Hi Team,
I wanted to very quickly ask for some feedback: Would any of you be interested in listening to a Podcast version of this blog? Please leave me some feedback!
Thanks!
Chad
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
BODYATTACK 77 Tracklist/Poster
Here's tracklist and poster for BA77. I know 5 of these songs and will be interested to hear the remixes! Yes, track 6 is the Gaga song! Yeehaw! More coming soon!1. Beautiful Day – London Villian
2. Get Dat Love – Ambitious Tribe
3. Firewire – English Rush
4. My Sharona – Addicted Diamond
5. I’m Machine – B.Ranch & Little G
6. You And I (Technoposse Radio Edit) – Sweat Box
7. Bounce (XNRG Remix) – Klassify Feat. Sensus And Devonne
8. Dominoes – Rag Rhino
9. Mr Saxobeat – DJ Loud
10. I Like How It Feels – Solitary Phase
11. Light It Up – Stan Walker Feat. Static Ravenger
12. Don’t Forget Your Roots – Six60
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
AIM 2: Issaquah, Washington
I didn't really announce this beforehand, but as some of you know, I had the amazing opportunity to attend AIM 1 last year with Lisa Osborne. It was truly a career highlight and something I always think fondly upon. Here in the United States, AIM 2 has been a bit of a frustrating wait. There were only a couple of them for Pump only since the new AIMs were announced last year, and then they virtually disappeared. I wanted to attend the first one for Attack last year in Georgia, but didn't have the funds available. As I continued to stalk LesMills.com, I finally was able to locate one in the Seattle, Washington area that was feasible for traveling purposes. Interesting that my Attack journey has literally taken me to opposite ends of the country.
I decided to sign up, albeit at the last minute. The week leading up to it was absolutely insane, as I drove from Phoenix to Salt Lake City for a mini vacation (although when you spend 2 hours at Starbucks every day doing homework, it doesn't always feel like a vacation). I then flew from Salt Lake City to Seattle, and then flew from Seattle to Phoenix after training. Phew! As such, the only real prep I did for AIM 2 was to memorize the release we were presenting from (BA76), and I even cut corners here by asking ahead if we needed to know the strength tracks or cooldown (luckily we didn't).
I don't want to spoil too much for other people who might go, but I will briefly touch on what we did, before spending a few minutes talking about what I got out of it.
AIM 2 is, hands down, the absolute best training I have ever attended. I've been to 4 quarterlies, 3 initial modules, and now AIM 1 and 2, which I know isn't a huge amount when compared to others. However, when put into practicality of what is actually useful to improve your teaching and become a better instructor, this one is the absolute best. I almost wish they would flip it and do AIM 2 first, and then send you to an AIM 1 format-specific training. I just feel like EVERY instructor needs the up-skilling that AIM 2 aspires to, although I understand that this is an organic process, meaning that it's a combination of what you bring to the table AND the insights provided. In other words, if you aren't ready or willing to learn, you aren't ready for what AIM 2 offers, and you will struggle.
I should also say here that my module was facilitated by Amanda Scales (who trains Step, Attack, and Pump), and Josef Matthews (who trains Combat, Pump, and Flow). Therefore, those are the formats that we were able to present. I'm glad that at least you get feedback from a trainer in your core format. It would be difficult for me to stomach feedback on how I was teaching from a non-Attacking trainer.
So what did we do? Let me start by saying that this training is, physically speaking, the least challenging I've ever done. Other than the presenting you do (and participating for the other presenters), there are a few team-building things you do involving physical activity, and even those are designed to be fun and team-building. In other words, we really didn't spend any time working on technique, unless you personally took the time to ask the trainers.
The vast majority of the module consisted of learning about how to advance your coaching and connection skills, and that is a VERY simplified summary of it. Basically, they try and instill that your classes are not about you, they are about the participants. They teach you how to coach 1 outcome or goal per set of repetitions, and then to shut up and let what you're saying sink in. They teach you how to use your general track objectives, specific track focuses, and any other class focuses you might have, to script your coaching. They teach you how to try and connect with the music, how to reach out to participants that aren't the same personality as you, and then finally, to watch your class. If you see that your class needs something, you deviate from any pre-conceived script/plan you had and help them, and then come back to it.
I have been so frustrated the past year or so, because I have known that my teaching has been focused on me. Anyone who doesn't believe me, ask Jeremiah who is my sounding board. I spend a good 30 minutes post-class processing how I did, what I could do better, what worked and what didn't. I have known that I spend my time worrying if I am saying all the right things, showing all the right technique, and if I impress my fellow instructors, my participants, etc. My entire thought process has been focused on me. Yes, it is because I want to do better, but I have been focused on being a really great actor, and no one wants to take a class from an actor. It's really strange to realize that you spend an entire hour in front of a group of 20-50 participants, but you never really see any of them. Check this video out and you'll see what I mean.
The other thing that this was great for? Organization. I often feel that I fly by the seat of my pants as far as what to say and when to say it. It seems a bit random at times. This module taught me how to turn that focus around and organize what I say, when to say it, and most importantly, why we do it this way. This way, you truly understand the process, which allows you to deviate from that plan, but then come back to it afterwards.
One thing they tell you when you sign up (which I whole-heartedly agree with) is to NOT attend the module focused on attaining Advanced or Elite status. You need to be a sponge and just open yourself up to everything that's being thrown at you. Make no mistake... just because this training isn't physically demanding does NOT mean it's not hard. You really have to stretch yourself. Keep in mind that the kind of instructor you are today is the result of however many years/months worth of thinking/speaking you've done up to this point. In order to make a real shift, you have to be willing to open your mind up to teaching in a different way, rather than just trying to do your "old" way the best you've ever done it. They will see right through you. This was the single best decision I made prior to going... just view it as a learning process and you will do great. Basically, if you are ready to improve, SIGN UP! If you just want to get that stamp of approval, you need to re-think your frame of mind before going.
As with all trainings, I made some really great connections, relationships, and memories. But more importantly, I came out with clarity and understanding about a lot of things. I taught a class alone the day after getting home and was told it was the best class I've ever taught, and this is by people I've been coming to the gym with since I was just a participant. I broke down in tears afterwards... it's just so nice to have a breakthrough and be able to move forward with something you work so hard for.
I decided to sign up, albeit at the last minute. The week leading up to it was absolutely insane, as I drove from Phoenix to Salt Lake City for a mini vacation (although when you spend 2 hours at Starbucks every day doing homework, it doesn't always feel like a vacation). I then flew from Salt Lake City to Seattle, and then flew from Seattle to Phoenix after training. Phew! As such, the only real prep I did for AIM 2 was to memorize the release we were presenting from (BA76), and I even cut corners here by asking ahead if we needed to know the strength tracks or cooldown (luckily we didn't).
I don't want to spoil too much for other people who might go, but I will briefly touch on what we did, before spending a few minutes talking about what I got out of it.
AIM 2 is, hands down, the absolute best training I have ever attended. I've been to 4 quarterlies, 3 initial modules, and now AIM 1 and 2, which I know isn't a huge amount when compared to others. However, when put into practicality of what is actually useful to improve your teaching and become a better instructor, this one is the absolute best. I almost wish they would flip it and do AIM 2 first, and then send you to an AIM 1 format-specific training. I just feel like EVERY instructor needs the up-skilling that AIM 2 aspires to, although I understand that this is an organic process, meaning that it's a combination of what you bring to the table AND the insights provided. In other words, if you aren't ready or willing to learn, you aren't ready for what AIM 2 offers, and you will struggle.
I should also say here that my module was facilitated by Amanda Scales (who trains Step, Attack, and Pump), and Josef Matthews (who trains Combat, Pump, and Flow). Therefore, those are the formats that we were able to present. I'm glad that at least you get feedback from a trainer in your core format. It would be difficult for me to stomach feedback on how I was teaching from a non-Attacking trainer.
So what did we do? Let me start by saying that this training is, physically speaking, the least challenging I've ever done. Other than the presenting you do (and participating for the other presenters), there are a few team-building things you do involving physical activity, and even those are designed to be fun and team-building. In other words, we really didn't spend any time working on technique, unless you personally took the time to ask the trainers.
The vast majority of the module consisted of learning about how to advance your coaching and connection skills, and that is a VERY simplified summary of it. Basically, they try and instill that your classes are not about you, they are about the participants. They teach you how to coach 1 outcome or goal per set of repetitions, and then to shut up and let what you're saying sink in. They teach you how to use your general track objectives, specific track focuses, and any other class focuses you might have, to script your coaching. They teach you how to try and connect with the music, how to reach out to participants that aren't the same personality as you, and then finally, to watch your class. If you see that your class needs something, you deviate from any pre-conceived script/plan you had and help them, and then come back to it.
I have been so frustrated the past year or so, because I have known that my teaching has been focused on me. Anyone who doesn't believe me, ask Jeremiah who is my sounding board. I spend a good 30 minutes post-class processing how I did, what I could do better, what worked and what didn't. I have known that I spend my time worrying if I am saying all the right things, showing all the right technique, and if I impress my fellow instructors, my participants, etc. My entire thought process has been focused on me. Yes, it is because I want to do better, but I have been focused on being a really great actor, and no one wants to take a class from an actor. It's really strange to realize that you spend an entire hour in front of a group of 20-50 participants, but you never really see any of them. Check this video out and you'll see what I mean.
The other thing that this was great for? Organization. I often feel that I fly by the seat of my pants as far as what to say and when to say it. It seems a bit random at times. This module taught me how to turn that focus around and organize what I say, when to say it, and most importantly, why we do it this way. This way, you truly understand the process, which allows you to deviate from that plan, but then come back to it afterwards.
One thing they tell you when you sign up (which I whole-heartedly agree with) is to NOT attend the module focused on attaining Advanced or Elite status. You need to be a sponge and just open yourself up to everything that's being thrown at you. Make no mistake... just because this training isn't physically demanding does NOT mean it's not hard. You really have to stretch yourself. Keep in mind that the kind of instructor you are today is the result of however many years/months worth of thinking/speaking you've done up to this point. In order to make a real shift, you have to be willing to open your mind up to teaching in a different way, rather than just trying to do your "old" way the best you've ever done it. They will see right through you. This was the single best decision I made prior to going... just view it as a learning process and you will do great. Basically, if you are ready to improve, SIGN UP! If you just want to get that stamp of approval, you need to re-think your frame of mind before going.
As with all trainings, I made some really great connections, relationships, and memories. But more importantly, I came out with clarity and understanding about a lot of things. I taught a class alone the day after getting home and was told it was the best class I've ever taught, and this is by people I've been coming to the gym with since I was just a participant. I broke down in tears afterwards... it's just so nice to have a breakthrough and be able to move forward with something you work so hard for.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Mixing Playlists
Recently I've decided to change the way I teach a little bit. Since becoming certified in May 2010, I have heavily mixed my playlists, a practice which every other instructor at my club practices as well. (Just to clarify, what this means is that you might see 12 different releases in my class. I still follow the format requirements, as does everyone else). In speaking with other trainers and instructors who's opinions I respect a great deal, I've decided to switch it up a bit and teach releases in their entirety, or only mix 2 releases. I feel like this is a good step for me for a few reasons:
- I'm able to learn more material.
Granted, I am a bit of a self-admitted track snob. I take pride in learning new tracks and sharing them with my class, and it's nice to be able to switch the playlist last minute if I have an unexpected request or if I'm just feeling a certain song in the moment. Teaching this new way, I will learn never-before-seen (for me) or revisit tracks that I haven't learned/taught in a very long time. This means that my members will see more, and maybe find a new track they love or can connect with. - It forces me to teach tracks I wouldn't otherwise.
There are several tracks within the Attack world that I don't care for and rarely teach unless requested. As I've said before, I feel like it's a mark of a good instructor to be able to teach music you wouldn't normally, since the class is more about your members then it is you. - Sometimes your opinion (or in this case, mine) about a release can change over time.
The past two weeks, I have been teaching almost exclusively from BodyAttack 64 (watch for that review to come soon). This was the very first release I launched as a participant, and the beginning of my Attack career if you will. I remember at the time, both immediately post-launch, and then the first year after, that I didn't care for the release very much. Tracks 2, 5, and 12 have always been my absolute favorites, track 7 is an instructor favorite at my club, and track 9 is a huge crowd pleaser. The other 7 songs? I couldn't stand them at the time. When I made the decision to pull this release off the shelf and teach from it, I wasn't anticipating having a huge amount of fun with it. To my total surprise and delight, I've discovered a new love for tracks 3, 4, 6, 8, and 11. Tracks 3 and 8 in particular are really fun to teach, and I would say more fun to teach than just take as a participant. There are some great moments in there to play off of and create fitness magic, and I would now say 64 is one of my better-liked releases. - It creates a better class flow.
It is totally fair to say that Lisa (or any PD) creates an entire release with flow and variety in mind. I remember speaking with Chris Maddox, one of the US trainers, who told me that he once unintentionally taught a class with 4 or 5 tracks that had drop squats. I myself have experienced the same thing with square patterns. And I will say if your focus in a particular class is that move or pattern, then this isn't a bad thing. But if it's unintentional, it can look very sloppy/lazy to have 4 songs with the same-ish choreography. Also, you can wind up with an entire class of female singers, a class dominated by a particular music style or artist, etc, or if you're REALLY not careful, you can go over the time limit. The releases do flow much better and provide more variety when taught as intended. At the Orlando quarterly I attended last year, Susan Renata told us that whenever she teaches releases more than 3 years old, she teaches the entire release for that week, and then puts it away for a while.
One thing I am still trying to figure out is how long I should keep the same playlist/release from. When we launch new stuff, we usually only keep it for the required 2 weeks. I understand this from the instructor's standpoint. Here in the states, we get our materials 2-3 months before we launch (I do not know why we do it this way), so by the time launch comes around, we are already pretty sick of the new music. Then, during launch, we teach the same material for 2 solid weeks, and because we are teaming more then usual, it's not uncommon to do the same release 10 times in a 2 week period. It gets mind numbing. I myself will keep the new release for 1 additional week if I and my participants like it. But now, as I teach older releases, should I keep them for a couple of weeks for consistency? My gut instinct is to do whatever I teach for 2 weeks and then switch. This seems easier to manage and a good balance for regulars vs newer members.
This is a topic which I would really like some feedback on. If you are an instructor, I'd love to hear your thoughts/practices on heavy mixing vs teaching releases in their entirety, and how long you keep your playlists for?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Review: BODYATTACK 75
I've discovered that I really like writing reviews, more so than I like picking favorite tracks. I'm sorry for the lapse in the 101 series, and hope to resume it soon. But now, my long overdue review of Attack 75 is here! And not a moment too soon, as I will be debited for 76 in just under a week!
When I reviewed BodyAttack 74, I commented that it was "a step in the right direction". If that was the case, then 75 was one small step for Attack, one giant step for Attackers all over the world. I absolutely love this release and could not be more excited to be writing this review. I'm jumping the gun a little bit, but the anticipation started the moment I first watched this DVD, and by the time the first launch class came around, the energy was off the charts. It was hands down the funnest class I've ever been part of. Wanna know more? Let's dig right in!
As I've said before, I understand that everyone is different and has different tastes. It is not uncommon for me to find myself slightly at odds with some people on the Les Mills forums. We often differ on opinions, but I have to remember that some of these people have been Attacking a lot longer than I, and the program used to be very different. With that said, I could not believe when I was reading about 75 and some people were commenting how much they didn't like it. 75 is, hands down, my favorite release we've ever had since I started Attacking (Just to give you an idea, 64 was the first release I launched as a participant, and I moduled on 67. But I have every release dating back to 37).
I will admit this release is very well tailored to my personality. It lends itself largely to my teaching style, and almost every song on the playlist lit me up and inspired me to try harder. Bottom line... it's just fun. I remember in AIM discussing the essence of the program and how each program is different. There's this really cool diagram where they show the spectrum of member needs and where each program falls. I can see Attack 75 falling a little bit closer to Sh'Bam then most releases. I have not ever been an avid Sh'Bammer and don't plan on it (truth be told, I have no business in any dance class!) But when I think of Sh'Bam, I think fun, and when I think of Attack, I think of hard work (please don't read too much into this statement...) One of the forum comments I read was that 75 was way too easy. I don't think it was too easy, but I will admit it was easier than releases like 66 and 74. However, as I've said before, if it inspires me to work harder, then what difference does it make?
Music
Let's talk about the music. As of this writing, I have taken or taught 75 in its entirety 8 times, and I am nowhere close to tired of 10 out of 12 songs. With this release, I didn't even feel like I was working out until track 4. The first three songs are like big party. High energy, tons of smiles, and even if you can't always sing along due to fatigue, you wish you could. To me, this is the absolute perfect example of the Aerobic dimension, and I think Lisa was really smart to use 3 really well known top 40 songs in a row here.
Track 4 is a bit funky, but it serves as a nice contrast to the high energy we've just built in the Aerobic tracks. After we finish the first cardio block, we've got a really sexy/gritty upper body track, and the energy picks right up again. The running track is a remixed Cascada song, and I pretty much love everything she does. I was undecided about Agility when I saw the playlist, but the choreography took care of any doubts I had (more below). I didn't like track 8, although I like it better than 71,72,or 74 (more below). The power track really grew on me. Lots of people have said (and I agree) that the song would've been a great choice for the interval track. I do see their point, as it's got that emotional high we're all looking for in 8. Even so, I don't feel it was a poor choice for the power track.
And then... we have the leg track, which was the absolute highlight of the release for me. This leg track is hard (more below), but the song has pushed me to try my absolute best every single time we've done the release, and I've noticed definite changes to my body as a result. The core track is good, but not noteworthy for me. And the cooldown... didn't like the song, and that hasn't changed after teaching the release for two weeks.
Choreography
There's tons of innovation here. The warmup sees the return of a long lost arm combo that we haven't seen since BA56. It sets the tone perfectly for "the party" you're about to experience. In addition, we see the return of the "walk-it-up" combo from 70, where you walk to one corner, and then the other. I wish this had been introduced earlier in the track, as it felt a bit out of place by the time you get to it in the final minute of the song, but it's still fun. Track two is an absolute highlight. Yes, BodyAttackers everywhere get as close to Sh'Bam or BodyJam as we ever will by doing a modified Running Man (and then a legit one). This track just goes off. Every time the song starts playing, the crowd roars, and every time we get to the final block with the travelling running man, everyone busts a move (even me... the tall white boy who has no business doing so!)
The aerobic track is fairly cookie cutter for the first two blocks, although we do get the return of the diamond arms, which again, I love (I have this soft spot for difficult moves that I'm able to get... I think it makes me feel smarter or something). The third block incorporates a running combination which is similar to 74, and I like how the final block meshes the first 3 together. It feels intuitive and well organized. I do hope we get some more Aerobic tracks in the future that are like 70 and 72 (in that they are completely different from most Aerobic tracks... I like variety).
The plyometric track is not as hard as 74's was, but it is still challenging... for the mind too! There's a fun single skate-jump combo that was difficult for participants, but I appreciate the variety and challenge of something new. I find it interesting that the past two plyo tracks have had really hard blocks in the very beginning of the track. I wonder if this is intentional or an experiment, or just due to the music? We have walking burpees again in this release, although they are different in the sense that it's a 1 burpee-4 pushup combo as opposed to doing all burpees then all pushups. I've decided that one thing I don't like is going from a burpee into a wide-stance for chest pushups. I think this lends itself too much to injury.
Running has lots of shuffling, and then we do this fun robot-direction-switch combination near the end (similar to the running track in BA54 where you change directions mid-round). Agility is fantastic! I thought Lisa did an amazing job of integrating baseball training... the moves are convincing and fun to do, and the track is really challenging and a great leg workout. (One idea I took from this track was: in future baseball themed releases, do base running in the running track, where you'd run in a diamond shape instead of a circle.)
Now let's talk the interval track... sigh... The song would've been a good choice if every other word wasn't Falling. It's too repetitive. The choreography is basically two different squares and double knees, but I thought it fit nicely as an interval track. The power track is really good. It's on the easier end of the spectrum (probably the easiest one we've had since 69), but I really like the variety of moves. You start off with heel jacks, then high knee runs to the corners a-la-BA64, and then jacks. THEN, the diamond jump from the BA69 agility track makes a surprise appearance, which I think is really fun and again, adds variety. Add more jacks, then side-step-jumps. The third block adds 6 tuck jumps, and then repeat portions of the prior combo, but this time to the front instead of the corners. And finally, we finish with the annoying high-knee-crazy-fast-sprint that I hate! Other than that, I like the track and the song drives me to work harder.
THE LEG TRACK!!! Baseball training comes back in this track, and again, Lisa did it brilliantly. We start with side lunges like BA58 has, and then it modifies into a front lunge to the side. THEN, we layer in an oblique twist, and finally it progresses into a baseball pitching move. The final round is a catcher-style move where you go into a deep deep squat and transfer your weight from side to side, and then do 7-count squats. So fun, such a great song. Cannot say enough good things about it, and it's definitely my new favorite. I've noticed a huge difference in my body since this one came around, and I've probably tried harder in this one than I have in the past.
Abs are hard... again... with bicycles and 3-pulse crunches. The cooldown's choreography was cool. Sweeping arms are back, but the chorey is still simple enough for me (I hate learning cooldowns...).
Presentation
Lisa brought her A-game here. She taught 1,2,7,9,legs,cooldown. This is exactly what I taught the first time I taught the release. It was really fun to see her teaching style change in each dimension. Bevan, as always, was great (he taught 3,5,6,abs), and I can't wait to take classes from him when I go to New Zealand. I loved the small tribute he gave Lisa during the aerobic track. (One thing that I don't understand though, is after how many years of doing this, he still starts on the wrong lead leg about 50% of the time. I guess we all have our Achilles' heel!) Tomas (I think that's his name) had the same challenges a lot of non-English speaking presenters face, but I did notice how crisp his technique was. He moved pretty flawlessly, and I thought he did well enough with his two songs (4 and 8).
I seriously will find writing 76's review very difficult, because I love this release so much. It will be very very difficult to top this one. Most of these songs are in my repertoire to stay, and I would imagine a lot of them are new crowd favorites (in fact, I hope they don't burn-out-by-request). Lisa, you are amazing!
When I reviewed BodyAttack 74, I commented that it was "a step in the right direction". If that was the case, then 75 was one small step for Attack, one giant step for Attackers all over the world. I absolutely love this release and could not be more excited to be writing this review. I'm jumping the gun a little bit, but the anticipation started the moment I first watched this DVD, and by the time the first launch class came around, the energy was off the charts. It was hands down the funnest class I've ever been part of. Wanna know more? Let's dig right in!
As I've said before, I understand that everyone is different and has different tastes. It is not uncommon for me to find myself slightly at odds with some people on the Les Mills forums. We often differ on opinions, but I have to remember that some of these people have been Attacking a lot longer than I, and the program used to be very different. With that said, I could not believe when I was reading about 75 and some people were commenting how much they didn't like it. 75 is, hands down, my favorite release we've ever had since I started Attacking (Just to give you an idea, 64 was the first release I launched as a participant, and I moduled on 67. But I have every release dating back to 37).
I will admit this release is very well tailored to my personality. It lends itself largely to my teaching style, and almost every song on the playlist lit me up and inspired me to try harder. Bottom line... it's just fun. I remember in AIM discussing the essence of the program and how each program is different. There's this really cool diagram where they show the spectrum of member needs and where each program falls. I can see Attack 75 falling a little bit closer to Sh'Bam then most releases. I have not ever been an avid Sh'Bammer and don't plan on it (truth be told, I have no business in any dance class!) But when I think of Sh'Bam, I think fun, and when I think of Attack, I think of hard work (please don't read too much into this statement...) One of the forum comments I read was that 75 was way too easy. I don't think it was too easy, but I will admit it was easier than releases like 66 and 74. However, as I've said before, if it inspires me to work harder, then what difference does it make?
Music
Let's talk about the music. As of this writing, I have taken or taught 75 in its entirety 8 times, and I am nowhere close to tired of 10 out of 12 songs. With this release, I didn't even feel like I was working out until track 4. The first three songs are like big party. High energy, tons of smiles, and even if you can't always sing along due to fatigue, you wish you could. To me, this is the absolute perfect example of the Aerobic dimension, and I think Lisa was really smart to use 3 really well known top 40 songs in a row here.
Track 4 is a bit funky, but it serves as a nice contrast to the high energy we've just built in the Aerobic tracks. After we finish the first cardio block, we've got a really sexy/gritty upper body track, and the energy picks right up again. The running track is a remixed Cascada song, and I pretty much love everything she does. I was undecided about Agility when I saw the playlist, but the choreography took care of any doubts I had (more below). I didn't like track 8, although I like it better than 71,72,or 74 (more below). The power track really grew on me. Lots of people have said (and I agree) that the song would've been a great choice for the interval track. I do see their point, as it's got that emotional high we're all looking for in 8. Even so, I don't feel it was a poor choice for the power track.
And then... we have the leg track, which was the absolute highlight of the release for me. This leg track is hard (more below), but the song has pushed me to try my absolute best every single time we've done the release, and I've noticed definite changes to my body as a result. The core track is good, but not noteworthy for me. And the cooldown... didn't like the song, and that hasn't changed after teaching the release for two weeks.
Choreography
There's tons of innovation here. The warmup sees the return of a long lost arm combo that we haven't seen since BA56. It sets the tone perfectly for "the party" you're about to experience. In addition, we see the return of the "walk-it-up" combo from 70, where you walk to one corner, and then the other. I wish this had been introduced earlier in the track, as it felt a bit out of place by the time you get to it in the final minute of the song, but it's still fun. Track two is an absolute highlight. Yes, BodyAttackers everywhere get as close to Sh'Bam or BodyJam as we ever will by doing a modified Running Man (and then a legit one). This track just goes off. Every time the song starts playing, the crowd roars, and every time we get to the final block with the travelling running man, everyone busts a move (even me... the tall white boy who has no business doing so!)
The aerobic track is fairly cookie cutter for the first two blocks, although we do get the return of the diamond arms, which again, I love (I have this soft spot for difficult moves that I'm able to get... I think it makes me feel smarter or something). The third block incorporates a running combination which is similar to 74, and I like how the final block meshes the first 3 together. It feels intuitive and well organized. I do hope we get some more Aerobic tracks in the future that are like 70 and 72 (in that they are completely different from most Aerobic tracks... I like variety).
The plyometric track is not as hard as 74's was, but it is still challenging... for the mind too! There's a fun single skate-jump combo that was difficult for participants, but I appreciate the variety and challenge of something new. I find it interesting that the past two plyo tracks have had really hard blocks in the very beginning of the track. I wonder if this is intentional or an experiment, or just due to the music? We have walking burpees again in this release, although they are different in the sense that it's a 1 burpee-4 pushup combo as opposed to doing all burpees then all pushups. I've decided that one thing I don't like is going from a burpee into a wide-stance for chest pushups. I think this lends itself too much to injury.
Running has lots of shuffling, and then we do this fun robot-direction-switch combination near the end (similar to the running track in BA54 where you change directions mid-round). Agility is fantastic! I thought Lisa did an amazing job of integrating baseball training... the moves are convincing and fun to do, and the track is really challenging and a great leg workout. (One idea I took from this track was: in future baseball themed releases, do base running in the running track, where you'd run in a diamond shape instead of a circle.)
Now let's talk the interval track... sigh... The song would've been a good choice if every other word wasn't Falling. It's too repetitive. The choreography is basically two different squares and double knees, but I thought it fit nicely as an interval track. The power track is really good. It's on the easier end of the spectrum (probably the easiest one we've had since 69), but I really like the variety of moves. You start off with heel jacks, then high knee runs to the corners a-la-BA64, and then jacks. THEN, the diamond jump from the BA69 agility track makes a surprise appearance, which I think is really fun and again, adds variety. Add more jacks, then side-step-jumps. The third block adds 6 tuck jumps, and then repeat portions of the prior combo, but this time to the front instead of the corners. And finally, we finish with the annoying high-knee-crazy-fast-sprint that I hate! Other than that, I like the track and the song drives me to work harder.
THE LEG TRACK!!! Baseball training comes back in this track, and again, Lisa did it brilliantly. We start with side lunges like BA58 has, and then it modifies into a front lunge to the side. THEN, we layer in an oblique twist, and finally it progresses into a baseball pitching move. The final round is a catcher-style move where you go into a deep deep squat and transfer your weight from side to side, and then do 7-count squats. So fun, such a great song. Cannot say enough good things about it, and it's definitely my new favorite. I've noticed a huge difference in my body since this one came around, and I've probably tried harder in this one than I have in the past.
Abs are hard... again... with bicycles and 3-pulse crunches. The cooldown's choreography was cool. Sweeping arms are back, but the chorey is still simple enough for me (I hate learning cooldowns...).
Presentation
Lisa brought her A-game here. She taught 1,2,7,9,legs,cooldown. This is exactly what I taught the first time I taught the release. It was really fun to see her teaching style change in each dimension. Bevan, as always, was great (he taught 3,5,6,abs), and I can't wait to take classes from him when I go to New Zealand. I loved the small tribute he gave Lisa during the aerobic track. (One thing that I don't understand though, is after how many years of doing this, he still starts on the wrong lead leg about 50% of the time. I guess we all have our Achilles' heel!) Tomas (I think that's his name) had the same challenges a lot of non-English speaking presenters face, but I did notice how crisp his technique was. He moved pretty flawlessly, and I thought he did well enough with his two songs (4 and 8).
I seriously will find writing 76's review very difficult, because I love this release so much. It will be very very difficult to top this one. Most of these songs are in my repertoire to stay, and I would imagine a lot of them are new crowd favorites (in fact, I hope they don't burn-out-by-request). Lisa, you are amazing!
BODYATTACK 76 Tracklist/Poster
Lots of unknowns this time around... I've heard the warmup and think I'll really like it (remix permitting). I'm currently writing my review of BodyAttack 75 and hope to have it posted by tomorrow!
- San Francisco - Fine Tune
- Mas - NXT
- Notorious - Global Nation
- Twilight Zone - Colourbox
- You Got The Love - The Grace
- Ridin Solo - Jason Born
- Badman Riddim - The Spring Act
- Angels - Reversal Switch
- Don't Wanna Go Home - Jason Born
- Night Of Your Life - Olson Bjerre feat. Sam K.
- Tonight Tonight - Hot Chelle Rae
- All That You Are - The Goo Goo Dolls
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Review: BODYATTACK 74
I've decided to switch up the way I do reviews a bit. Rather than break it down track by track, I'm going to give an overall feel in 2 categories: Music, and then Choreography/Innovation. I will make sure to hit each of the tracks within. Give me your feedback on this.
BodyAttack 74: In one sentence, I'd say "A step in the right direction." I was not a huge fan of releases 72 and 73 (reviews pending), and felt that 74 was finally a step back towards the things I love about Attack. One thing I tried really hard not to do with 73 was hold it against the release that Lisa did not present, and felt I did an ok job of that. With that said, it was SO nice to have her back. Attack is just not Attack without her. If/when she ceases being the PD, it will be incredibly difficult for me to continue being as excited about it as I am. She is the living essence of the program, and is always one of the top people I try to imitate.
Before we get to the actual tracks themselves, I need to comment for a second on the direction the production has taken. I totally understand that LM are trying to look more professional and "expensive" if you will, but I find a lot of the new production methods VERY distracting. For example, the new "panning" camera they use, and the TV screens. I recently did a BodyCombat module on release 49, and was unable to see what the presenters did with their feet during a particular combo in track 5 because the camera NEVER showed it... they were either panning around in an angle which blocked it, or they were zoomed on the presenters too closely. This is a bit ridiculous. These materials are educational for us instructors. If the "fanciness" is preventing us from being able to learn our material, that is a problem. And quite often I find myself getting lost in what the new TV screens are showing instead of seeing the choreography. (I have BLAH'd about all of this for the record). End of production soap box.
So, let's begin with the music: I felt that the release was cohesive, and a good balance of top 40 hits plus obscure songs (for lack of a better word). One thing I've started to notice about releases that I consider great, is that they are a cohesive and give a musical journey. Ones that I don't like quite as much seem like 12 random songs thrown together (or some degree of that at least). Standout tracks for me are 2,4,5,9 and 10. Tracks I did not particularly care for include 1,3,6, and 8 to a degree. There was a good balance of artist gender, and some really well known hits that provide a good drive, especially at the peaks.
One complaint I have with the release is the warm-up (admittedly I'm a stickler on these). The song is so ridiculously repetitive and the lyrics are quite annoying. I suppose I could utilize it as an opportunity to coach better technique or connect with the participants, because it's not a song I connect to or play off of lyrically. And then with 8, I simply didn't like the remix. It was a case where when I saw the tracklist, I could not have been more excited about it, but it kind of fell flat with the remix they picked.
Next up is choreography/innovation: Probably the hardest release we have had as a whole since 66. The tracks that you normally get a breather on (upper body, agility) actually keep the heart rate up. Standout tracks for innovative moves include parts of 1, and then 3,4,5,6,7,11. Mixed impact saw the return of heel digs which I absolutely love. I also loved the innovation in the aerobic track... it had a bit of a running feel which is a nice change from the standard knee combo. I wasn't sure I was going to like the "cardio-ness" of the upper body track, but the walking burpee is a nice change of challenge, and it was well received by most of the participants. The running track was different enough to give it its own flavor, but still work as a running track. And then agility was amazing... great challenge and something we've never seen before. Combat fans will love the "snowboard" move which is basically a renamed decoy. The core tracks continue to get harder... and I continue to die LOL.
I need to take a second and talk specifically to the plyometric track: Fight For Your Right. This track will go down in history (for me personally) as one of the best plyometric tracks we have ever had. Sometimes a song is great, but the moves don't feel quite right with the song. Other times (more often actually), the moves are fantastic, but don't really fit the song. Fight For Your Right is one of those instances where EVERYTHING came together perfectly. It's one of the toughest plyo tracks we have ever had, but you know it instantly when the song starts playing. It provides a phenomenal beat that pushes you to try and achieve the challenge, and it's grit-your-teeth great. Brent McLemore did a great job presenting, and I have a new respect for each of those presenters (Lisa, Brent, Amy, Berna) for presenting it flawlessly, when it is such a butt-kicker.
On a personal note, I was VERY grateful for the return of lyrics and driving beats to the Power track. I was not a fan of 72 or 73 because I like lyrics to help drive me, and was much more pleased with this one. Truth be told, Grenade is one of the more challenging power tracks we've had (challenges your endurance as opposed to explosive power like in Take It To The Limit from 66) and the song is perfect to push your efforts. My one complaint with the more recent power tracks is the high knee sprints we've had at the end where the song gets much faster. It gets a bit crazy to the point where I would argue you can't safely execute the moves fast enough. It would be easy for people to fall from bad technique while trying to keep up with the song. In 71, the song did get faster, but not much, and it worked. In 74 particularly, it gets crazy.
Finally, we finish with a cooldown which grew on me. Although it's more of a party feeling then an accomplishment song, I thought it was fun and a nice finale to this workout. Overall, I liked 74 and it improved on most of the problems I had with 72 and 73. Great to have you back Lisa, and thank you for all the hard work! You deliver a great program repeatedly!
AND I must say, based on 75... we are continuing to move in a good direction! I'm actually SUPER excited to talk about 75... watch for a preview post soon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)