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Here For You – Track list for Les Mills Body Balance release 73

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It’s here.

Before you’ve even got used to release 72, here’s the track list for Les Mills Body Balance release 73. We’ll get to see this in June 2016.

If you don’t want spoiling DON’T READ any further. Otherwise have a look.

Track list for Les Mills Body Balance release 73

Now it’s your turn:

What do you think of the Les Mills Body Balance release 73 track list? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Listen on Amazon:

If you want more spoilers you can click on the links above to see the music on Amazon. They won’t be exactly the same mixes because Les Mills often edit the tracks, and some are Les Mills cover versions and not available commercially. But it will give you a good feel for what’s on its way.

Fight For You – Review of Les Mills Body Balance release 70

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Tough on the legs and front-end loaded.

What I mean by front-end loaded is that the Standing Strength, Balance and Hip Openers are all long tracks taking up almost half the class with their intense strength and stretch work.

By contrast the last 4 tracks fly by in just 15 minutes.

Great feedback from participants about this class. People say it flows perfectly from one sequence to the other. Others give the long tracks a big thumbs up and enjoy the challenge.

Let’s have a look at the tracks (You can click on the links to listen to the tracks on Amazon).

Review of Les Mills Body Balance release 70

Tai Chi Warm Up – You & Me (Flume Remix) – Disclosure (feat. Eliza Doolittle)

A Tai Chi track of many contrasts. Slow, aweeping arm circles and soft synth music bookend more energetic move when the drums kick in. Surprisingly tough on the legs we keep low in the knees.

The so called “Wide Wu Chi Energy Ball Release” reminds me of playing volleyball on a sunny beach jumping into the air to hit the ball. I challenge anyone not to allow a huge beaming smile to spread across their face during this sequence.

Sun Salutations – Follow The Sun – Cool Lads

Gentle acoustic guitar and soft harmonica disguise the fact this Sun Salutations has a fast beat. Each 8 counts shoot by and you can struggle to keep up with the moves. It creates a strange sensation. Music calms you but the beat propels you. Appearing to speed up even more in the fourth round I think this is an illusion created by the vocalist singing more words. We add a lunge twist into the sequence but otherwise it’s a typical routine.

Standing Strength – Hold Back The River – James Bay

After a few 3 legged-dog knee to nose poses we move into extended warrior and stay for a longtime. Simple arm movements create almost an illusion of movement but our legs stay grounded all the time becoming fatigued as hold the pose. Only a brief shift into sun warrior breaks the flow but were still challenging our legs even then.

Standing Strength – Fight For You – Jason Derulo

A great pop track sampling some synth and lyrics from Toto’s 1980s hit “Africa”. Starting with a repeat of the 3 legged-dog knee to nose poses we move next into standing lunges and finally warrior one. The final squat comes when our legs are burning and screaming for a rest.

Balance – Nothing’s Forever – Paces feat. Kucka

The longest ever Balance track tires out our already fatigued legs. Plenty of time to set up, modify and perfect each pose. Flower pose, right angle pose and tree pose all held for many moments.

A challenging sequence but perhaps just a little two long for a Balance track. It’s the only one from this release so far that people have asked me to consider mixing out.

Hips – Do You Remember  – Jarryd James

Another long track and another sequence of slow poses with time to savour the deep stretches. Swan pose always takes people to the edge between pleasure and pain. Here we have a an optional splits pose as an extension from the kneeling lunge. Only a couple of people in each class can do this but everyone has increased their range as the weeks pass.

A great piece of music and a great set of moves. The best hips track for a long while.

Core Abs – Always Like This – Bombay Bicycle Club

If your class starts on the hour have a sneak peek at the clock as the Core Abs starts. Is it about twenty to the next hour? That’s how long the first five tracks are. From now on we motor through 4 shorter sequences but the intensity doesn’t let up.

Always Like This makes me smile. A stand out Core Abs track with a punishing set of crunches, cycles and leg extensions. Only 4 minutes long but listen to the sounds of groaning from the people with burning abdominals.

Core Back – Brother  – Need To Breathe

A clam start with a baby cobra (or up dog) gives way to a tough side plank and then the intense wild thing pose. Precise cueing required to get people into the correct position. Bridge pose gives us a rest in the middle unless you want to find the full back bend in which casethe pace never lets up.

Twists – Aerial Love  – Daniel Johns

Finally we start to chill out. Child’s pose thread needle twist. Standing to diver’s pose and forward fold twists then back to the floor. The end is in sight.

Hamstring Stretches – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – Hummingbird

A mellow, chilled out version of a Scottish classic pop song, it still took me a while on first listen to work out what it was. So slow compared to the Proclaimer’s original. Slow and delicious forward bends and hamstring stretches and we finish up in happy baby pose. Relaxing and calming after all the hard work.

I’m still tempted to replace this with the up tempo Proclaimer’s version one day to surprise my class. But I think it would ruin the calmness.

Relaxation and Meditation – Sileo – Rhian Sheehan

A lovely piece of music but short as we have little time left. Could have done with a longer relaxation given the intensity of the first half of the class but these 5 minutes certainly feel deserved.

Overall another solid and challenging release. I’d like to see a return of the more flowing Tai Chi Warm Ups but apart from that a great big thumbs up from me again.

Now it’s your turn:

Do you agree with my review of Les Mills Body Balance release 70? Why not comment below. And do please share using the social media buttons.

Praise You – Review of Les Mills Body Balance release 69

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Another Body Balance release and soon I’ll have been teaching this programme for 10 years.

I’ve experienced some exceptional releases. Some average and the occasional clunker.

Release 69 isn’t exceptional nor is it a clunker. It bursts in on us with a Tai Chi warm up trying to be a full on work out. After, it settles into a mellow pace with decent challenges before drifting off and leaving us to chill to the ever popular piano notes of Stanton Lanier.

I’m enjoying teaching number 69 and people like the music and the moves. It’s a safe release. Pleasant but average. Mildly quirky but underwhelming.

Review of Les Mills Body Balance release 69
Let’s have a look at the tracks.

Tai Chi Warm Up – Praise You – Fatboy Slim

Les Mills used this song as a back track (I think) back in the 30s or 40s. Uptempo. Catchy with a solid beat. Doesn’t feel like Tai Chi at all until we slow down into arm circles near the end. Almost an aerobics warm up it grabs you by the shoulders, shakes and pushes you.

Praise you gets my vote for the most energetic Tai Chi warm up ever. Full on and in your face. A great start.

Sun Salutations – Warm Water – Banks

In contrast Warm Water is mellow, slow and flows. Acknowledging we might be sweating and breathless from the surprise warm up, the Sun Salutation sequence is basic and slow. A chance to regain control of our breath.

Standing Strength – In Colour – Shapeshifter

I like the way the Warrior poses in this track build from the ground up. Particularly when we start in Extended Warrior and rise to Warrior 2. A good change from the usual progression from Warrior 2 down to Extended Warrior. We hear the music twice and do a slightly different sequence each time culminating with a round of challenging three-legged Downward Facing Dogs at the end of each set.

Balance – Only Love Can Hurt Like This – Paloma Faith

A quirky piece of music and a deceptively difficult balancing sequence. I like the flow from Half Moon Pose to Aeroplane finishing in a wobbly Reverse Half Moon Pose. Only taking seconds to do it feels longer as our supporting legs and ankles burn. Good to see Dancers Pose returning the outro section.

Hip Openers – Gust Of Wind – Pharrell Williams

More quirky funky music (inspiring much finger clicking) and an extended stay in modified half lotus. It’s fun and doesn’t feel that challenging but you can sink deep into the stretches. And they feel exquisite. Adding a twist to the Swan Pose by threading our arm though to the lead knee takes the hip stretch to the brink between pleasure and pain.

Core Abs – Blame It On Me – George Ezra

Deceptive. Watch the masterclass video and you might end this short Core Abs track is easy. Far from it is the reality. Creating a fire in the abdominal a this Pilates workout gets results. Yes it’s short. But the moans of gain pain more than show its true nature.

Core Back – In Your Arms – Nico & Vinz

Dolphin Pose makes a welcome return to Body Balance. The last appearance I remember happened way back in release 34. I’m sure it’s been back since but I can’t recall when. A good challenge remember to bring your feet slightly further in otherwise it’s just a Down Dog on your elbows.

I like the twisting pointer moves but feel the end section where we lie down and raise our legs is too short. A shame the music couldn’t have carried on for another 39 seconds.

Twists 1 – Stand By You – Marlisa

Gentle seated twists, including both an open and closed twist, before we rise to our feet. Feels quite gentle but embrace the last challenge of the standing twist with leg extension.

Twists 2 – Let Your Hair Down – MAGIC!

I feel I’m in the Caribbean when I hear this music. An awesome contrast between normal Triangle Pose and Revolved Triangle which is such an intense stretch. The pace lowers as we return to the floor for some almost relaxing supine twists.

Forward Bends/Hamstrings – Heal – Tom Odell

A mellow and lengthy hamstrings tracks gives us time to deeply explore forward bends and table top counter poses.

For some reason this music seems louder than the surrounding tracks. I have to get up and turn it down a little. I feel this track needs to be quiet to allow people to let go into the stretches.

Relaxation/Meditation – Quiet Place – Stanton Lanier

This artist epitomises the Body Balance relaxation and meditation feel. A lovely end to the class.

Bonus Balance – Dangerous – David Guetta feat. Sam Martin

Bird Pose and Bird in a Basket are challenging balance poses that can elude even the most flexible and accomplished yoga practitioners. I can do the former but not the latter.

Having them as part of an optional track was good thinking by Jackie and Diana. We can include it or not depending upon the ability of the class.

Good to see the track appear in the masterclass video. Previously bonus tracks were represented by notes only.

Summary

I said earlier that this release was safe and unremarkable. Having written about each track I feel a little guilty for labelling it as such.

Body Balance 69 is a good workout. But in a  consistently excellent programme with many standout releases there are bound to be some that feel a little more routine. I’m still enjoying teaching it though.

One last thought. The last few releases contain many recent pop hits. No problem with that. But Body Balance used to showcase more experimental chill out music from breakthrough artists like Conjure One, Sleepthief and Delerium. I’d like to see more of that genre of music back in Body Balance.

Now it’s your turn:

Do you agree with my review of Les Mills Body Balance release 69? Please leave a comment or a link to your own review. Do please share with your friends using the social media buttons.

Glow – Review of Les Mills Body Balance release 68

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Now that’s what I call music.

Like an edition of the long running hit single compilation albums, NOW, Les Mills has packed Body Balance release 68 with current chart smashes.

Top artists like Maroon 5, Sia, Ella Henderson and Beyoncé go with our Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi moves. In the past Body Balance has showcased lesser known bands like Conjure One, Delerium and Sleepthief. Perhaps this is the most “hit” oriented playlist we’ve ever had.

So what about the work out and the moves that go with the music. Let’s have a look at the tracks (and you can click on the songs to see them on Amazon)

Review of Les Mills Body Balance release 68
Tai Chi Warm Up

Tai Chi Warm Up – Tessellate – Borderline Snake

Tai Chi Warm Up – It Was Always You – Maroon 5

First time we’ve seen a double dose of Tai Chi and it’s glorious. Tessellate is a calm reflective song with gorgeous slow movements, swing and wrap arms and weight shifting to warm our legs. The more upbeat song by Maroon 5 introduces the Starburst move, a beautiful expressive sequence that makes people smile. We move quicker to the beat here complete our warm up.

Sun Salutations – Of The Night – Bastille

Doctor Dave says on the instructors masterclass video that this Sun salutations is “deconstructed”. You’ll have heard this term on cookery shows like Masterchef. A deconstructed cheesecake for example doesn’t appear on a plate as a traditional slice. The biscuit base, cheese and topping appear in separate heaps.

It’s the same here. Rather than the usual flow of poses linked together that make up the traditional yoga Sun Salutations, they’ve presented the moves separately. We do each move on its own several times. For yoga purists this will appear clunky. It’s an interesting change though and allows us to explore the moves differently.

An interesting experiment but I do prefer the “proper” Sun Salutation. I guess that makes me a yoga purist then.

Review of Les Mills Body Balance release 68
Standing Strength

Standing Strength – Elastic Heart – Sia

Standing Strength – Glow – Ella Henderson

A couple of strong strength tracks with interesting flows between the warrior poses. I like the way we revisit some of the Tai Chi moves from the warm up at the end of Glow. It makes a release feel complete when themes and moves recur. We also see the Tiger Pose from the Sun Salutations later in the Core Back too. Excellent class design from Jackie and Diana here.

Review of Les Mills Body Balance release 68
Balance

Balance – Life Of The Party – Shawn Mendes

A catchy tune combined with deceptively tough balances. Staying on tip toes throughout Angel Pose and Diver’s pose presents a challenge of strength as well as balance. And Diver’s provides an intense stretch to your hamstrings.

Hip Openers – Budapest – George Ezra

Down on the floor for Hip Openers, we begin with Frog Pose. Always an intense stretch. From can take you right to the boundary between pleasure and pain. I like to take people right to the edge but hold short of crossing over.

Core Abs – Come Get It Bae – Pharell Williams

After the super short Core Abs track in the last release I was expecting a longer abdominal workout this time round. Turns out it’s another short one however but tough especially the second round of endless Oblique Curls. Finger clicking adds  fun but I have to admit to forgetting to offer this option. And I’m a fan of cheesy moves.

Keep your lower back pressing into the floor during all the moves with particular focus during the Pilates Seal Claps. Feel it in your abs not your legs.

Review of Les Mills Body Balance release 68
Core Back

Core Back – Maps – Maroon 5

Core Back – Don’t be Gone Too Long – Chris Brown

Two Core Back tracks and the first offers a better workout. We combine Bridge Pose with Kneeling Side Hover crunches and Thread The Needle for an energetic sequence. When we finally get to the Bridge with Leg Raise Pose fatigue threatens to set in. I find few people take the option for the full back bend at this point.

In the second song we explore Single Leg Plank to Crocodile Pose. You expect to feel the effects in your arms but actually experience a burn in the glutes.

Twists – Pretty Hurts – Beyoncé

Once again Twists seem to turn people’s brains into much. All concept of right and left, front and back disappear. Instruct the, to twist to the front and they’ll twist to the back. Coach them to reach with the right arm and they’ll reach with the left. Perhaps it’s because we do the moves side on to the front of the room?

Another catchy song and a delicious combination of Twisted Down Dogs, Twisted Lunges and the last exquisite Twisted Pyramid Pose.

Review of Les Mills Body Balance release 68
Forward Bends and Hamstrings

Forward Bends Hamstrings – Let It Be Me – Ray Montagne

A mellow Forward Bends song with a jazz blues feel and the physical pace calms down in trying to lull and stretch us into the relaxation phase. We have plenty of time to explore deep stretches and experience the new Turtle Pose. A beautiful end to the physical work in this class.

Relaxation/Meditation – Angels of Victory – Aeoliah

After all that pop music Angels of Victory, a gentle instrumental with soothing piano and flute sounds, invites us to focus our attention on the breath and to relax and take stock after working so hard for the last 50 minutes.

One of the best Body Balance releases for a while, 68’s overdose on chart hits and challenging but achievable moves is a winner. Whilst the focus on hit songs is welcome I hope Jackie and Diana treat us to some more lesser known artists in future classes. Where, for example, is the next Conjure One?

Now it’s your turn:

Do you agree with my Review of Les Mills Body Balance release 68? Do you like the music list? Please leave a comment or post a link to your own review. If you enjoyed this article please share it with your friends.