Les Mills Super Quarterly Newburgh, New York

I attended my first Les Mills Super Quarterly yesterday at Gold's Gym in Newburgh, New York.  I did Bodypump, Bodystep, Bodycombat, Bodyflow, Body Attack, and Sha'Bam, in that order.

The gym where I work has only two programs Bodypump and Bodycombat, so yesterday was my first experience with all the other formats. 

I started the day with Bodypump.  One of the trainers was Ben Feliciano.  He was one of the instructors on the Beachbody Pump DVDs I did at home for so many months on my weight loss journey, so that made it surreal.  

Next, I did Bodystep.  I thought that it would be easier for me since I have been teaching free style step aerobics for a while, but it was really challenging, but fun. 

I had the opportunity to do CXWork right after Bodystep and I really wanted to, but I couldn't.  I was shaky and desperately needed fuel at that point. I ate and drank something quickly and watched most of CXWorx from the balcony above. When I have another opportunity in the future, I want to take that class.

I didn't get to take any of the Grit classes, either. By the time I got my ticket to the Quarterly, all the Grit classes were full and I am so new to Les Mills anyway, I had never even taken most of the formats, so I stuck with the older programs this time and I was perfectly happy with that.  However, Grit is another program I want to do whenever I have the opportunity. 

Next, I took Bodycombat. We did the release that I am being trained on right now (61).  The more I do it, the more I love it.  After having taken a few of the other cardio formats yesterday, I know now that Bodycombat is definitely my first choice for cardio formats right now, so I am glad my gym has Bodycomabt and I am in the process of being certified for that format.  I consider that good fortune.  

Next, I enjoyed Bodyflow. I am not flexible and I don't have a lot of grace or balance. But I think that's actually what I enjoy about the class because I can feel that that type of movement is something I desperately need. I have thought about being certified in Bodyflow, but since my gym doesn't have the program, it's not at all practical for me to pursue it.  Maybe someday... At the end of class during the relaxation period, I believe I got so relaxed that I fell asleep and woke up at least twice!

Next I did Bodyattack and all I can say is, "Wow!" My eyes have been opened. I thought I knew what intense cardio exercise felt like and I really thought I was well conditioned, but Bodyattack is on another level entirely. "Attack" is the right name for the program! 

Last of all, for me, was Sha-Bam.  I actually didn't make it through the last two songs.  I am not a dancer, so I found it really hard to loosen up and get my sore body into the dancing.  And it was at the end of the day anyway, so the muscles in my legs were turning to stone by that time. It was all I could do to turn around, walk to the back of the gym, and remain standing to watch the last two songs of the class.

I've never been so sore!  Even after Bodypump and Bodycombat initial training, I wasn't as sore as I was after this Super Quarterly.  But it was incredibly fulfilling day!  It confirmed for me all over again that I am in the right vocation for me.  I think the best part of all was making more connections with people who love Les Mills.  I will be glad to continue on this journey as part of the Les Mills tribe (once I can move again, that is.)