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01 September 2023

Part I - Introduction - Freestyle Step vs Les Mills BODYSTEP: A Comparison

Freestyle Step Aerobics vs Les Mills BODYSTEPTM: A Comparison


Part I - The introduction

What is this month's article about

This month's article is revisiting the comparison of Freestyle Step Aerobics and Les Mills BODYSTEPTM which I first discussed back in March of 2015 titled "Freestyle Step Aerobics vs. Les Mills BODYSTEPTM: Who Wins?". Here we look at the top 5 arguments under this comparison.

There are seven (7) parts to this article. This being the first one, where I introduce you to the subject being discussed and set the expected following six (6) articles.

These are the seven articles:
  • Part 1 - Introduction - Freestyle Step Vs Les Mills BODYSTEPTM: A Comparison (This Article)
  • Part 2 - Group Class Availability Comparison
  • Part 3 - Marketing Comparison
  • Part 4 - Focus On Technique
  • Part 5 - Variety In The Offerings
  • Part 6 - The "Co$t" Comparison
  • Part 7 - Conclusion
So, without further ado, I will start with the introduction. 

Introduction

I've been part of the fitness world since the mid 1980, and I've developed a special relationship with freestyle step aerobics for over 25 years. In that time, I've seen a lot of changes in the fitness industry, and one of the most noticeable changes has been the rise of Les Mills BODYSTEPTM. Freestyle Step Aerobics used to be the most popular group fitness class in the country, but it's now been overtaken by Les Mills programmes.

Les Mills BODYSTEPTM is a step aerobics program that was developed by Les Mills, a New Zealand-based fitness company. It's a great workout, and it's popular in Australia.

There are several reasons for the decrease in Freestyle Step Aerobics and an increase on Les Mills programmes, but I believe that the biggest factor is Les Mills' strong marketing campaign in Australia. Les Mills spends millions of dollars each year on advertising and promotions, and this has helped to make BODYSTEPTM the most well-known and popular group fitness program in Australia out of the two.

Another factor that has contributed to the decline of freestyle step aerobics is the decreased availability of classes. There are simply not as many freestyle step classes available as there used to be nor the ones available are slotted onto popular class times. This is because freestyle step aerobics is a more freestyle workout, and there is no central organization that develops and distributes freestyle step routines. As a result, it can be harder to find a good freestyle step class in Australia.

In this article, I will discuss five key arguments between freestyle step aerobics and Les Mills BODYSTEPTM in Australia. I will also provide my personal understanding of Les Mills' strong marketing campaign in Australia, and I will include a table that summarizes the key differences between the two programs.

If you've been following the Australian fitness scene for the past few decades, you'll know that there's been a long-standing rivalry between freestyle step aerobics and Les Mills BODYSTEPTM. Both classes are great for getting a cardio workout, but they have their own unique differences.

In this blog series, I'm going to take a closer look at the history of this rivalry, and compare and contrast the two styles in terms of group class availability, marketing, focus on technique, variety, and cost.

So whether you're a seasoned stepper or you're just getting started, stay tuned for the next installment of this blog series!

In the meantime, here are a few teasers for upcoming articles:

  • Group class availability comparison: What is more available here in Australia, freestyle step aerobics or Les Mills BODYSTEPTM classes
  • Marketing comparison: How do the two styles market themselves to potential step goers and their participating gyms?
  • Focus on technique: Which style puts more emphasis on technique?
  • The variety available in each style: How many different variations can freestyle step aerobics offer? What aboout Les Mills BODYSTEPTM?
  • The cost comparison: How much does it cost to take a freestyle step aerobics or les mills BODYSTEPTM class?

I hope you'll join me for the rest of this blog series!

Next article

Last month, August 2023, we talked about how music is much of a tool for Freestyle Step instructors, as much as it is a tool for participants that uses it for that injection of energy and helps keeping people to the beat.

This month, September 2023, we did the first instalment of the seven (7) blog articles talking about "Freestyle Step Aerobics vs Les Mills BODYSTEPTM: A Comparison" which provided an introduction to the following five (5) upcoming subjects.

Next month, October 2023, we will jump into comparing Freestyle Step and Les Mills BODYSTEPTM availability to gyms and steppers.

I hope to see you there!.


"The information provided herein is strictly for educational purposes. Always consult your qualified Group Fitness Instructor before implementing any suggestions above."

Disclaimer

You must get your physician's approval before beginning any exercise suggested in this blog or any of its articles. Any recommendations found within these articles are not medical guidelines but are for educational purposes only. You must consult your physician prior to starting any suggestions in this blog, or if you have any medical condition or injury that contraindicates physical activity. The suggestions in this blog article are designed for individuals 18 years and older that have been approved by their physician to take any of the suggestions above.

The information in this blog article is meant to supplement, not replace, proper exercise training. All forms of exercise pose some inherent risks. As such we advise readers to take full responsibility for their safety and know their limits. Before practicing the exercises in this blog article, be sure that your equipment is well-maintained, and do not take risks beyond your level of experience, aptitude, training and fitness. The exercises and dietary programs in this article are not intended as a substitute for any exercise routine or treatment or dietary regime that may have been prescribed by your physician.

Do not lift heavy weights if you are alone, inexperienced, injured, or fatigued. Do not perform any exercises unless you have been shown the proper technique by a certified personal trainer or certified strength and conditioning specialist. Always ask for instruction and assistance when lifting. Do not perform any exercise without proper instruction. Always do a warm-up prior to resistance training and interval training.

See your physician before starting any exercise or nutrition program. If you are taking any medications, you must talk to your physician before starting any exercise program, including Freestyle Step Aerobics. If you experience any light-headedness, dizziness, or shortness of breath while exercising, stop the movement and consult a physician.

You must have a complete physical examination if you are sedentary, if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, if you are overweight, or if you are over 30 years old. Please discuss all nutritional changes with your physician or a registered dietician. If your physician recommends that you do not do Freestyle Step Aerobics, please follow your Doctor's orders.

That was our September article for 2023. Remember to feel free to comment, or contact me via email to FreestyleStepXTRVGNZ@gmail.com , and comment on what you think of this article, or any article you have read, or just any improvements you may want to see happening.

Bruno Jimenez
September 2023

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Location: Australia
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