2023 is coming to an end and what a year it's been – there were so many highlights!
We launched the new Limited Edition Collection Workouts – with LES MILLS STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT™ (progressive strength training); and then most recently, LES MILLS SHAPES™ (fusion of Pilates, barre and power yoga), which is getting new members, including the younger generation, hooked and coming back for more at gyms all over the world, while also keeping existing members feeling challenged and engaged with fresh on-trend workouts! Clubs throughout our region are launching and rolling out these exciting new programs, including World Gym in Queensland, Genesis Ballarat 24/7 Gym in Victoria, and Chimp Champ in Singapore (just to name a few). It’s been such a long time since we launched brand-new programs, so it’s all super exciting!
2023 was also a big year for events in our region. We were excited to bring LES MILLS LIVE back to Singapore, after four long years. It was so great to see the response from the community, the Instructors, Movers, and our Club Partners. People turned out in droves. Personally, I will never forget seeing 960 people in BODYCOMBAT on a Sunday afternoon; as well as the hundreds in the dance programs; and, of course, the incredibly emotional celebration for BODYBALANCE 100 – having the New Zealand crew alongside our own Trainers and Presenters, with Kylie Gates leading the charge… it was just fantastic and an incredible confirmation of the power of ‘groupness’! So many unforgettable moments!
The event was epic, and the flow-on effect of this is that more Movers want to relive the experience on a smaller scale, at their local clubs; and Instructors feel invigorated and inspired by the impact of fitness magic, and what they can take back to their members and local community.
We also held RPM 100 as a standalone event, and this saw hundreds of people take part in six live classes; with hundreds more tune in via the live-stream. It was such an awe-inspiring day where we all took celebration and a pause to reflect on what has been 25 years of a fabulous indoor cycle program. The global response to this event is confirmation that this iconic program is continuing to impact more and more Movers with its winning formula of popular music and scientifically backed moves (with options for varying intensity) to delight while meeting the performance needs of movers of all fitness levels.
2023 was definitely a great year for events in our region.
So, what can we expect in 2024?
First and foremost, the new LES MILLS DANCE program is huge news! We’re very excited about what this program is going to do for our Club Partners, Instructors and member communities. Dance is such a big category, and we know that we can play a bigger part in it, moving forwards. For those, looking to ride the wave of this growing trend (e.g., on TikTok), the introduction of this new program makes for a very exciting time. At the time of writing, we have 400+ certified Instructors signed up to complete the Upskill that will enable them to become certified to teach LES MILLS DANCE after it’s launched in January 2024.
On the events front, we're taking LES MILLS LIVE to Brisbane (Queensland) in Australia. We've never hosted an event of that size there before, PLUS we have Presenters and Program Directors coming out from New Zealand, whom we’ve never hosted before, so we do anticipate the local fitness community, plus Les Mills fans, exercise enthusiasts, and Instructors from all around the world to make their way over.
Of course, we will also continue to expand the Limited Edition Collection workouts because we want our Clubs and Instructors to continue to attract Movers who are interested in science-backed trends-based training. So, watch this space for more info as it comes to hand!
There will be lots more exciting things happening in 2024 – I'm really looking forward to what the new year has in store for us all.
Have a great end-of-year.
I hope you enjoy some time off with loved ones. We look forward to creating even more success together in 2024.
