Instructor, Dawn Miltenberger, Answers Your Questions On BODYCOMBAT

Les Mills BODYCOMBAT is a high-energy class that lets you punch and kick your way to fitness. It can be intimidating walking by a classroom with BODYCOMBAT in session, so we want to tackle that intimidation for you! In the end, everyone in group exercise is there for the same reason, to get an awesome workout—and BODYCOMBAT delivers just that. Don’t take our word for it, though! Our instructor, Dawn, is here on the blog today to answer all of your questions! Read on. 

1 | We are so excited to get to know you, Dawn! Could you let everyone know what you do at Chuze Fitness, how long you have worked here, and how you ended up on the team?

I am excited as well! I am a BODYCOMBAT and BODYPUMP instructor for Chuze. I teach at the Fullerton, California location, but I have subbed at the Garden Grove and Anaheim California locations as well. I have been employed by Chuze Fitness for a little over a year now.

2 | For those of us unfamiliar, what is BODYCOMBAT?

BODYCOMBAT is a mixed martial arts-inspired cardio workout. It’s basically 50-minutes of core workouts without ever hitting the ground (Well, until the ab track of course). It teaches you core strength, stability, and confidence, all while sweating and feeling great. 

3 | What is your favorite exercise to teach in this class, and why?

I think my favorite exercises are uppercuts and hooks. If done properly, your side obliques will start to tone. I also love a good jab/cross as it allows me to get stronger and feel stronger while leaving all the stress of my day on the floor.

4 | For those of us who are new to working out, how can we keep up in a BODYCOMBAT class? 

BODYCOMBAT is great because it’s for all ages and all fitness levels. I tell my class to forget what they see in the mirror and just move. The moves will come with time, and as with anything, consistency is the key. I queue plenty of options, so any level of fitness can keep up and stay up. You can choose to go crazy hard or low intensity, and each week as you get stronger and gain more endurance, you will begin to crush those “level 2’s” without even realizing it. 

5 | We hear you keep the class fun! How do you connect with and motivate members? 

I keep it real with them in all aspects. I laugh at myself, joke about life, and definitely talk about food. Food is awesome and should be enjoyed, so I like to relate hard work with reward. The music of BODYCOMBAT allows us instructors to teach with emotion as well as allowing the members to feel empowered, unstoppable and unleashed. I want them to dig deep and feel they can do it. I remind them that fitness is more for the mind and that the best muscle they can keep healthy is their heart. 

6 | What are your three main tips for someone new to BODYCOMBAT?

Go at your own pace, but modify before you quit because it is designed with options for all fitness levels. Keep moving no matter what you think you look like doing the moves. And most importantly, come back and give it a couple of classes before you determine whether or not it’s for you. 

7 | Since BODYCOMBAT is a mixed martial arts-inspired class, how do you suggest members add it into their weekly schedules?

BODYCOMBAT should be taken two to three times a week with muscle-building classes or strength training exercises in between. It is a HIIT (high-intensity interval training) cardio class so there should be rest and recovery as well. If they haven’t tried BODYPUMP or any of our other lean muscle building classes—they should! 

8 | What is your advice for someone who is intimidated to try out this class?

When I was a member, way before my instructor life, I remember being the “back of the room person,” not sure about what to do or how to do it. I was scared to walk in the class and be noticed. But the more you come, the more comfortable you’ll feel. We create a “Tribe” environment that is family-based. No judgment, just encouragement. My favorite saying is, “We go far further together then we will alone.” Come and experience the “feel.” You won’t regret it!

9 | Do you have any hobbies or tips that help you to focus on self-care outside of the gym?

I’m huge on recovery, especially as I get older. I want to keep moving, and without pain, so I stretch and use a Thergun on my muscles to relieve tightness. I also make time for the hot jacuzzi and massage therapists because it’s important. If they haven’t tried the HydroMassage beds at Chuze, they are missing out. What you put into your body helps as well, so nutrition and hydration is something I strive for as well. But remember, I love food—haha—so, I still indulge. 

10 | Thank you so much for sharing this information. Can you tell us the one takeaway you want our Chuze Family to remember from this interview?

We handle a lot in our life, whether it’s family, work, or friends. Our time is valuable, and we tend to give a lot of it to everyone else. The minute you step into the gym and decide to move, that is your time alone and no one can take that from you. You’re not only making yourself better, but you’re making yourself a better you for everyone else. It’s a win-win. 

If you want to try out a BODYCOMBAT class at a club near you, check out your location’s class schedule! We hope to see you punching and kicking your way through a class with us very soon!