People Behind the Brand: Interview with Dan and Rachael Cohen

LES MILLS®’ popular couple, Dan and Rachael Cohen is sharing their lives together at home and at work as Co-Program Directors for the martial arts based group fitness program, BODYCOMBAT®. Both have martial arts backgrounds and a love for fitness. Together, they’re a force to be reckoned with. Find out more about the Cohen’s and their program in this month’s People Behind the Brand.

Q: What does your work as BODYCOMBAT® Co-Program Directors involve?

Cohen’s:  A lot! Our core focus is making sure that every quarter there is a brand new BODYCOMBAT® release that’s better than ever! This means working with our music team to source the hottest music and developing unique and effective choreography that incorporates empowering martial arts moves. We spend a lot of time in the studio trying out different combinations of moves to ensure that each release lives up to the high standard of the previous one. Once we’ve nailed the release, and it’s been filmed, we head off overseas to attend various Les Mills quarterly events – supporting, guiding and teaching instructors all over the world so they can help lead millions of class-goers to a healthier lifestyle. It’s the best job ever!

Q: Why did you get into this line of work?

Cohen’s: We’ve both been in the fitness industry for well over a decade. It’s been a gradual evolution; we both started out in the UK as part-time instructors, then became full-time instructors before becoming LES MILLS® trainers. Seven years ago we shifted to New Zealand and became program directors. The rest is history!

Q: Who is BODYCOMBAT® for?

Cohen’s: BODYCOMBAT® is designed to be a great cardio program for everyone. Like all LES MILLS® programs, BODYCOMBAT® features low impact options so it really is suitable for all fitness levels. Because it is based on martial arts, BODYCOMBAT® is a very empowering cardio workout – you’ll kick, punch and strike your way to better fitness while learning some fierce moves at the same time!

Q. What makes BODYCOMBAT® unique? What makes it one-of- a kind instead of one-of-many?

Cohen’s: Like all LES MILLS® programs, BODYCOMBAT® is a scientifically-based workout which is safe, effective and fun! It is set to the latest chart-topping music and is pre-choreographed to ensure consistency and quality across every class. It’s delivered by dynamic instructors who are all technically sound and capable of taking your group fitness experience to another level.

Q. Do you need martial arts experience to do BODYCOMBAT®?

Cohen’s: Not at all. BODYCOMBAT® is designed around simple moves that are easy to be picked up. You don’t need to be well-coordinated, you just need to bring the right attitude and give it a go.

Q. What schools of martial arts does BODYCOMBAT® incorporate?

Cohen’s: BODYCOMBAT® is inspired by a range of martial arts disciplines – kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Capoeria, Karate, Mixed Martial Arts and Kung Fu. This means that there’s something that appeals to everyone. In addition to doing lots of BODYCOMBAT®, we also do a lot of Kung Fu and Muay Thai and Dan currently trains in all mixed martial arts. Yup, we’re addicted!

Q. What are the specific benefits of martial arts-based fitness programs?

Cohen’s: Kicks help with core stability and we all know how important that is! The punches and combination moves encourage coordination and agility. Using your own weight in the moves helps build muscle.

Q. How often would you suggest doing a BODYCOMBAT® class?

Cohen’s: BODYCOMBAT® is addictive – trust us on this one! However it’s best not to over-do it because BODYCOMBAT® is an intense workout which really makes you sweat – BIG TIME! We recommend battling it out two to three times a week, but it’s important to listen to your body, and do only what you feel comfortable with.

Q. What’s one of your favorite success stories of a participant who took (or is currently taking) BODYCOMBAT® consistently?

Cohen’s: There are thousands of inspiring BODYCOMBAT® success stories and we think that anyone who does BODYCOMBAT® is their own success story. Everyone has different goals and comes to BODYCOMBAT® for their own reasons. We consider it a success when each person achieves what they set out to.

Q. What is your personal workout regimen?

Rachael – Too much, too hard, too often.

Dan – Too much, too hard, too often – x100!

Q. What are your interests outside of work?

Rachael – Coffee (specifically a Starbucks tall almond latte with full fat milk), good New Zealand wine (I love pinot gris and pinot noir), going to the theatre or stand-up comedy, reading magazines and listening to music: music is my LIFE. I hear songs I like that I think would be good for the program and I craft moves around it then, as soon as the song’s attached to the release, I’m onto the next song – I have a huge appreciation for music.

Dan – Hanging out with friends, fishing, throwing things in the back of my truck and going away for the weekend, and building things (yes, I’m a caveman).

Q. What’s your favorite guilty pleasure snack?

Rachael – Chocolate (English Cadbury’s please!) or Nutella.

Dan – Gingernut biscuits and Jack Daniels.

Q. What are some of the most important leadership lessons you have learned?

Cohen’s: To listen and be honest! And that with great influence comes great responsibility. We’re always trying to be the best we can be and set a good example for instructors around the globe. We are big believers in education and are passionate about sharing information; the more knowledge we have ourselves, the more knowledge we have to share with others.

Q. If you had a chance to sit down with yourself as you were beginning your career, what would you say?

Cohen’s: That nothing is constant. That challenge provides a great opportunity to grow. That you are always growing, always learning. As we continue to develop the program this is a question that we ask ourselves all the time. We like to keep giving; this means keeping it real and staying with the fight! Never getting complacent and always learning.

Q. What does the future hold for you?

Cohen’s: At the moment we’re busy developing the upcoming BODYCOMBAT® releases – they are going to be awesome! We’ve got big plans for BODYCOMBAT® 50 – so stay tuned! We’re also busy working on the other LES MILLS® programs we look after; Dan is working on CX30® (which he is Co-Program Director of) and Rachael is busy working on SH’BAM®.  There’s no rest for the wicked!