When Les Mills Body Combat 102 landed, I knew from the first track this release was going to be special. The music was on point, the combos were sharp, and the energy was immediate. And for me, the best way to get into a new release is simple: jump in, again and again, until it becomes second nature.
So that’s what I did — 11 Body Combat classes across 7 days.
Mad? Maybe a little. Worth it? Every minute.
Why I Went All In
People often ask how instructors learn a new release, and the honest answer is, we all have our methods. For me, it’s repetition. I learn best by physically doing the release, again and again, in front of real people. Watching the masterclass is only the start. You can study the notes, practise at home, train in your kitchen, but nothing compares to delivering it live.
There’s a point where the choreography clicks and you move from thinking about the moves to feeling them. That’s the sweet spot. And to get there, I knew I had to immerse myself fully.
Instructor Covers, Team Teaches & Launch Week Energy
Across that one week, I grabbed every opportunity going:
- Teaching my own regular classes
- Covering for other instructors
- Team teaching alongside some absolute legends
- Launching the release at three different clubs
Each class had a different energy. Different members, different setups, different co-instructors — but the vibe stayed strong throughout. What kept me going wasn’t just the drive to learn, but the shared energy in every room. We were all buzzing off the new moves, new music, and the challenge of mastering it together.
Fatigue Is Real, But So Is the Buzz
I won’t lie, I am tired. By end of the the long weekend, I was starting to feel it. The legs were heavy, my voice was hanging on, and I had to be really mindful of recovery: staying hydrated, eating right, stretching properly, and managing my energy between classes. With my shoulder still recovering, I also had to stay smart about form and avoid pushing into pain.
But every time the music started, something switched on. That’s the magic of Body Combat. Even when you’re low on fuel, the adrenaline of the workout and the connection with members kicks in. You find another gear. You push through.
Why It Matters
This wasn’t just about learning a release, it was about living it. Every round helped me improve something. Whether it was cueing more clearly, adjusting timing, refining technique, or just connecting better with the room — I got something out of every single class. It reminded me why I teach. It’s not just about delivering a workout — it’s about creating an experience. It’s about turning up tired and still giving it your all, because the people in front of you showed up too.
And it’s about walking out at the end of class, sweat dripping, lungs burning, thinking: that was worth it.
Body Combat 102 – loving it! And the more I teach it, the more it pushes me — physically, mentally, and as an instructor. That week wasn’t about proving anything. It was about growth, community, and doing what I love at full intensity.
Would I do it again? 100%. If you’re on your own fitness journey — whether you’re starting out, returning after a break, or looking for your next challenge, let this be your reminder: lean in, go deep, and give it your all. That’s where the magic happens.