Les Mills offers modern group workout programs to make fitness more enjoyable and accessible. Founded by Les Mills, a four-time Olympian, in 1968, it has evolved to include a variety of exercise styles, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cycling to martial arts and yoga.
The History of Les Mills
Les Mills started in 1968 in Auckland, New Zealand where he established a gym to make athletic workouts more accessible to everyone. Les Mills’ son, Philip, became fascinated by the power of group fitness, and so in 1980, he created the first aerobics group workout. It became successful very fast.
Over the next decade, Philip and his wife Jackie developed more group workout classes and eventually introduced weights. The first BODYPUMP™ class was launched in 1990 and the brand grew to include other styles of exercise, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cycling to yoga and martial arts.
Today Les Mills has 21 fitness programs in over 100 countries.
The Different Types of Les Mills Workout Classes
Les Mills offers various types of group workout classes for athletes of all fitness levels. These classes are categorized into the following:
- Strength
- Cardio
- Cycling
- HIIT
- Core
- Dance
- Flexibility
- Mind-body
- Kids’ workouts
Within these categories, Les Mills provides different intensities to suit different levels of experience and ability.
Two of the most popular Les Mills programs are BODYPUMP and Les Mills SPRINT.
BODYPUMP
BODYPUMP is a barbell-based strength workout designed to help participants become fit and toned while having fun. Gyms like Gold’s gym have Bodypump classes. Each session follows a proven formula of using light weights to exhaust the muscles while performing high repetitions. The training kickstarts a long-term calorie-burning response to give you greater fitness results within a shorter period.
A standard 55-minute BODYPUMP class includes 10 circuits, each of which concentrates on working a different muscle group. Although the exercises within the circuits vary, most instructors incorporate plenty of deadlifts, squats, push-ups, presses and lunges.
SPRINT
Les Mills SPRINT is a cycling program designed to provide powerful HIIT workouts through low-impact exercise for those who suffer from foot, knee, or lower back pain. Because HIIT often involves weight-bearing exercises like squat jumps and burpees, it can cause a lot of wear and tear on joints and risk injury for those with orthopedic restrictions.
Advantages of Les Mills
Professional instruction
Les Mills classes are led by certified and experienced fitness instructors who know how to keep you engaged and motivated throughout the workout. They are trained to provide personalized guidance and ensure that each participant is performing the exercises correctly and safely.
Effective workouts
The method is based on the latest scientific research in exercise physiology and sports medicine. Each workout is designed to maximize calorie burn, build strength, increase endurance and improve overall fitness. The variety of classes also ensures that your body is constantly challenged and never gets bored.
Fun and engaging
The classes are more than just a workout – they are a total sensory experience. The energizing music, vibrant lighting and dynamic choreography create a stimulating and immersive environment that keeps you engaged and motivated. The sense of community and camaraderie among the participants also adds to the fun and social aspect of the workouts.
Convenient and accessible
With Les Mills, you can access world-class workouts from anywhere in the world, at any time of day. Whether you prefer to work out at home or in a gym, the program offers a variety of options to suit your needs. With a subscription, you can access hundreds of online classes, participate in live virtual classes, or attend in-person classes at a gym near you.
Is Les Mills Right for You?
If you’re looking for a fun, engaging and effective way to get in shape, Les Mills is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, it offers a variety of programs that can help you achieve your fitness goals. With the support of certified instructors, motivating music and a supportive community, Les Mills makes it easy to stay motivated and committed to your fitness journey.