Les Mills GRIT Series – Inside Scoop!

Many of you have been asking me my thoughts about the new Les Mills GRIT Series.  Well, I finally got the inside scoop!  Last weekend I passed the official 2-day, super high intensity GRIT module training and will soon become certified Les Mills GRIT coach – holler!

(above – me & the 1^st GRIT coaches of Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, USA)

What is it?

Long story short, it’s a small group “CrossFit-like” workout inside of big box gyms…

The GRIT series are 30 minutes HIIT training workouts.  There are 3 types of workouts: 1) Cardio 2) Strength 3) Plyo.   GRIT workout sessions will be offered at select clubs in the United States this year, but have been offered in other countries for a few years now. (see pic below of me getting critiqued while teaching the Plyo workout)

Now, this isn’t just another group fitness format, this a is  fierce, scientifically proven , athletic training workout targeted to people with lots of mental GRIT or to those want to develop more GRIT – a workout after my own heart 🙂  The sessions are capped to about 15-20 participants and they are done in private sections of fitness clubs.  It’s more like group personal training rather than group fitness.

Why is it so special?

Besides the special combination of strength, plyo and cardio training, what makes the workout unique is the choreography, super fit GRIT coaches (like me – wink wink)  and the music – the base in the music tracks will PUMP you up – dubstep anyone?

What benefits can I expect to get?

The workout it designed to really challenge you and improve your athletic abilities (i.e. speed, strength, agility, power).  During our training class, we spent several hours learning the science behind the GRIT method and how the workout increases our anaerobic threshold (below – see pic of us studying hard). Because the workout is so hard, it just flat out makes you tough.  The small team environment is also really encouraging and uplifting.

How many calories will I burn?

Assuming you give your max effort and really push yourself, I estimate that the average person will burn ~500 calories in a 30 min GRIT class. Pretty darn efficient.  In fact, the workout is so intense that only 2 GRIT workouts per week are recommended.

How much is it going to cost me?

Because this is a special workout there is an additional fee, on top of your monthly club fee.  You get what you pay for!

So what’s the real deal, Brit – YAY or NAY?

To keep things 100% honest, I’m not a huge Les Mills fan.  I think the music is usually outdated and the moves are super corny.  I mean have you done that “super man” side skip in Body Attack?  I seriously left the class when we started doing that.  Different strokes for different folks – but just not my style.

HOWEVER!  GRIT is much different.  For 1 the music is MUCH MUCH MUCH better.  Primarily because there’s no 2010 top 40 tracks.  Instead, it’s mostly hard core hip hop and electronic beats that make you feel fierce and strong!  Also, there’s no corny choreography.  All of the moves are athletic drills and power lifting moves set to the strong base beat of the music.  Last but not least, the workout is freaking hard!  You guys know I’m always up for a challenge.  Well this workout actually kicked my butt and took me back to my old college basketball days.  Also, MEN will enjoy this workout because of the sports conditioning, athletic coaches and the tenacity engrained in the workout.

GRIT by Brit verdict = YAY!  Get involved with Les Mills GRIT!