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04 March 2024

Part VII - The Overall Summary - Freestyle Step vs Les Mills BODYSTEP: A Comparison

Freestyle Step vs Les Mills BODYSTEP: A Comparison

The Overall Summary

Introduction

Let’s explore the dynamic duo of Freestyle and Les Mills BODYSTEP™, two programs shaking up the fitness scene. Both deliver exhilarating cardio workouts, but with distinct personalities. Have you ever wondered what sets them apart?

For over 25 years, I've witnessed the fitness landscape evolve, and one significant shift is the rise of Les Mills BODYSTEP™. Freestyle, once the reigning champion, has seen its spotlight shared. So, what's behind this change?

Many attributes it to Les Mills' powerful marketing machine, investing heavily in promotions, making BODYSTEP™ a household name. Additionally, Freestyle's class availability has dwindled, making it harder to find that perfect groove.

But fear not, Freestyle step has its own set of aces up its sleeve. Here's a glimpse into the five key differences between these step-tastic rivals:

  • Variety: Freestyle's a wild card, where instructors create unique routines, injecting endless freshness into your workouts. BODYSTEP™ offers a standardised structure, ensuring consistency but potentially limiting variety.
  • Technique: Freestyle prioritises individual style and adaptation, catering to various fitness levels. BODYSTEP™ emphasises stricter technique, potentially intimidating beginners.
  • Cost: Becoming a certified Freestyle instructor is significantly cheaper than BODYSTEP™, opening doors for aspiring teachers.
  • Marketing: While BODYSTEP™ enjoys mass publicity, Freestyle relies on instructor passion and word-of-mouth, fostering a close-knit community.

Group Class availability

Let Variety and Affordability Guide You!

While both Freestyle and Les Mills BODYSTEP™ offer exhilarating cardio, understanding their unique traits is key to finding your perfect match. This summary focuses on two key aspects: choreography variety and instructor cost.

Freestyle:

  • Think endless possibilities! Instructors craft unique routines, keeping your workouts fresh and exciting. No two classes are the same, allowing you to explore and express your individual style.
  • Freestyle classes might not be easily found at many gyms.
  • Freestyle fosters a close-knit community built on instructor passion and word-of-mouth.
  • Easily found in social media streams such as YouTube or Facebook.

BODYSTEP™:

  • Structured choreography ensures consistency, but potentially limits variety. Routines are pre-set, offering familiarity and ease of learning.
  • Enjoys wider gym presence.
  • Relies on mass marketing and brand recognition.
  • Streaming video is limited by copyrights and cost to access it.

Variety and Affordability

While both Freestyle and BODYSTEP™ offer amazing cardio, let's explore two key aspects: freshness and instructor cost.

Variety:

  • Freestyle:
  • Instructors craft unique routines, keeping your workouts exciting and ever-changing. No two classes are the same, allowing you to express your individual style and stay engaged.
  • BODYSTEP™:
  • Pre-set choreography ensures consistency and ease of learning, ideal for those who favour repetition and established moves.

Instructor Cost:

  • Freestyle: Certification is significantly cheaper, making it budget-friendly for aspiring instructors to build their step teaching journey.
  • BODYSTEP™: Certification comes with a higher price tag, requiring a larger initial investment to become a certified instructor.

Freedom of movement and budget-friendly training

Let's explore two key aspects: freedom of movement and budget-friendly training.

Freestyle:

  • Modify moves, express your style!
    • Instructors guide you through core steps,
    • It empowers you to adapt them to your level.
    • You can add your personal flair.
    • Perfect for experienced steppers seeking variety and a challenge.
  • Affordable path to teaching:
    • Certification costs significantly less,
    • Makes it easier to embark on the instructor journey without breaking the bank.

BODYSTEP™:

  • Master the technique:
    • Structured routines ensure consistency.
    • Ideal for beginners wanting to learn proper form and move with confidence.
  • Invest in your expertise:
    • Certification requires a higher initial investment,
    • Provides a globally recognised brand name and standardised approach.

Beyond Technique and Cost:

  • Variety:
    • Freestyle offers constant novelty,
    • BODYSTEP™ delivers structured familiarity.
  • Community:
    • Freestyle fosters a close-knit network,
    • BODYSTEP™ enjoys wider recognition.

Marketing approach

There is not much about marketing to compare both Freestyle Step and BodySTEP.

Television ads:

  • BODYSTEP™: TV channel partnerships and Commercials,
  • Freestyle Step: No longer running, but presence was noted in the 80s and 90s in some of the episodes of “Aerobics Oz Style

Print:

  • BODYSTEP™: Advertising campaigns in major Australian magazines and newspapers. As well as social media advertisement.
  • Freestyle Step: Individually promoted by freestyle step enthusiasts and presenters for specific blogs (like this one) or to present their own upcoming events.

In-Gym Marketing:

  • BODYSTEP™: Partnership with gyms and fitness studios providing posters, flyers, and free session trials.
  • Freestyle Step: Except for gym instructors advertising their own sessions or events at the specific gym, no other advertisement to note.

Social Media:

  • BODYSTEP™: usage of social media platforms to share photos and videos of their programs, and selected testimonials from satisfied participants. Advertising type used are:
    • Running paid social media ads
    • Creating engaging social media content
    • Running social media contests and giveaways
    • Collaborating with influencers.
  • Freestyle Step: Except for gym instructors advertising their own sessions or events at the specific gym, no other social media promotion to note.

In summary

This summary emphasises Freestyle's advantages in variety and affordability. I believe it presents both options fairly. With the options above you can choose your Stepping style, be Freestyle of Les Mills BodySTEP, based on your personal needs and preferences.

My personal point of view is that Freestyle comes well above that of Les Mills BodySTEP because:

Endless Variety:

  • Each class is a unique masterpiece crafted by your instructor,
  • Caters to all levels with dynamic footwork, intricate patterns, and explosive jumps.
  • You are welcomed to adapt moves to your style and challenge yourself with new combinations every time.

Budget-Conscious Choice:

  • Certification costs significantly less, making the dream of teaching freestyle step more accessible.
  • No franchise fees: No membership, royalties, or any other kind of payment to a “Style Brand” or management group.
  • Enjoy smaller groups or individual instruction at lower costs.

Beyond Money and Moves:

  • Build close relationships with instructors and fellow steppers in a more intimate setting.
  • Tailor workouts to your specific needs and goals, unlike the anonymously created routines of other programs.

"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 "March" article for 2024. 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
March 2024

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Location: Australia