[lhmatth]

Hi everyone! I've been lurking and reading for some time now, but I just found out I'll be able to go through Attack training in early March! I've been doing Les Mills programs for quite some time now. I started with Pump back in 2002, then started Step and Combat in 2004 and Attack about 6 months later when it came to the States. So I've been at this a while. My instructors have been trying to get me to go through training for quite a while now, and I had always worried I wouldn't be able to do it. About 2 months ago, they called me up to participate with them on stage, and I realized 1) that I could totally do this and further 2) I wanted to. :-D I've never taught any fitness classes, nor have I ever gone through any other training. One of my gym's Attack (and other Les Mills programs) gurus, Shaunna May (she's going to be on the Attack posters this year), is doing the training. I've known her for about 3 years.

What I need to know from you all who have gone through Attack training (especially recently or with Shaunna) are suggestions and pointers. What is the format of the training? What should I bring? What, how, and when should I eat? How should I be prepping now? (I am doing classes (a mix of Attack and Step) 5 times a week right now.) Do you have any tips for people who are going through Attack training as their first group fitness training? I'm nervous about learning and calling the choreography most of all, honestly.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you provide!

Best,
Lauren

[Krystle]

lhmatth, on Jan 26 2009, 09:43 PM, said:

Hi everyone! I've been lurking and reading for some time now, but I just found out I'll be able to go through Attack training in early March! I've been doing Les Mills programs for quite some time now. I started with Pump back in 2002, then started Step and Combat in 2004 and Attack about 6 months later when it came to the States. So I've been at this a while. My instructors have been trying to get me to go through training for quite a while now, and I had always worried I wouldn't be able to do it. About 2 months ago, they called me up to participate with them on stage, and I realized 1) that I could totally do this and further 2) I wanted to. :-D I've never taught any fitness classes, nor have I ever gone through any other training. One of my gym's Attack (and other Les Mills programs) gurus, Shaunna May (she's going to be on the Attack posters this year), is doing the training. I've known her for about 3 years.

What I need to know from you all who have gone through Attack training (especially recently or with Shaunna) are suggestions and pointers. What is the format of the training? What should I bring? What, how, and when should I eat? How should I be prepping now? (I am doing classes (a mix of Attack and Step) 5 times a week right now.) Do you have any tips for people who are going through Attack training as their first group fitness training? I'm nervous about learning and calling the choreography most of all, honestly.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you provide!

Best,
Lauren

Your sooo lucky to go through training with Shaunna!! She is SOOOO sweet, I miss her. Hardly see her since she is in the SE. You should ask Shaunna for advice, she will gladly give it I am sure. she is really sweet and helpful like that.

BUT if you want my advice, do as much attack as you can, take her class and get her to CRC you...She knows her $%#$. Bring lots of snacks, that are LIGHT...not heavy on the stomach. Bring a drink mix that has electrolytes in it, good stability shoes that are not worn out, and lots of extra clothing.

Dont worry about learning the choreo and calling it, we all get nervous the first time, well the first couple times actually. dont worry it will keep getting better and better. The first program is always the hardest, because its all so new to you. But its FUN, an incredible journey and will make you grow in ways you never knew possible. Dont stress out, just have fun, bring your game face and leave everything else aside for that weekend. You already take attack, so you know the ins and outs of the class. oh I did 25 pushups three times a day...it really helped...you do lots of pushups. and it gets you fit to teach the pushup track on your toes

Good luck girl, keep us posted!!!!!

Krystle from VA

[lhmatth]

Thanks, Krystle! We love Shaunna here, and I know she'll provide tons of advice. I've been talking more with our GFM who team teaches with her so far, but I'll probably talk to Shaunna specifically about this tomorrow. First question: (and I feel a little silly for asking, but...) what does "CRC" stand for?

Your advice is super-helpful! I'll start the push-up regimin today! Did you do any other things like this? Did you bring a bunch of changes of clothing? Socks? I've just got a new pair of tennis shoes that I love (great stability, and I have a hard time finding stable enough + light + cushy shoes). I can totally manage the drink mixes. Do you have suggestions for snacks? I'm thinking some candy + some more energy-dense things like dried fruit or granola bars?

Okay. Enough rambly questions. Thanks so much for your suggestions so far! I'm so super excited! (And of course I'll keep you all posted!)

[Shane]

Hey there Lauren,

I didn't train in Attack, I trained in Combat, but I understand your nerves regarding calling the chorrey.... the less you panic the better you will be. Just relax and dont expect to be perfect first time out, anyone will tell you it takes a while to get confident and while longer to be good!! O:)

Your question on CRC is not so silly and they will teach you all about CRC in the training but it stands for:
Connect
Recommend
Commend

Which, put simply is where you give participants feedback on what they are doing in class. It might be to correct them, it might be to get them to work harder or it might just be to improve their technique.

I can't use an attack example, but in combat if "John" is in Left Combat Stance when he should be in Right Combat Stance, we can use CRC to help him change.

1. "Connect" with John: They cover lots of examples of how to connect with participants in the training but it could be as simple as getting eye contact, or maybe even just move so you are standing in their direct line of sight and look in their direction. How you do this depends on your own style and how well you know the participant. (You might even say their name if you know them well enough!)

2. "Recommend" a change: Again, many ways to do this, but saying something like "Right foot forward" or "Right Combat Stance" or even tapping the correct leg (your left) and looking at his legs/feet to help him realise what you're getting at and make a change for the better.

3. "Commend" him on his correction. Something as simple as "Nice work John" or "Thats better" or "Perfect!", to let him know that he has understood correctly and to give him some positive feedback so he leaves feeling good, remembering the good words rather than the correction.

Hope that helps you.... good luck with your training, I'm sure you'll rock it!
Cheers

[lhmatth]

Hey thanks Shane for the encouragement! I appreciate it! And thanks for the heads-up on the acronym. Makes total sense now, and Shaunna does this automatically, though I am sure that she'll have more specific suggestions for me when we chat about training. I'd sure like all the constructive feedback I can get *before* training so that I can work out any major kinks before then.

[Shane]

Like Krystle said, if you ask your instructor specifically to CRC you, its easier for you because you can get feedback while you are working out and if you ask she might CRC you for things that she would otherwise not worry about!

(She might not be as picky usually, but if you tell her you are training and ASK for it, she might be willing to watch and pick up extra bits)

You might get CRC'd on things you never even realised that you did!!!
(I know I have little strange things I did in combat that I didn't realise, like wobbling my head slightly to the beat of music... dunno why I did it, but trainer would have nailed me for it!)

[Placebo]

I trained on BA61 last year. Cueing is difficult for the first timer, but you will get lots of assistance. My advice to you is 'cue' the moves when you're learning the choreography, so you get used to talking out loud whilst exercising. When I was first learning Attack, I kept my cues short (otherwise you run out of breath!).

Food-wise, I took small tubs of chocolate mousse, rice pudding, yoghurt, diced fruits. Almonds are an amazing source of energy as well. When we had to do 'group' stuff, I would crack open a tub of something and eat on the run. This way I kept my blood sugar and energy up while not getting 'overfull'.

Take something warm to put on. You do have times where you are not moving, I got really cold, really quickly.

Good luck and have fun.

[Mel]

Placebo, on Jan 28 2009, 07:48 AM, said:

My advice to you is 'cue' the moves when you're learning the choreography, so you get used to talking out loud whilst exercising.

This is definately an excellent piece of advice! not just for getting used to talking while exercising, but somehow saying the cues out loud helps cement them in your head. I see all the time newbies just "think" the cues, and then when it comes to trying to teach all the words disappear. By practising them out loud, you not only confirm what you are going to say, but how much time you need to say it. You can figure out where in the music you need to start talking.

You might want to be alone when you try this..........walking around the supermarket and cueing while listening to your cd might look a bit weird, lol.

Good luck with your training

[lhmatth]

Thanks, everyone! I talked with Shaunna, and she's going to help me work through my kinks in the days and weeks to come. Another woman from my gym is training then, too, so we're going to work together with one another cueing this latest release. So hopefully we'll get some good practice getting in the habit (working on acquiring the habit) of calling the moves while actually doing Attack - like I said, this is the biggest fear I have about training. Nervous here! (but still pumped!) :-D

[Krystle]

hey so sorry for my delayed response! Looks like everyone got you covered on great advice and what CRC means. sorry bout that, just a habit of saying CRC and not explaining it...LOL!!
Tell shaunna Krystle from VA says WASSUP, I might be visiting you guys March 26th, its a thursday... will be down that way for the Q. Keep us posted on how everything goes, you will be a rockstar definatly!!!

hugs
Krystle

[Sofie]

good luck with your training! It's hardcore, (after all, its about challenging yourself in every way possible, but that's what makes Attackers stand out from the crowd, otherwise everyone could do it *g*) but very much worth it! / Let us know how it goes for you!

[Shane]

Once you pass Attack it will only be a matter of time before you ask yourself:
"Which program next?"

(BTW Combat is the answer to that question!!)

[Krystle]

Shane, on Jan 29 2009, 01:43 AM, said:

Once you pass Attack it will only be a matter of time before you ask yourself:
"Which program next?"

(BTW Combat is the answer to that question!!)

haha yep COMBAT is right up there with Attack for me I was a stepper, but I think I have crossed over to the dark side *g*
Actually I dont teach step because I hurt my foot, but combat and attack are my favs

[Placebo]

Good girl Krystle, we love you. Welcome to the *dark* side. Mwahahaha....

[lhmatth]

I know training is going to be a huge physical challenge. The mental challenge is scarier to me. But I'm working through things. :-D

As for next program certifications, well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

[Krystle]

Placebo, on Jan 30 2009, 05:35 AM, said:

Good girl Krystle, we love you. Welcome to the *dark* side. Mwahahaha....

hahaha thanks:) I started teaching step again yesterday...was feeling the need to change those single knee lifts into a random muay tai knee or two....YIKES!!!! decided that was not quite in the essense of Bodystep

lhmatth, on Jan 30 2009, 09:04 AM, said:

I know training is going to be a huge physical challenge. The mental challenge is scarier to me. But I'm working through things. :-D

As for next program certifications, well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

you will be fine...it is definatly a challenge, but you will be surprised what you are capable of. Its a rather inspiring weekend, as are all of the trainings they have.

[lhmatth]

I don't know about turning to the dark side & Combat...I did it for the first time in about a year Friday. (Until really recently, it's been at bad times for me.) Wowza. :shock: So there are definitely back and shoulder muscles that Attack neglects. 8-[ And it felt pretty awkward, too, generally. I'm sticking with it, though. Used to love it, and I'm sure the awkwardness will fade. At least I hope so!

And training for Attack got pushed back a week. Mid-March now. Hopefully it won't change again...

[CuteZ3]

If I can manage a 4th program, it will be Combat.

I did Pump first (2004), then RPM (2006), then Attack just 3 weeks ago.

I'm working on my "Attack fitness" and technique before I get up in front of the class. Instructors with poor form really irk me, and I am determined to NOT be one of "those" instructors!!!!

[lhmatth]

I hear you, CuteZ3! I visited another gym in December when I was visiting my family in another state. Wow. I'm spoiled by my awesome instructors! The instructors at the gym I visited had pretty mediocre form and actually CHANGED CHOREOGRAPHY - not messed up; purposefully changed. I was steamed. I'll be working as hard as possible to be spot on with my form and my choreography before, during, and after training.

[lhmatth]

So I just got back from my training module late last night, and I got a PASS! :-D I'm so excited. This weekend was one of the most amazing things I've ever been a part of! This was my first program and my first time to do anything like this - I've never taught any kind of fitness classes. So I wasn't sure I'd be able to do the cuing or coaching, but I DID IT! It was such an amazing experience! Shaunna was awesome and motivating, and all the participants were so great and supportive! We all survived the weekend with help from one another.

I just wanted to thank you all for your suggestions - they really helped - and to pass along my news!