I made an executive decision to cancel my classes last night due to the weather conditions. I was gutted as I dont like to cancel classes but the snow fall was making travelling conditions treacherous and I was receiving lots of messages from my ladies saying they would not be able to make it and its always better to be safe than sorry. I love the snow but its a pain in the backside when you have a business to run that is reliant on people travelling to you. And why… when it happens every year, is this country still unprepared for the snow, its like everything comes to a stand still. Great for people who get the day off but for us self employed people snow chaos mean s’no’w income!

At what point do you make the decision to cancel your classes, how much warning do you give and what is your priority in your decision making?

I always feel guilty cancelling classes but wonder is it better to cancel and be safe or brave the conditions and teach to a few? Either option will take its toll on my pocket but it is still always a difficult decision to make. To be honest, I have tweaked my achillies slightly so the rest will do me good. I wonder what lies in the week ahead? I always keep an eye on the weather forecasts but to be honest I have more faith in Mystic Meg!

The silver lining is I managed to walk over to Virgin Active today *in my wellies* and teach Dance Aerobics to 7 rather than the usual 24 people.

I am so grateful to my regular class attendees and regardless of how many leaflets I produce or banners I pay for and erect and the council take down its still word of mouth that is the winning formula. Whether its club members talking to other club members or ladies from my community class chatting in the hairdressers a good recommendation is still the best marketing strategy for me, so here’s a little thank you to my loyal and supporting members.

2013. Whats hot?

I always try and start the year one step ahead and research the latest trends, whats big in other parts of the world, whats new at events and conferences and, of course, social media plays a huge part in assessing whats hot and whats not for the year ahead. If a new concept appeals to me I tend to keep an eye on it, research the background and speak to not only the creators but the participants.

When looking at the ACSM’s trends for 2013 I came across this quote which I thought was interesting;

ACSM defines a trend as “a general development or change in a situation or in the way that people are behaving” (dictionary.cambridge.org). A fad is defined as “a fashion that is taken up with great enthusiasm for a short period of time” (dictionary.reference.com).

If you are looking to widen your reportoire this year go for a trend not a fad!

I love the fact that the ACSM predicts the number 1 fitness trend for 2013 will be the demand for educated, certified, fitness professionals! Amen to that!

2. Strength training

3. Body weight training

4. Children and Obesity

5. Exercise and weight loss

6. Fitness programmes for older adults

7. Personal Training

8. Functional fitness

9. Core training

10. Group PT

The link to the full ACSM report is   http://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/Fulltext/2012/11000/Worldwide_Survey_of_Fitness_Trends_for_2013.5.aspx

Mission Clean and Lean

BOOOOOM!

Mission clean and leaners are racing into their second week, their first weeks results were amazing and this week the results are on target, not as much weight loss as the first week which is perfectly normal. We have our second group starting today, they are equally revved up and raring to go. I find this such an empowering and inspiring time.

There’s nothing better that watching people take that first step into investing into themselves and their future.

Learn to love and cherish yourself.

Ready for cupids arrow? We have a 7 day Valentines plan to get you in the mood (and shape) for love.

I have added one of Mission Clean and Leans most popular recipe this week also and it is perfect for the winter chill.

Events

Wooohoo convention season will be soon underway. I am both excited and nervous for it all to start. I love this time of year. I am currently working on all my new choreography and will put it into practice in my classes first.

I am also getting my swag on and investing in some new clothes. My favourite shops or online are StepnPump and Bordoni, they do fantastic class wear. Find them via google.

If you have not already booked for The International Fitness Showcase in Blackpool at the end of March then make sure you do, it’s an incredible event you don’t want to miss.

My diary kicks of with Fitness Fiesta at Hinkley Island hotel the first week end in Feb, places are still available.

I love events. They are addictive.

I taught at a smaller fitness fiesta event in Harrogate at the weekend and it was brilliant. I had basic step, zumba, strictly come dancing (strictly fit) and Hula hoop and the age range is what just blew me away, I had sisters that were 17 and 18 and my wonderful KFA (keep fit asscoication) lady at 84. Now she is remarkable…. and a true advocate that fitness keeps you young.

My training is coming on leaps and bounds apart from tweaking my achillies,  I have been running much more these days both interval, long distance and sprints, I am loving it and feeling much healthier. I have been combining my explosive HIIT training with weights as well… How do you train? I would love to hear what training you guys do? Tweet me @JoParryLeeds #chat

Downloads

Thank you for purchasing the downloads the most popular in the month of January have been;

Beginners to Intermediate step

Advanced hi/lo aerobics

Street Dance

Pre choreography – Oli Murs

Let me know which other downloads I could film for you that would be beneficial.

Have a wonderful week. Enjoy the snow, stay warm and stay safe!

Love Jo x

#CHAT

So, the new year is well and truly up and running. Are you on it? Did you make any resolutions?
I decided not to make any as such but during 2012 I changed many things in my life that I wish to continue such as; eating cleaner, making more time for my own training, working smarter and spending more time with family and friends. I love my life so if anything my only resolution is to keep doing what i’m doing.

So; It’s all about the January boom. Are you using it wisely? There is a huge emphasis in the media on fitness, diets, nutrition and weight loss so make sure you get yourself out there, get noticed and be an ambassador for your cause. I find the best way to promote your brand is to get results! Before and after pic’s, testimonials, video blogs, articles; get them all together and present them to your local media outlets, press, websites, radio, TV. Everyone loves a good transformation story so get yours noticed whilst it’s on trend.

In next weeks newsletter I have a round up of all the news stories, my thoughts and predictions for 2013. Look out for the what’s hot V what’s not section.

I am buzzing for 2013 and what it holds. I hope you have started back with a bang, if not then get cracking, start as you mean to go on.

My first class back was Zumba, loved it and yes, it hurt! I did train over the Christmas break but I did mostly short explosive workouts which are a different type of fitness to teaching. All the ladies in the class were in agreement that it was great to be back; Just sweating, laughing, moving, jumping, dancing, wow, what a great feeling, all your endorphins flowing. Brilliant!

Classes

I have done some rescheduling this year and added some classes back in club chains. I will be teaching a second Fitness Pilates class at Fitness First. This programme is delivered by Rachel Holmes and is a great discipline to add to your teaching repertoire. I highly recommend booking on to the course. Also, Virgin Active have asked me to do a Freestyle step and Dance Aerobics which I have accepted. So, after much deliberation I am back teaching in clubs. I have previously avoided this after being treated badly but new year, clean slate… I’ll keep you posted. I am, of course, still continuing and excited about all my community classes.
Have you rescheduled for the new year? Keep me updated with your 2013 #chat on twitter at JoParryLeeds
Music ‘getting down with the kids’

I have all my music and new choreography ready for classes and events. I always try and keep up to date with the latest tunes, there seems to be so many more genres than when I were a lass!!!

For all my freestyle classes I indulge in Solid Sound music that you can buy in the UK. The low impact, aerobics, step and street dance are my faves although I do like the odd novelty CD too.

Mission Clean and Lean

Monday 7th Jan sees the start of the Mission Clean and Lean detox. We still have places if you are interested and want to make a big difference to your health and physique and more importantly make a positive influence on your mind. 21 days of healthy eating with a few treats, work outs daily that you can do in your own home and daily guidance, support, giggles, rants and health tips and recipes.

On that note; I would like to share with you a beautiful dish/recipe from my Mission Clean and Lean partner Fern Whittaker, it is delicious, filling, healthy and its good to make for the whole family.

Mackerel Kedgeree

*You can also make this vegetarian or of course add another fish or meat.

This is a great lunch dish for the days we can have a handful of brown rice after our workouts. Serves 4 and freezes well so it’s worth making this amount and freezing some portions. Just garnish with a fresh boiled egg when you reheat it.
1 cal olive oil spray
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp curry powder
275g brown rice, cooked and drained
100g peas
4 naturally smoked mackerel fillets, flaked
Salt and pepper
2 hard boiled eggs, peeled and quartered

1. In a large frying pan heat the oil and fry onion until soft and translucent
2. Add ground coriander and curry powder and continue frying for a couple of minutes. Stir in the rice, peas and fish. Cook over a low heat stirring continuously.
3. Serve garnished with the eggs.
I have added a chopped chilli and parsley before and this works well too.

It’s YUMMY. Please do let me know if you have any new recipes, you can email me at jo.parry5@btinternet.com or tweet me #chat Joparryleeds

Downloads

If you find yourself teaching lots of pre choreographed classes in your weekly schedule and fancy some new, fun, easy to deliver pre choreographed routines then please check out my downloads, I have done Oli Murs, J’ai Ho, Bengo (Latin) and many more. I teach these in my classes all the times for a change and my members love them for the choreography.

Until next time… Get out there people, make 2013 YOUR year…

Love Jo x

Starts: Monday 8th April 2013 for 21 days
Price: £49.00

Happy New Year!!! whoop whoop!

Hope you are all enjoying the first day of a brand spanking new year!

Here’s to a fantastic 2013 and a look back at some happy memories from 2012…

Well, to start with Christmas was incredible! Hope you all had a great time too. I was so spoiled by Matt and both our families. As much as I would have loved a white Christmas with a big drive to Reading I was relieved it didn’t snow!

So, hands up, I did eat much more than I should have and loved every mouthful! You just cant beat mum’s homemade cooking and of course an over indulgence of mulled wine!!!

Unfortunately the good times came to a swift end as Matt and I have both been struck down with norovirus. Our New Years Eve consists of Beechams, water and an early night. It sucks not to be partying but we are happy to be together and hoping to get well as quick as possible so we can get back to the gym.

So, on reflection of 2012 I would like to say a huuuuuge heartfelt thank you for all your support, feedback and smiles in my class, at events and in cyberspace. I am so fortunate to be able to do a job I love and I do love my job.

I always find Christmas and New Year is a time for reflection about the past years events and experiences and I always try and learn something for the following year.

I am definitely looking forward to all the exciting new business ventures, conventions and opportunities that are on the horizon this year. I think there is so much opportunity in the community and independent health clubs this year. Lets get the people moving!!! I have been fortunate to work with some incredible fitness people and I know, together, we are making a difference.

Classes
So, new year, new start and its all systems go for my community classes…

Start dates are; Wednesday 2nd January for Zumba at The Milford Rugby club at 7pm. The Thursday class starts on the 3rd of January at The Meanwood Community Centre at 6.30pm. The morning class at The West Park United Reform Church is not starting back until Wednesday 9th January at 10am.
I am so ready to get moving and a grooving again I tell ya!

Events

There are some fantastic events coming up at the beginning of the year including Fitness Fiestas and The International Fitness Showcase. I cant wait!!! I have been spending the Christmas break coming up with new music inspiration and choreography for classes and events this year. I always find my creative juices flow more freely when I have time off.

Website

Thank you for all your kind words about the website and the downloads, I hope you continue to find them useful and user friendly.

Mission Clean and Lean

As 2012 draws to a close and we reflect on the amazing year we’ve had since starting Mission Clean & Lean, we just want to wish all of our beautiful members (very happy to say now also our friends!) a very happy and healthy new year! May all your dreams come true in 2013; after working so hard with us you have proved you can achieve anything! And to all our new members we’ve yet to meet, we promise to help you on your own journey next year!

We are delighted with the results we had in 2012 and if you would like to be potential new successful Mission Clean and Lean members then you can book your place now via www.cleanleandetox.co.uk or through my site.

The start dates are Monday 7th January and Monday 21st January.

All the best for 2013. Dream big and good luck with all your ventures. Keep me posted on all your #chat on twitter at JoParryLeeds

Until next time

Love Jo