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