Ep 34: Takeaways from China with Matt Thraxton
Listen on…
We have heard a lot about China in the last 18 months...but not a lot about what's happening there in the fitness industry.
Today on the show, Will is talking to Matt Thraxton. Matt has been at the top of the Les Mills world for a long time and in the view of many, is one of the best Body Pump presenters there is. He has spent time working in the USA, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and most recently, he took on the role of Training Manager for Les Mills in China.
Matt has firsthand knowledge of how China has been, not only dealing with the pandemic, but also how fitness has continued to grow and thrive during that time. You're going to hear Matt talk about his experience being an expat in China and watching what happened to the fitness industry in his home nation of the UK and around the world, as opposed to what he himself experienced while he was in China. Spoiler: You're going to be a little bit gutted about how quickly they got back to teaching.
You're also going to hear Matt talk about how his priorities, when it comes to fitness, have changed, how the role of a Group Fitness Instructor has changed during that time, and what he now looks for when he's recruiting his exceptional talent in China. We really enjoyed this conversation with Matt and hope you do, too!
Here’s a glance at this episode…
(2:55) Will asks Matt to share his background, how he got into fitness, and how he ended up in Shanghai
(6:48) Matt describes his role as a Training Manager with Les Mills
(9:03) Will asks Matt to share what the pandemic experience was like in China
(16:45) Matt shares his perspective on the transition from digital to in-person classes once restrictions were lifted
(22:40) The similarities and differences in the group fitness experience in China vs the West
(32:02) Will asks Matt what the Instructor scene and employment model is like in China
(36:59) Major pros of the GX industry in China
(42:29) How Matt’s teaching and philosophy has changed over the years
(1:01:39) Will asks Matt to share one piece of advice he would give to up and coming Fitness Instructors
Links mentioned in this episode:
Will’s Facebook, Instagram and Email Address
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