Dubai International Exhibition Centre witnessed searing action at the Middle East Fitness Summit (Mefit 06), hosted by Sportex in conjunction with Mefitpro. Sportex this year, presented by Dubai Sports City and Falak Holding, was definitely the biggest so far, and confirmed its position as the most exclusive sports, leisure and fitness exhibition in the Middle East.

International teams of fitness trainers networked in Dubai to upgrade the skills of 164 Les Mills instructors participating in Mefit. Nevertheless, the real challenge and excitement was from the fact that fitness enthusiasts got a chance to sweat it out with the team and try out the latest equipment.

Additionally, health experts discussed issues like nutrition, individual exercise regimens, fitness queries, latest trends, injuries and their management, precautions and lots more.

The Les Mills Group Fitness instructors imparted information on programmes that are increasing in popularity worldwide. According to them, these routines are followed by four million people each week across 63 countries and 10 thousand licensed clubs. The popular ones are called BodyPump, RPM, BodyCombat, BodyBalance, BodyJam, BodyStep and BodyAttack.

Fitness expert Steven Renata was in Dubai along with his partner Susan Tolj, to participate in seminars and group fitness classes. Steven has been with Les Mills International Limited since 1995 and was in Dubai to share his experiences in his dual roles as Agency Support Manager and International Master Trainer. He is a former rugby football player and iron man triathlete. Additionally, Steven holds the 1999 Guinness World Record for indoor stationary cycling.

“That was in 1999 when I cycled for 24 hours as part of a charity event in Sydney,” he says, casually.

He has been a key figure in the development of the Les Mills group fitness programmes and has taken a lead role in the presentation of Les Mills’ Group Fitness Management module around the world.  A registered Fitness Leader (Australia) and Education Provider (American Council of Exercise), he holds an honours degree in marketing from the University of Otago and lectured in marketing and tourism at Auckland University of Technology before joining Les Mills.

“Les Mills is changing the way the world thinks about fitness. We have added entertainment to exercise and the result is an irresistible mix that’s sweeping the globe. Our seven group fitness-to-music classes are delivering the results people want and changing the lives of fitness club members,” he notes.

Steven’s expertise in group fitness, marketing and fitness management ensure a constant demand for his services as trainer, presenter and industry consultant.

“This is my second visit to the Middle East. I first came to Abu Dhabi in 1999 and am pleased to be back in the region and excited to see the phenomenal growth taking place in the Emirate,” he adds.

He observes that understanding behavioural styles can help increase class numbers and aids one to become a better instructor. “In the sessions that I conduct, I identify different behavioural styles, including the participants’ style and mirror their style to reduce tension and improve the connection process,” he says. “Good communication skills are vital to be successful teachers.”

Incredibly receptive

Susan Tolj is the Head Trainer for BodyPump. Her dedication and experience are reflected at all levels of the Les Mills training programme, from the initial training resources for new instructors through to the development and presentation of the instructor development module.

“BodyPump is the original barbell class that strengthens your entire body. This 60-minute workout challenges all the major muscle groups by using the best exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls,” she says, explaining the concept.

Great music, awesome instructors and the choice of weight inspire fitness enthusiasts to meet their objectives. Interestingly, every three months, Les Mills releases a new BodyPump class with fresh choreography and music.

Susan adds, “Fitness managers and club owners have been incredibly receptive at taking onboard this new revolution in fitness.” The Les Mills system is effective and popular amongst people of all ages and cultures because it puts so much time and money into the research and development of its programmes.  Each prechoreographed routine is tried and tested and overseen by physiotherapists and sports scientists so that the end result is an effective and safe workout.

“We have created a global trend that is setting the standard in group fitness. Our purpose is to be bold and clear — to inspire life-changing fitness experiences, every time, everywhere. We inspire you to achieve your fitness goals and reach new levels of health and wellness,” she adds.

In the Middle East, there are currently 34 licensed clubs and 164 trained instructors and that’s a number that is set to increase.

Susan stresses, “We get daily requests from fitness professionals wanting to become instructors not only in Dubai, but also throughout the region.”

The programmes first started at a club in New Zealand called Les Mills World of Fitness in 1991 and were made available to the international market from 1996.

It is tough to be an instructor. “Les Mills identifies elite instructors and vigorously trains them through a ‘boot camp’ and constant assessment procedures to ensure that the end result meets the criteria and the vision for Les Mills International.”

What is the secret of her fitness? Susan stresses that regular exercise and eating a balanced diet are important factors for fitness.

Susan has a passion for group fitness. “I joined the gymnasium in the late 80s and loved to exercise in a group. With music, fitness classes are very interesting.”

Speaking about her visit to Dubai, she says, “I love the beach in Dubai and am amazed by the buildings and the incredible growth of the city.”