[Placebo]

I trained on BB43 and am in a quandry.

Have just been at the workshops (for BB47). This release goes far and above what I "know" as a BB instructor. I still feel that I'm an "ingenue" at Balance instructing. I don't think I can do this anymore. I'm not a Yoga instructor (and the master trainer at the worshop said herself "thankfully I'm a yoga instructor"). This release moves very quickly with some very complex moves. Les Mills says "let the music speak" but there is no room for that, as you are full-on cuing (basic as well as safety, let alone "magic").

I feel that it's getting beyond me to fathom the yoga moves. I am stressed to the max when it comes to this release. I don't even know where to start.

My participants in my two Balance classes tell me what a beautiful class I give, but they don't know how I stress about it. Up until now, I've watched the DVDs and been able to give my best, but this new one, I feel is beyond my teaching ability. I teach 3 other programs that I'm comfortable with. Should I give this one up? Should I continue as it really makes me push myself instructor-wise? It doesn't help that one of my gyms wants me to be "certified" immediately if not sooner.

Just wanting some opinions here...

[Mel]

I haven't seen the latest release yet, our workshops are a few weeks away. But I would like to say, don't give up! The fact that you are doubting yourself only makes you a better instructor, and will make you an even better one.

It takes time to feel truly comfortable with a program, and I feel like that with every new program I take up, including up to the 5th one. Stick with it. I bet 2 years later you'll be saying the same thing about the next program you train in

[grandnat]

Don't give up - there are many options that you can give.

When I was asked by my club to go on the Balance course I laughed - I was so inflexible - but now I am much better and more confident. There are still moves I can't do - but that's fine just explain what you are doing.

Balance goes through phases - I got a bit disillusioned around 33 when I couldn't do the ankle cross lift.

I have been taking Yoga Teacher Training and it is quite specific that 90% of people will never be able to do the hardest moves - but if you can empathise with them and help them do their best then they will love you as an instructor for that. Apply the same thoughts to Balance.

[in2insight]

Let me add my own "don't give up".
Yes, BB/BF is an organic program, and it is changing and moving.
I find the new direction to be aimed at making the workout "harder" and more inline with the other LMI programs.
Is this a good move? Who knows.
You always have the option of:
1) Modify! There have always been moves I can't achieve, so I cue them and show the modification. (Bird)
2) Depending on your club, just make mixes of tracks you enjoy teaching. Yes, we have that timeframe where the new release has to be done in it's entirety. It's a learning experience for us too.

I will also add that if and when the stress is more than the joy, perhaps a break is in order?

Cheers,
D.

[Placebo]

Thanks for your words everyone, I really appreciate it.

At present, I've decided not to stress too much about putting every.little.move into the workout (for example; BB45, core back when it goes to the 3-legged dog, and you've got to cue the advanced option to lift opposite hand off the floor. I felt like I was rushing to get it all in that I couldn't get into the side-plank properly. So did not cue the hand-lift today, and was able to move everyone into side plank more effectively). I know that's probably a bad thing to do, but I've got to start somewhere.

I don't think I've been able to 'relax' into teaching Balance since I took this class. The GFM keeps sending me constant emails about getting 'certified' before Xmas. I have filmed (a "fill-in" class at another club), but am awaiting the GFM of that club to 'sign it off' for me to send it away. At this time of the year, it would be a miracle if Les Mills assessed it before Xmas. I'm not going to worry about losing this class over the "certification" factor any longer. I'm a bit over being harrassed about it.

As for the "joy" factor. I admit I've been feeling somewhat 'drained' for the last few weeks. I've been doing upwards of 15 classes/week for about 4 weeks prior to the workshop (yep, I know it's not overly bad, but I only have 9 permanent classes, the rest have been "fills"). I've emailed all my clubs and have told them I'm taking 2wks off over Xmas, no fills, nothing. I haven't had a holiday for 5yrs, so am really looking forward to recharging my own batteries.

[Mel]

Sounds like you really need the break Placebo! It's a pity your GFM is taking the joy out of balance for you.
Hopefully after you get the video over and done with, and have your break, you can start to relax in balance and enjoy it more

[Placebo]

Yeah I hope so Mel

I understand the gym wanting it's instructors to be certified in their programs, I really do. It indicates a committment to improvement. And I am certified in three out of four of my programs, so it's not like I'm refusing to do this last part for Balance. I think my 'beef' is that although I trained Jan this year, the Balance classes completely dried up for 10mths! I couldn't get a fill anywhere (and I know a LOT of instructors in my area). I also couldn't get a "shadow" either as I had permanent classes at the times the Balance classes were on. Actually, I could've got a permanent class, only it was at a gym 45mins away from me, and I would've had to leave my 9, 7 and 5yr old home alone for an hour - not acceptable under any circumstances, not to mention illegal.

It's been nice to 'vent' a little about this. Feel much more supported here than I have been by this particular gym. I taught my Attack class tonight and found my 'joy' again. So now I'm just going to concentrate on giving a great Balance class with the time I have left there - and NOT STRESS (well, not too much ).

[Special]

Like Mel said, the fact that you worry about being good enough, is a sign that you are in fact good. The shitest instructors I know think they are just fine and have no reason to try and improve.

I think letting go of the extra pressure of certification is a good move. Clearly you will get it done, but if it looming over your head right now is sucking the joy out of Balance, then yeah, forget about it until you feel ready.

Jackie also says very clearly on this new DVD that you teach to who is in front of you. (or was that Lisa?) I don't think there is anything wrong with teaching level 1 and 2 at first. When the advanced members in your class are ready, you give them level 3. It doesn't hurt to get extra good at the base level. I am sure we have all seen people who shouldn't be trying the harder stuff doing it just because it's there.


Personally, I have gone through a period of doubt with different programs. I did my Balance training when I was pregnant, and when I went on leave I had no intention of going back to it. The girl filling in for me was awesome.
But it was actually attending Balance classes that reminded me what I loved about the program.

It also took me 6 full months of teaching Pump to not dread it. I felt out of my zone, I had to concentrate on every word that I forced out of my mouth, I felt no connection to the people in my class. Now, Pump is creeping up to the top on my favourites list, and I really never expected that.

I think sometimes you have to ride through the wave and see where you end up. Do this release, knowing that it is a challenge for you. If you do it and feel good about it, then maybe you've shown yourself that Balance is right for you. If it all falls in a heap and you feel crap about it, then yeah, focus on the programs that you love.

[Special]

Hey Placebo, how is it going?
Have you been teaching this release?

[Placebo]

Hi Special, I'm taping for Certification tomorrow (BB47).

Last week was an awful week as my small independant gym closed it's doors (very suddenly). There has been a lot of stress, and the fallout has affected all of our (each instructor) classes at our other gyms very badly.

This week has been better, and I'm back to giving focussed classes.

It's the last opportunity to tape this year (all gyms are tapering down classes for the Christmas period), but I feel a bit more relaxed about it.

I did tape just before our BBane workshop, but some "tool" got on the treadmill (it's an open gym) and ran a marathon like an elephant, so although my balance participants could hear me, you couldn't hear "Twists", "Hamstrings", or relaxation on the tape - only the "elephant man" :shock: Always the way!

Not going to stress any longer, not worth it. I'll just go in there and try to give a great class, with feeling. Heck, if it doesn't work, then at least I can give great classes in 3 other programs

Thanks for asking.

[Special]

Good luck. I think your attitude is perfect.
Sorry that 1 of your gyms shut down. That is hard to deal with, especially with no notice.

[Mel]

How did the video go Placebo?

[Placebo]

My mentor thinks it's good. Said it was a lovely class. Of course, I'm not overly happy with my performance - you know how you miss out all the things you were going to say that sounded so good when you were practicing

I stopped the class after abs to preview and really explain "The Scorpion", just because I know that the participants have such difficulty with it. One of my other Balance instructor friends told me that I will not pass certification because I didn't just "press play and go". So who knows?

[Special]

I don't think a pause to explain a new move would make you fail. I am not a certification expert, but I am just going by what I've been told and what I've gathered along the way.

Maybe on the piece of paper you hand in with it, you could explain why you paused ie. that your class has had difficulty with it.

Good luck, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[Placebo]

Now, you've gotta laugh (or you'd cry), my mentor told me today that the battery went flat on the download onto DVD so I have to re-tape :shock:

Oh well, next week it is! I'm still going to preview the Scorpion at the beginning of the track. Hopefully Les Mills have a sense of humour, as I will be wearing a great deal of tinsel in my hair, and lugging a huge basket full of individually wrapped Ferrero Rochers for my participants. It is Christmas after all, eat, drink and be merry, for next year we DIET!

Hmmm, maybe I should tell them to eat it quickly and it won't go to their hips...

[gepl]

Placebo, on Dec 12 2009, 07:51 AM, said:

Now, you've gotta laugh (or you'd cry), my mentor told me today that the battery went flat on the download onto DVD so I have to re-tape :shock:

Huh?!? :shock: How could a flat battery erase the recorded tape? :-k It it went flat during transfer, just recharge it and download again...

[Placebo]

Sorry gelp, spoke to her again today and (typically because I only listen to half of what I should... ), it wasn't the battery, it was the memory. There was not enough memory downloaded onto the camera. So it was the equivalent of trying to tape an hours TV show on a 45min tape. Apparently the little warning light doesn't work and she didn't think to check the memory limit beforehand.

Oh well, once more for luck

Just praying the "inner moron" doesn't make an appearance for this class [-o<

[in2insight]

Placebo, on Dec 13 2009, 12:57 PM, said:

Sorry gelp, spoke to her again today and (typically because I only listen to half of what I should... ), it wasn't the battery, it was the memory. There was not enough memory downloaded onto the camera. So it was the equivalent of trying to tape an hours TV show on a 45min tape. Apparently the little warning light doesn't work and she didn't think to check the memory limit beforehand.

Oh well, once more for luck

Just praying the "inner moron" doesn't make an appearance for this class [-o<

Regarding the pausing questions:
Don't forget the battle cry of "Push play and go".
If you feel that there are moves that need extra time to explain, do so at the start of class before you begin the music. Preview the moves, give the options, and then hit play and go!
(And yes, I would make a notation about stopping in the middle of class and it could effect the total score)

[Placebo]

Taping done. The "inner moron" did make an appearance sadly. I forgot to say my name at the beginning of the class, and had a brain disfunction in the middle of swan pose (so did the "left, right, I mean left" thing :roll: ).

Previewed two moves at the start of the class - "3-legged down-dog into plank" for Sun sals and the "Scorpion" for back.

GFM is away for two weeks now, then she'll have to sign it off before I can send it away.

[Placebo]

After all this time and a phone call to LMAP, I've finally got my results over the phone. I passed Certification :great: They were very apologetic about the delay in sending the records out, and I should see them arrive in the mail shortly.

Phew, just phew!

Still feel very overwhelmed with Balance at times. Kind of like a love-hate relationship. Will keep going, hopefully the pass will give me more confidence in teaching it.