Launch of new innovative programs to attract, engage and retain more members of all ages
In terms of programs, this year was a banger with five new programs launched in our region:
- LES MILLS DANCE
- LES MILLS PILATES
- LES MILLS FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH
- LES MILLS SHAPES Volume 1
- LES MILLS THRIVE
For Instructors, these exciting new programs provide new opportunities to challenge themselves, to upskill, to expand their teaching repertoire, and to strengthen their passion.
For clubs, the rollout of these innovative new programs – many of which are trends-based and so directly appeal to younger demographics (Gen Z is the largest generation ever, if you didn’t already know!) – bring new opportunities to attract, retain and engage more members.
The bonus is that for many of these programs, Instructors can be certified in as little as three weeks, making them very quick to launch in-club. Click the links above to learn about these exciting programs.
Expansion of Les Mills Equipment
This year, we expanded the Les Mills Equipment collection from offering SMART TECH only to now include Les Mills Slider Sets and Les Mills Sculpt Bands, which are ideal for use in LES MILLS SHAPES™, LES MILLS PILATES™, as well as yoga and core training.
Next Gen Instructor Recruitment Report
We shared the findings of a new global research report focusing on Instructor recruitment, which reveals a lack of mentors as the number one barrier preventing young prospects from taking up certifications.
Nurturing the Next Gen: Blueprint for Instructor Recruitment contains insights into the Next Gen’s perceptions of working in the fitness industry, and particularly, the role of group training Instructor. This report is the largest of its kind ever produced and offers qualitative and quantitative insights from 2,500 young people from around the world, who are open to working in the fitness industry. It sheds light on their motivations, barriers to entry, and the support they require to evolve from prospects into studio stars to help clubs achieve greater success with recruitment. Click to learn more.
More streamlined and convenient Instructor Training
This year, we streamlined our Training pathway for Limited Edition Collection programs so that Instructors can be certified in as little as three weeks. This is achieved by focusing the Instructor Training around a half-day online training session, in addition to pre and postwork requirements.
We’re also taking steps to streamline our Initial Training for Signature programs, and expect to introduce improvements in the new year, which will support even more people to access and complete Les Mills Instructor Training. Click to read more about Les Mills Instructor training.
Q4.24 Les Mills Innovation Experience
This quarter, we delivered something a little different for Instructors, around Quarterly Workshops time. The Les Mills Innovation Experience was a brand-new event showcasing the latest and updated workouts from the Limited Edition Collection. Thousands of attendees experienced these trends-based workouts in major cities across Southeast Asia and Australia, with some locations also offering the new Q4.24 Releases for some Signature programs.
BODYCOMBAT 100
2024 marked the 25th year of BODYCOMBAT. To celebrate this incredible milestone – the 100th Release of the world’s leading martial arts group workout – we held an epic celebration at LES MILLS LIVE Singapore. There, 1,300 people attended a ‘Best Of BODYCOMBAT’ session, which was made up of eight all-time favourite tracks, nominated by session participants. We also had 1,800 participants take part in the official BODYCOMBAT 100 Release, led by Program Directors Rachael Newsham and Dan Cohen. Whether you’re an OG or a first-timer, 100 is a milestone and so we also encouraged clubs far and wide within our regions, to celebrate 25 years of BODYCOMBAT with the people who made it successful – members, Instructors, staff and wider communities! You can read about some of these epic club events via the following Club Spotlight articles:
- Paradigm Fitness, Indonesia
- Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, NSW Australia
- CHIMPCHAMP Fitness, Singapore
- Fairfield City Leisure Centres, NSW Australia
- Arena Joondalup, WA Australia
- Urbax Fitness, Malaysia
- Peninsula Leisure Centre (NSW).
LES MILLS LIVE
This year, we held two LES MILLS LIVE events that saw thousands of Instructors and attendees take part in their favourite Les Mills programs and fuel their passion for teaching.
LES MILLS LIVE Singapore: In Singapore, LES MILLS LIVE was powered by adidas and part of the inaugural Singapore Urban Sports and Fitness Festival organised by Sport Singapore. This one-day event on 31st of August saw 6,600 session participants take part in Masterclasses for 7 different Les Mills programs. Highlights of this event included: offering VIP Experiences for the first time ever; BODYCOMBAT® 100 celebrations including a ‘Best Of’ class; the launch of LES MILLS PILATES™; and launch of LES MILLS FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH™ (at the Fitness & Wellness Expo). Click to read more.
LES MILLS LIVE Brisbane: On 3 March, more than 2,600 session attendees punched, danced, pushed, lifted, squatted, rowed, deadlifted and stepped their way to happiness, by participating in up to 7 Les Mills workouts. This training festival was supported by AUSactive and was the first in a global tour of LES MILLS LIVE events with adidas as a global brand sponsor. Click to read more.
In 2025, we are looking forward to continuing to support Club Partners and Instructors to achieve new levels of success through:
New Business Support Team
To further support the achievement of your goals (e.g., Instructor recruitment, marketing, program launches, etc), we have established a dedicated and energetic Business Support team, whose sole focus is deliver the personalisedsupport, guidance and advice that you want or need.
Continued Expansion and Innovation of Workouts
In 2023 we launched our first Limited Edition Collection programs in LES MILLS STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT™ and LES MILLS SHAPES™. As mentioned earlier, this year we continued the rollout of these trends-based programs by adding LES MILLS PILATES™, LES MILLS FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH™, LES MILLS THRIVE™, and LES MILLS SHAPES Volume 2 to the Limited Edition Collection.
Our commitment to providing clubs and Instructors with exciting new opportunities and programs will see us continue to expand this collection of trends-based programs and make them available to our Club Partners and Instructors after they are released to the wider marketplace by Les Mills International.
Considering all these innovations and what’s coming down the pipeline in 2025, as a Club Partner or Les Mills Instructor, you are well positioned to make 2025 the best year to-date.
We look forward to creating a fitter planet with you next year and beyond.
