I am a HUGE BELIEVER in Les Mills programs. I had my first experience with Les Mills when I tried BodyPump for the first time back in 2007. I always disliked group fitness classes (I can distinctly remember leaving in the middle of a step class at the Y to go run on the treadmill because I was so lost on the choreography that I wasn’t doing anything but standing there with my mouth gaping open…) until I discovered BodyPump and the Les Mills format.
I quickly fell in love with the consistency, easy choreography, fun music and results that the programs offered. So much so that I went through BodyPump instructor training in 2008. What started out as teaching group fitness for fun on the side transformed into where I am today. I am so grateful for Les Mills for showing me how amazing group fitness can be and for teaching me how to be a dynamic and engaging instructor. To this day, I credit that training for “teaching me how to teach.” And I will forever encourage anyone who is interested in teaching group fitness to pursue a Les Mills certification.
One of the things that continues to inspire and amaze me about Les Mills is their constant innovation and drive to bring new fitness offerings to the world! (Yes, their programs are worldwide and I think that’s so cool!) Les Mills features well known programs such as BODYPUMP (weights), BODYCOMBAT (martial arts), RPM (indoor cycle), BODYFLOW (yoga/tai chi/pilates) and many more. A couple of years ago they introduced a new 30-minute high intensity interval training format called Les Mills GRIT. I had the opportunity to try in back in December 2012 and it kicked my butt! I recently received word that Les Mills is launching a totally new way to workout with IMMERSIVE FITNESS.
Check out this video featuring stunt performer and actress Genevieve Aitken that shows you what it means to be fully immersed in your workout.
What is IMMERSIVE FITNESS?
IMMERSIVE FITNESS combines fitness and gaming to create a visual experience with music and choreography. Movement and music is synchronized with video content using LED technology on three screens. I love this description of IMMERSIVE FITNESS from the website:
Imagine doing squats in a LES MILLS GRIT class… now imagine ducking to avoid objects flying overhead in a virtual obstacle course. Imagine doing jabs in a BODYCOMBAT class … now imagine having to punch objects as they hurtle toward you from the distance. Imagine doing a hill climb in RPM – now imagine scaling a giant mountain at night in the Alps.
Current IMMERSIVE FITNESS workouts.
There are currently three IMMERSIVE FITNESS workouts with more to come as the program continues its rollout.
1. ‘The Trip’
Ride into another dimension. ‘The Trip’ is a cycle class, but not as anyone knows it. You might be climbing the side of an impossibly steep glacier, or riding through a space age city. Sprint your way around a digital velodrome, then back off the pace as a sun sets across water around you. Cycling is the perfect match for IMMERSIVE FITNESS™.
2. BODYCOMBAT™/LES MILLS GRIT™ Immersive
A hard out 30 minute mash up of martial arts moves and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). In the martial arts tracks you could be kicking a spaceship to destruction. Duck low-hanging roadsigns and punch oncoming cars as they explode. Grit makes you leap over flying objects. This is a physical workout.
3. BODYJAM™/BODYBALANCE™ Immersive
Music and dance mixed with new yoga in 30 minutes of bliss – be ready to move and stretch. Feel the beats and see the music. It’s like an immersive tent at a music festival, but everybody’s dancing together. Round it out with some new yoga to stretch your mind and body.
How amazing does the dance/yoga look in the photo above? Check out this video below for a quick look at scenes from the London premier.
Why IMMERSIVE FITNESS?
The focus is on getting you out of your head and out of your day-to-day life and into a place where you are “in the zone.” When you’re in the zone you are at peak performance and feeling fulfilled, confident and challenged and rising to the best you have to offer. The result is an immersive experience that will take you to new levels of fitness and health while giving your mind a complete distraction. I imagine there would be no looking at the clock wondering when class will be over during an IMMERSIVE FITNESS class.
How can you try IMMERSIVE FITNESS?
‘The Project’ is touring five European cities following its debut in London. These cities include Stockholm, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris and Milan. The hope is that the tour will make it to the U.S. in 2015.
How can you stay updated on IMMERSIVE FITNESS?
Visit the website or follow along on Instagram for updates on the concept and when you can experience it for yourself.
The next level of fitness is here. IMMERSIVE FITNESS™ surrounds participants with cinema quality video content projected onto screens of a purpose-built studio. Exercise moves synchronize perfectly with music and graphics, creating a truly immersive fitness experience. Learn more!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Les Mills. The opinions and text are all mine.
