RPM Awareness Week!

RPM(TM) Awareness Week takes off at the end of August at all FITNESS FIRST CLUBS.

Do check out the posters in the clubs to get more details or you can check with a Group Exercise Coordinator at any FF Clubs in Malaysia.

Ride Strong!

GX - The Fun Dept

in conjunction with our upcoming Fitness First AsiaMo regional meeting, we're given the task of organising an activity for the participants. For the task, Horny Herny & King Lynn Kong were chosen by da boss Grace to lead the team.

After many moons of preparation, everything was finally in place.... but we had to do a trial run to see if everything would work out right. And so, last Monday 13 Nov almost the entire GX Team plus the Marketing Dept met up at the undisclosed place(can't reveal yet, just in case the participants should read this blog for info) for a trial run.

Without revealing anything, here's a video of one of the things we did:

WELCOME ABOARD

Originally from Perth, Australia, Kylie is a International Master Trainer for BODYJAM®, BODYATTACK® and BODYBALANCE®. She Gates is among the leading global ambassadors for the Les Mills programs and brand. A Registered Fitness Leader in Australia and with 15 years fitness industry experience, Kylie has a background in dance and sports aerobics and was Training Director for Les Mills Australia (now Les Mills Asia Pacific) from 2001 until 2005. Kylie spent much of 2005 in assignment in North America launching BODYATTACK® and BODYJAM®. Kylie also teaches BODYPUMP® and she believes in taking people out of their everyday life to a room filled with Energy, Passion and Heart!

Welcome to FITNESS FIRST ASIA, KYLIE!

IOI Launch 30 Sept

Here are some of the pictures taken during the last launch in IOI on 30 Sept. Just like the previous launch, all the bikes bars & step boards etc were brought in the night before from other gyms. This time, however, we had assistance from NIKE so the whole event was less tiring & stressful than the previous one.

The GX team was there by 9am, and some members were quite early as well, though the first class, RPM™, only started at 12pm.

RPM™ was launched by Les Mills trainers Tracy Minnoch-Nuku, Wes Carter and Les Mills presenter Lynn Kong.

It was a fantastic turn out for the first class of the day.

Up next, was BODYPUMP®, led by Les Mills trainers Wes Carter & Sue Prosser. It was a great show of technique and power as the lead made sure everyone left the class all pumped up for the day.

Simply irresistable!

Next in line was BODYSTEP®, presented by Les Mills presenter Riyo Fukunaga, BODYATTACK® Head Teacher Jeremy Tan & Teoh Yee Sin. By then, there were already a lot of curious shoppers watching from the side, wondering what exactly was going on.

Just when the members were tired after BODYSTEP®, it was time for BODYATTACK® to rock the mall. Jeremy Tan & Teoh Yee Sin showed great stamina as the lead the BODYATTACK® team and the members to another hour of non-stop action, making sure everyone would get fit, stay fit, and get fitter!

With all the hard work, it was time to relax a bit while giving the body some time to stretch. Together with Fitness First National Group Exercise Manager Grace Sim, Head Teacher Cindy Gan took the stage and gave the members the mind & body experience that is uniquely BODYBALANCE®.




After a beautiful time of stretching, we came back with a bang... it was kicka$$ time with BODYCOMBAT®. Led by Les Mills presenters Renee Low, Terence & the ever-popular Calvin Chiang, it was THE workout not to be missed, and the number do tell the story. With more than 200 members, this surely will go down as the BODYCOMBAT® class with the most number of participants!




the music continued with Tracy & Riyo, launch together the ever-so-cool BODYJAM®! Looking at the way the members moving around, it was hard to tell whether this was a workout or a party.

With the end of the Les Mills launch, we ended the night with NIKE ROCKSTAR WORKOUT: BOLLYWOOD. Riyo, with fellow trainer Leonara & Azie, and team took the members from Malaysis to South Asia, brought the whole event to a close.

From The Curve to IOI Mall, the launch seems to be getting bigger. What's next? Stadium Bukit Jalil?

Pictures from Miracle 2006

Hi, I know it's been quite long but here are some pictures from the June 3rd Miracle 2006.

BODYSTEP®

BODYPUMP®




RPM®

BODYJAM®





BODYATTACK®





BODYCOMBAT®





BODYBALANCE®




BODYJAM® Extended Mix




UNLEASHED: X

FAQ - MIRACLE 2006

1. What is Miracle 2006?
Miracle 2006 is a 16-hour Group Exercise Class Marathon which will be on this coming June 3rd, 2006 from 8am till 12mn. There will be ongoing classes, at the outdoors and indoors of Fitness First The Curve. Les Mills new releases will be launched on this day.

2. Can non-members join the classes?
Yes. Please invite your family, friends and colleagues to join in the excitement.

3. Will there be classes at the other clubs?
We will be running freestyle classes only eg Step, Hi Lo at Maxis, SPK, Uptown, Leisure Mall, and IOI Mall.

4. Are the facilities at Fitness First The Curve open to non-members on this day?
Yes. Fitness First The Curve will be in operation from 7am to 12mn on this day.

5. What are the prices for each class?
Based on MIRACLE 2006 flyer (available from Front of House), the Outdoor classes indicated in Blue are RM30 per class, in Yellow-Green is RM40, and the Indoor classes are RM20.

6. How many classes can I join?
You can join 1 or more classes. You can join back to back classes as long as you register before the class starts. Pleasenote, you can register for the classes starting from 8am onwards.

7. Do I need to complete the whole 16-hours marathon of classes?
Only if you want to.

8. Can I join back-to-back classes?
Yes, please register before the class starts, and obtain color-coded wristband for each class entry.

9. What is UNLEASHED X?
It is the ultimate fitness challenge that consists of all fitness elements that will run from 10:15-11:45PM. Come and challenge your fitness level!

10. Is there class pre-registration?
Yes. It opens at 8amon the eventday. Please decide on the classes you want to attend and purchase the amount of coupons needed to register. Availability of classes are first-come-first-served basis.

11. Will we receive any class tags for class entry?
You will receive a color-coded wristband for class entry.

12. What else can I do with the balance of coupons?
You may purchase items from our sponsor's booth on event day.

13. Who are the presenters of Miracle 2006?
A combination of superstar instructorsfrom Fitness First Malaysia together with special invited guests from Fitness First Hong Kong(Jacqueline Wong), Fitness First Indonesia (Janis Lim) and Fitness First Thailand (Don).

14. Are coupons available on this day?
Yes, in booklets of RM50 while stocks last. While stocks last. Hurry!Get your coupons now!


Please contact our friendly Group Exercise Coordinator, Group Exercise Instructorsor Front of House for more information.

Miracle 2006

Updates!!! International Guest instructors confirmed from Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand!!

We're doing charity again!!

The last time was in Nov 2004. Can't remember which organisation it was for since I wasn't involved much at the time. This time, we're raising money for the Special Olympics and MAKNA. It's going to be a 16-hour-event that will start at 8am and finish at midnight.

The place? The Curve, right outside the gym.

Date? 3rd June 2006 Saturday.

Since we just had our instructors workshop, we've decided to launch the latest Les Mills releases as well! So do come and support the Special Olympics and MAKNA.

It's open to all and what you need to to buy the cash coupons from the front desk of any Fitness First gym. The cost of each class at the event will range from RM20 - RM40. Yes, it's a bit more but all the money goes to charity.

Please click below to view the bigger posters.






Besides the classes, you'll notice that there are "Charity Auction" and "Unleashed: X" from 9.15pm right up to midnight. What are they? "Unleashed: X" will be something you've never seen before. As for "Charity Auction", let's just say you may win yourself an instructor to do you cooking for a day :)

For more information, please contact a Fitness First gym near you.

~ shades, GXC Damansara Uptown

New Launch Party

After months weeks of practice, we have successfully launched the new Les Mills Release a week ago in Fitness First.


Since we had 10 gyms to launch, we really had to work very hard- some of us even have to do 2-3 programmes a day. As tired as we were after everything was over, it was yet another wonderful experience for all involved. Not only we worked hard, we played even harder!

We started with Wisma Consplant in Subang and Menara Maxis 17 March before we ended the whole launch in Menara Axis on 21 March.


Excellent effort was shown by the launch team through it all. ALl these would be meaningless if not for the members who swarmed the gyms for the new groove and move.













Thanks for the memories and see you all in the next one!


~shades, GXI

Janis' farewell dinner

Last Saturday, almost the entire GX team gathered in PJ SS2 to bid farewell to Janis who's leaving for Jakarta. She will be away for 1 year as she takes charge of the GX team in Indonesia.


Instead of the usual western food stuff, this time round Jeremy got us Stranger BBQ.


Nothing beats cooking your own food and chatting at the same time... YUM YUM!!!


Can you see what Janis is doing?


Yup, she handing out wedding invitation cards to us - not her wedding though. She's just doing it on behalf of someone else...


Bon Voyage Janis and see you soon!!!

~by shades, GXI

New Release Q1 2006

It's that time again as we celebrate the new Les Mills Release!

17 March - Wisma Consplant & Menara Maxis

18 March - Manulife RB, Leisure Mall & Island Plaza

19 March - Damansara Uptown & Wisma SPK

20 March - Menara Summit & The Curve

21 March - Menara Axis

For more info, please visit our FF website.

Don't miss it!

CNY Pumping Pictures

There were a number of them who wore bright red and most of them just stared at Janis & Crystal in their chinese tops. They were wondering.."Will it rip when they do chest press??" Class was good, luckily our tops didn't rip but it was extra hot wearing the tops. Members had a good workout before taking off for the holidays. We gave out mandarin oranges at the end of the class & the members were delighted. You could see it from their beaming face :) No ang pau though cuz Janis and Crystal not married yet! Hehehehe. Maybe few years later?

~by Crystal Tan, GXC FF SPK

BODYJAM®

BODYJAM® is the world's greatest dance-party workout - a new generation fitness class that unlocks everyone's rhythmic and dancing instincts.A simple high intensity combination of the most fun moves. Combining hip hop, funk, latin, disco and Broadway, BODYJAM® adds new meaning to the concept of having fun whilst getting fit.


With the emphasis as much on having fun as breaking a sweat, BODYJAM® is an addictive fusion of dance and aerobic moves. The blend includes the latest sounds of hiphop, funk and Latin music, together with the coolest sounds currently topping the charts.

You get a workout; you experience music, dance and movement. And most of all, you have awesome fun. BODYJAM® is also one of the fastest growing fitness classes, answering a wrldwide demand for a structured workout performed to great dance sounds.


Every three months, Les Mills releases a new BODYJAM® class with fresh choreography and music. BODYJAM® is choreographed by Gandalf Archer.

Love is in the Air

Is 14 Feb a dreaded day simply because you are single? Well fret no more!

Fitness First is ready to play Cupid this year as we organise "Blind Date" Valentine classes just for you. Members, come for the classes and you will receive a door gift with a RM 50 treatment voucher by Clarins.

For more information, please check out the poster on the notice board in all Fitness First centres.

Group Exercise (GX) Etiquettes

Be on time for classes: Warm-up

Being on time for classes gives you the benefit of warming up your body prior to the real workout. The warm up section of the class are a crucial part of any exercise regime of sports training. The importance of the warm up routine should not be underestimated when it comes to the prevention of injury. Warming up will help to increase the body's core temperature, and also increase the body's muscle temperature. By increasing muscle temperature you're helping to make the muscles loose, supple and flexible. An effective warm up also has the effect of incerasing both your heart rate and your respiratory rate. This increases blood flow, which in turn increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles. All this helps to prepare the muscles, tendons and joints for more strenuous workout. The warm up routine is at the beginning of the class; as a result it is vital that you're on time for the classes as we discourage participation in the class when it has already started.

Stay till the end of the class: Cool-down

As the saying goes, save the best of last reflects how important the cool-down section of a class is. Cooling down properly redistributes the blood that may have pooled in the extremities from the exercise workout and it prevents muscle stiffness because it allowa the metabolic wastes to be worked out of your muscles. These waste products can impair muscle function and performance if they are not removed from the body. This also helps to reduce muscle injury, and gradually decreases the heart rate and blood pressure. Stopping too abruptly after exercise can result in dizziness. So, just as you would take care of your car- a valuable asset- it's important to take care of your heart in the same way- your most valuable asset! The cool down routine is at the end of the class and usually it will take about 5 minutes; therefore, it is advisable to stay on till the whole class ends for the overall benefit for your heart and body.

There's a new move in town

Get ready to groove your way to fitness this Febuary! Put a note in your diary on Friday, February 10, 2006 as we launch Nike Rockstar Workout Hip Hop in Fitness First Menara SPK, 8.45pm.

Click here for photos of what to expect from Jamie King, the choreographer of Nike Rockstar Workout Hip Hop.

Nike Rockstar Workout Hip Hop is available exclusively to Fitness First -don't miss it!

Update

Watch out of the Nike Rockstar Workout Hip Hop Mega Launch this Friday 10 Feb at Fitness First Wisma SPK at 8.45pm.

Following the Mega Launch, Nike Rockstar Workout Hip Hop will be available in all Fitness Fitness gyms as scheduled below:

Leisure Mall
Sunday 5.00pm & Friday 8.45pm

D'sara Uptown
Tuesday 5.45pm and Saturday 2.00pm

The Curve
Tuesday 7.25pm & Friday 1.00pm

Menara Summit
Monday 8.30pm & Tuesday 6.30pm

Wisma Consplant
Wednesday 8.30pm

Manara Axis
Wednesday 6.30pm & Sunday 1.00pm

Manulife RB
Wednesday 8.55pm & Friday 10.45am

Menara Maxis
Monday 11.15am & Friday 7.40pm

SPK
Friday 8.45pm and Sunday 11.30am

Island Plaza
Tuesday 10.30am, Thursday 6.25pm & Sunday 3.20pm

Be there or be square!

BODYSTEP®

BODYSTEP® is a cardiovascular program that uses a height-adjustable step. Providing a high energy cardio workout to music, BODYSTEP® features high intensity intervals followed by muscle conditioning tracks designed to shape and tone the entire lower body while pushing fat-burning systems into high gear.


The simple, pre-choreographed nature of the program makes it easy for all participants (including beginners) to burn fat, improve coordination and have fun! BODYSTEP® delivers what everyone wants from a challenging group fitness workout— inspiration, athleticism, and results!

The Ultimate Kick-Butt Class

BODYSTEP® is an extremely versatile program. The workout intensity can be self-regulated by participants by simply increasing or decreasing the step height. . By increasing or decreasing step height in relation to their physical ability, participants will achieve safe, maximum workout effects.

Using simple-to-follow moves and inspirational music BODYSTEP® allows you to train at the intensity you want without having to think too hard. Simple yet effective pre-choreography prescribes a high-energy, athletic cardio blast that provides a range of benefits including muscle toning, calorie burning and lower body muscle definition.


Every three months, Les Mills releases a new BODYSTEP® class with fresh choreography and music. BODYSTEP® is choreographed by its Program Director Mark Nu'u.

Chinese New Year Theme Classes

Chinese New Year is just around the corner- what better way to prepare yourselves for the great food than joining our special Chinese New Year BODYPUMP®. Group-X coordinators Janis Lim and Crystal Tan will show you what BODYPUMP® is all about at Fitness First Wisma SPK on 26 January 2006 at 6.35pm.

Not only will you get a fantastic workout with the ladies, come dressed for the occassion and you will also stand a chance to win some goodies for your great effort.

Also, Alvin Looi will have his own Chinese New Year BODYPUMP® at Fitness First Menara Manulife RB on 27 January 2006 at 6.45pm. We promise you something for everyone to bring home, just for the festive celebration!

Update

If pumping iron is not your thing, then head to Fitness First Menara Maxis on 30 January for a special Chinese New Year BODYCOMBAT® at 3.00pm with Kelvin Tan & Lynn Kong. We promise you can eat a little bit more and still be fit and strong!

The GX team of Fitness First Malaysia would like to wish all a Blessed Chinese New Year!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

The new bikes have arrived

Good news for riders!

A piece of fine fitness sculpture. But of course, that’s not all it is. This is a serious, durable, easy-to-maintain bike designed to push the rider beyond preconceived limitations. Designed with all the ergonomic features and capabilities of a read road bike. Designed to make it difficult to decide whether to stare at it or sweat on it. This is Star Trac, after all, and what we expect this equipment is what RPM® enthusiasts expect from themselves; optimum performance and stop-and-stare results.

Features

No-Slip Grip Handlebars provide comfort throughout the ride

Micro-Adjustable Seat Slider and 3/4” seat and handlebar post adjustments provide a great fit for all body sizes

Ergonomic Saddle with flexible seat base, double-density padding and anatomical cutout provides comfort for all riders

Crank Assembly with increased strength in bearings, cranks and axle provide dependable performance for every rider

The Spinner Pro bikes are currently available in Fitness First Menara Maxis, Subang Jaya, and Menara Manulife RB.

BODYBALANCE®

BODYBALANCE® will change the way you feel forever. You'll stand straighter and feel stronger. You'll gain flexibility and become more physically and mentally aware. BODYBALANCE is a holistic group exercise set to uplifting music, combining the traditional eastern disciplines of Yoga and Tai Chi, Pilates and Feldenkrais with new dynamic techniques. Designed to reduce stress, relieve pain, this program will make you function better and last longer.

In less than 60 minutes you'll experience flexibility, balances and core strength linked with smooth transition and movements of calm. Each workout is structured to creat harmony between breath and movement, action and relaxation, awareness and concentration. The result is a unique and seamless experience that draws you into balance.

Balance for Every "Body"

Body/Mind training removes the barriers of age, gender or fitness background. The pre-choreographed nature of the program makes it easy for participants to achieve success, master techniques and return for more. This program will improve general wellbeing and will become a compulsory time out!


Regular practice will lead to heightened physical co-ordination and balance between the left and right, front and back, top and bottom sides of the body. Often one side of the body is more flexible. We experience injury, pain and discomfort when the body is asymmetrical. BODYBALANCE® helps to restore symmetry, providing strength and flexibility in a balanced way. Poise and concentration will also improve.


Created by some of the world's leading fitness experts, BODYBALANCE classes have pioneered an eclectic approach to body/mind group fitness. Nothing balances faster and it's here now.

(BODYBALANCE® is known as BODYFLOW® in the USA)

Every three months, Les Mills releases a new BODYBALANCE® class with fresh choreography and music. BODYBALANCE® is choreographed by Program Director Jackie Mills.