News & AnnouncementsWhat is Les Mills?

What is Les Mills?

We all know it can be hard to find the motivation to work out some days. But what if you could hop out of bed excited about your daily exercise class? Les Mills hopes to make this dream a reality by offering modern group workout programs that make fitness more enjoyable and accessible.

Les Mills classes fuse science, movement and music with the latest exercise trends and technology to deliver a workout experience that will change your outlook on exercise. Although available in different exercise styles and intensities, all Les Mills classes focus on one goal: bringing people together to harness the power of group fitness and collective determination.

Whether you’re new to the Les Mills trend or need clarification, this article will explain everything from the origin of Les Mills to the different types of programs and their benefits. Keep reading to find out why Les Mills might be your new exercise program of choice.

Where Did Les Mills Start?

The Les Mills story began in 1968 when Les Mills, a four-time Olympian, started his first gym in Auckland, New Zealand, because he wanted to make athletic workouts more accessible to the public. But the Les Mills method didn’t fully evolve into the cutting-edge group exercise classes we now know and love until Mills’ son Philip became fascinated by the power of group fitness and started the first aerobics group workout in 1980. Those early group workout sessions drew lines that stretched down the street, motivating the younger Mills to keep creating group exercise classes revolving around the sounds of trendy music.

Over the next decade, Philip Mills and his wife Jackie built upon the concept of group workout classes before introducing weights and launching the first BODYPUMP™ class in 1990. Since then, the Les Mills brand has grown to include a variety of exercise styles, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cycling to martial arts and yoga. Each Les Mills class incorporates contemporary music, movement and technology, with a spirited and knowledgable instructor leading the way.

Currently headed by Philip and Jackie’s children, Les Mills continues to produce heart-pumping fitness classes perfect for group settings that lead to mutual perspiration and inspiration. As an international brand, Les Mills now offers 21 fitness programs in more than 100 countries.

What Are the Different Types of Les Mills Workout Classes offered at the Duneland Family YMCA?

The wide variety of Les Mills group workouts allows athletes of all fitness levels to find a workout that suits their ability. Whether you’re up for a high-intensity cardio class or want to dance your way to fitness, Les Mills has a program for you. At the Duneland Y, we currently offer the following classes on our group ex schedule: