for professional organisations and magazines (including a guest editorship), is a popular guest for industry blogs and podcasts and has been involved with industry Governing Body steering committee meetings. Helen is an international Presenter delivering her unique and creative sessions to convention delegates/attendees across the globe.

Here are my takeaways from this episode:

1. Listen to your intuition.
2. Know your customer base, your niche.
3. Don't compete on price because people don't value what they don't pay for.
4. Have big love for each other; build your community.
5. Know why you do what you do & does that match your beliefs and values.

Raphan Kebe is a stoic straight no-chaser teacher, podcast host, speaker, writer of the ‘Be POD’ audio blog, and founder of the Space & Flow school of yoga (2010). Grounded in over 17 years of teaching experience in London, Paris, and Barcelona with guest appearances around the world, Raphans’ radical approach, fuelled by his wild curiosity and unconquerable soul, propelled him to create a series of mesmerising sequences that have seen his following grow exponentially over the last few years. In a rare and magical alchemy between a sublime somatic practice and his life philosophy, he has captivated a progressive audience of followers, students, dancers and professionals who aspire to elevate their own experience not just in the world of yoga but their business and personal realms.

Created in 2010, Space & Flow is a yoga school that seeks to redefine what it means to teach with intentionality and a growth mindset—built on the radical principles of creativity, sensuality and resilience. These foundational principles are woven through the very DNA of his widely listened-to and successful podcast, TALKING FLOW. Covering topics that seduce and inform, his consciously curated guest list is deliberately devised to stimulate and educate the listener. His hugely coveted teacher training courses run throughout the year, with the first session beginning in January 2023 in Paris, March 2023 in Barcelona and June 2024 in London.

Here are my takeaways from my conversation with Raphan:

1. Naiviety. Question everything like a child would.
2. Have the capacity to dream and work towards them without too much worry that it will eventually make sense or not. Have faith in yourself and in the creative process.
3. There is a difference between movement-based practice and posture-based practice.
4. Be comfortable being misunderstood.
5. Don't take the practice too seriously.

To find out more about Raphan and his fascinating work, check out his websites:

Deidre Douglas, Ed.D. earned her doctorate degree in Leadership Studies at the University of Lynchburg, focusing on the effects of physical activity on the academic performance of elementary-aged students. She is a Les Mills US National Trainer and Presenter and Les Mills International Presenter. 

Dr Douglas is currently a Group Fitness Coordinator and researcher in Central Virginia. Deidre enjoys hiking, writing and editing music with her son, Shane Washington, also known as Gamma Centauri, on Spotify, YouTube and SoundCloud.

You can find Deidre onFacebookorfollow her on Instagram@drdeidreldouglas

Here are my takeawaysfrom chatting with Deidre:

1. Group fitness is the fastest way to disseminate information.
2. The more we share knowledge with people, the more we empower them to take control of their healthy lifestyles.
3. Set your goals and go for them, work toward them and learn from every experience that life affords. And that's what group fitness is about. Learning from every experience and sharing it with others.
4. It's not about us being on stage or us being in front of the class. It's about togetherness. It's a collaborative effort.
5. We have to understand why we do things. Go back to your why, your fundamental purpose in life and work to demonstrate that in what you do.