As we are about to launch BODYATTACK® here at Trill Fitness I wanted you to hear from Kendall Kimball. She has many years working with clients teaching BODYATTACK® and many more in the fitness industry in general. Thank you Kendall for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview!
What is your role with Les Mills?
I am the North American Training Manager.
What does your work as the North American Training Manager involve?
As the Training Manager, I wear a lot of different hats, but in a nutshell, my job is to manage and develop the 120+ Trainers in the USA and Canada in addition to liaising with the North American Agencies that distribute the Les Mills programs. With everyone so spread out, it can be a challenge, but today’s technology allows me to stay connected and focused on driving the team towards excellence.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself – your education, interests, past work experiences?
I’ve always been into sports, the outdoors, and staying active! I grew up in the Chicago area and was a rough and tumble tomboy who loved sports and being outdoors.
In 1985, I decided to say goodbye to the Midwest and head west to attend the University of Oregon. While taking breaks from my studies as a music major, I would hit the running trails and soon found myself surprised to be bumping into running legends like Mary Slaney and Alberto Salazar out on their training runs. Inspired by them and the incredible running culture in Eugene, I got serious about running and decided to change my major to Physical Education/Fitness Management. I started running competitive road race but unfortunately, after multiple stress fractures and other injuries I had to sideline my dream of running professionally. Meanwhile, to satisfy the credits needed to complete my practicum that would allow me to graduate from the U of O, I was asked to teach aerobics at a local gym. I was MORTIFIED. In my mind, teaching aerobics seemed girly and for wannabe athletes, so I had every intention of getting my practicum done in the shortest amount of time possible. But a funny thing happened: I discovered that I loved teaching aerobics. I loved the group atmosphere, the energy, and being able to make a difference in people’s lives.
For the next several years I did a lot of fitness related stuff ranging from filming a series of fitness videos to doing hip hop demos at Nordstrom’s too embarrassing to discuss. In 1997 a New Zealand-based company called Les Mills International was recruiting Trainers to teach and train their classes in the USA. The Les Mills’ pre-choreographed workouts were tough, but right up my alley. Before long, I was traveling all over the USA and Canada training other instructors how to teach the programs. During that time the Les Mills’ Program Directors asked me to film instructional DVDs for BODYATTACK® and BODYSTEP®. I feel blessed that my work has taken me to some pretty amazing places such as Japan, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia.
What attracted you specifically to BODYATTACK™?
I love everything about BODYATTACK! First time I ever saw BODYATTACK was in New Zealand in 1998. I was blown away by how hard it was, yet fun at the same time. That hour flew by! It is a class that will push your limits and get results; all the things I love about fitness.
Who is BODYATTACK™ for?
I can honestly say BODYATTACK is for everyone. Lisa Osborne, the Program Director, has done an amazing job creating a class that can be accessible for any fitness level. BODYATTACK for years was about ‘go hard or go home’, but Lisa was adamant about making it an inclusive class, yet results-driven. Once she included innovative low impact options, the door flew wide open for anyone to be able to take it and get results.
What makes BODYATTACK unique to all the other fitness programs out there? And why is it important? What makes it one-of- a kind instead of one-of-many? 
BODYATTACK is different than any other high impact/high intensity cardio format out there because not only are you getting a great workout, but a fitness experience as well. The music and exercises are structured in a way to maximize results and the fun factor. After all these years I still have yet to find a group fitness class that is as much fun as BODYATTACK :0)
How often would you suggest taking BODYATTACK™?
In my experience, I’d suggest taking BODYATTACK 2 times per week (with at least a day in between classes); no more than 3.
What’s one of your favorite success stories of a participant who took (or is currently taking) BODYATTACK consistently?
I actually have two. My 69 year old mom takes my BODYATTACK class every week. She does everything low impact and sings the loudest! My other favorite success story is a woman who just started taking BODYATTACK a few months ago. She had safely lost an astonishing 70 lbs over the course of 3 months and was looking to add more cardio into her work out plans. She had seen BODYATTACK classes going on during her training sessions and found herself intrigued but terrified at the same time! Long story short, she finally got the courage to take BODYATTACK and has been a fan ever since. She does everything low impact and has lost an additional 20 lbs since she started. She sings really loud to, but still not as loud as my mom.
What is your personal work out regime?
I love to do it all. I weight train Monday through Friday (M is chest, Tues is legs, Wed is back, TH is arms, Fri is shoulders) and sprint work outs on Saturday which also include bleacher runs. I’m a huge fan of hiking and anything that gets me outdoors :0)
Kendall has her BA in Physical Education Fitness Management from the University of Oregon. She is ACE, AFAA, Johnny G Spinning, and Reebok cycle certified. She is also certified in seven of the eight Les Mills programs available for the U.S. Kendall met her husband Curtis in college and married him in three months after their meeting! They have two kids, Gus and Easton who continue to be little beacons of awesomeness in her life.