Les Mills: all directions with descriptions, benefits of training

Les Mills is an international company that is currently the largest provider of group fitness programs. New Zealand trainers Les Mills rose to fame thanks to the Body Pump program - a barbell workout that quickly captivated millions of people.

A group of Les Mills trainers develop their own innovative training programs, which are implemented in thousands of fitness clubs around the world. The company's founder is athlete Les Mills, a four-time Olympic champion and long-time mayor of New Zealand's largest city, as well as a coach of world champion athletes. Among the most famous and successful Les Mills programs are Body Pump, Body Combat, Body Step, Body Attack and Body Balance.

Les Mills - what is this in fitness?

The company's mission is to improve the health of every person living on the planet, motivate them to exercise and help adults and children with fitness.

New Zealand-based company Les Mills has a team of trainers who create and promote unique, innovative fitness programs. Les Mills gained particular popularity thanks to a program called Body Pump, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most popular form of fitness.

Now there are about 6 million people in the world who attend training developed by the Les Mills team. More than 90,000 trainers trained by the company conduct training around the world.

History of appearance

The founder of the company is Les Mills, an Olympic champion track and field athlete from New Zealand, who opened gyms in Auckland and introduced sports and a healthy lifestyle to the masses. Later, the idea was picked up by his son, Philip Mills, who decided to develop unique workouts for fitness clubs. In 1990, Philip created the Body Pump line, which brought him tremendous success.

In 1997, Philip founded Les Mills International and focused on developing new fitness programs.

What are the features and advantages of group classes?

Programs are created by fitness professionals taking into account everyone's physiology and goals, designing programs for both weight loss, strength building and stretching.
In addition to trainers, sound engineers also participate in the development of the direction, who select energetic tracks specifically for the training complex. And music is known to increase motivation and productivity.
A variety of directions allows you to choose the right load for everyone.
Les Mills update programs for each area, so that the body does not get used to the load and interest in training does not disappear.

Rehab Fitness Matrix

Types of licenses: club annual (basic, network, premium).
Workout: A dynamic rehabilitation group class with an emphasis on weight loss. The license includes three types of classes - Balance (posture correction), Flex (flexibility and endurance), Core (strengthening the muscles of the center of the body). Each exercise is presented in 4 versions - for different types of posture, which makes the training safe and effective.
Year of launch: 2016.
Authors: Lelya Savosina and Wellness methodologists.
Conditions for obtaining a license: concluding a contract and passing an exam by club instructors.
Conditions for renewing a license: renewal of the contract and confirmation by the club instructors of admission to classes.
The license includes: video materials and audio tracks for the Balance, Flex and Core programs (updates once every 4 months), instructor training and exam (up to 10 people under 1 license), software for conducting initial testing and monitoring results, a set of marketing materials , methodological and marketing support during the license period.
Cost: from 146,000 rubles. for an annual license (for 1 club).
Advantages:
A niche in demand - the main goal of clients remains weight loss and muscle strengthening. At the same time, clients do not become healthier, and standard methods for problems with musculoskeletal system and muscle imbalance only aggravate the problem with excess weight. Therefore, the demand for restorative techniques with a weight loss effect will only grow - and this is a promising area for attracting and retaining new clients.
Availability and ease of integration - as a rule, training instructors in rehabilitation areas takes a lot of time and money. Training in the RFM program takes 3 days, and videos demonstrating exercises and special software minimize the human factor.
Commercial format - RFM is adapted to the promising trend of a separate studio/boutique within the club, for which a separate fee may be charged for visiting. The package includes a ready-made system for motivating and retaining clients, as well as marketing materials to attract club members to training.

Les Mills Training and Directions

BODYPUMP is a strength-training fitness program designed to gain lean mass and develop muscle definition. Performed with light weight barbells.

BODYBALANCE is the direction of the “intelligent body”, which includes elements of yoga, Pilates and Tai chi. Suitable for everyone.

BODYCOMBAT is an aerobic workout that includes elements of various martial arts. Suitable for weight loss. Recommended for training only for experienced athletes.

BODYSTEP – cardio training, which is carried out on step platforms.

BODYATTACK is an effective workout that includes cardio and strength exercises to get a beautiful body for any fitness level.

BODYJAM is an intense dance workout that includes a variety of moves from dance styles around the world.

RPM is an intense cardio workout on bikes that is suitable even for beginners.

SH'BAM is a unique dance workout to lively music.

CXWORX is a half-hour workout aimed at strengthening your core muscles. Suitable for both beginners and advanced exercisers for additional training of stabilizer muscles.

LES MILLS SPRINT is a high-intensity interval training performed on bikes. Program for the prepared. Training duration is 30 minutes.

LES MILLS GRIT – high-intensity interval training for trained athletes. Lesson duration: 30 minutes.

THE TRIP is a “journey” through the endless digital spaces on bikes without leaving the hall.

BORN TO MOVE is a unique program for children from 2 to 16 years old to increase physical activity and motivation for sports and a healthy lifestyle.

LES MILLS BARRE is a program based on ballet movements using exercises with additional equipment to maintain the tone of the entire body.

LES MILLS TONE - effective functional training for developing strength and tone of the whole body, performed with additional equipment.

In addition to the official YouTube channel, which contains English-language content, a Les Mills Russia channel has been created with subtitles translated into Russian, where you can find various videos depending on your goals.

WHAT ADVANCED LEARNING REALLY DOES

SIX WEEK ONLINE TRAINING COURSE:

CHARLOTTE THOMPSON, UK

After a forced break of several years without BOBYCOMBAT due to injury and pregnancy, I wanted to return to teaching and was offered several options to further my certification. With a five-month-old baby in my arms and a body out of shape, the opportunity to complete an online professional development course seemed tempting. I was able to concentrate on family life, avoid physically tiring weekend workouts, and gain a completely new training experience.

It was an interesting but difficult journey. A path of self-discovery for me, a look at life from the point of view of a 40-year-old woman who became a mother, a step away from the usual work of an Instructor - a completely different, new life, different from the one to which I had become accustomed since 2004, when I just started working. I enjoyed the deep dive into learning about my “Reasons” and “Values” and seeing how they changed throughout my life, shaping the development of the future. This had an immediate effect on my training. Overcoming my own barriers has been very exciting and my amazing coach Jess has been incredibly supportive throughout. She helped me reframe my thinking, which had a positive impact on my teaching, and convinced me that I could be the “fitness leader” that I wanted to be.

My development as a highly qualified BODYCOMBAT trainer is just beginning. Some aspects of teaching have improved immediately, while others still need work. The positive effect of Advanced Training for me extends throughout my life in general, not just at the club. It affects everything around you, it is a truly life changing experience.

PAULA ISHAM , USA

I signed up for Advanced Training the same day I received the invitation letter from Kylie Gates and Jackie Mills. I had already been teaching BODYPUMP for 7 months, had a busy career and family life, and knew how difficult it would be to take two days off from personal training. When I learned about the opportunity to try the online format, I realized that this opportunity was perfect for me.

In January, I began a 6-week trip, which coincidentally coincided with the anniversary of my certification. I decided that I would dedicate myself completely to this course, putting all my enthusiasm and all my strength into achieving success and becoming a BODYPUMP fitness leader.

First, my class (12 people) had a virtual meeting with Coach Adam Bramski. He introduced us to the training format, showed us the room for online classes, and talked about the materials and expectations. Our international team celebrated the fact that we were the first online training program in the United States. The online gym allows for personal communication, so we quickly developed a respect for each other because each of us truly loved fitness.

I enjoyed the 6 weeks of self-study as it gave me time to gather and understand all the information I needed. Sometimes I'd do a 20-minute workout during my morning coffee, other days I'd squeeze in 2 hours between personal errands.

The thoughtful, short videos from Les Mills program directors and instructors were interesting and engaging. The content is informative and multi-valued, revealing many tasks, such as realizing one’s own coaching potential, revealing one’s greatest strengths, conveying to clients the deep essence of programs, and so on. Hearing about this from top world-class professionals is what I wanted from the course.

During the classes I had the opportunity to test my knowledge in practice. I was tasked with filming three training sessions, testing the experience, experimenting and receiving Adam's prompt, qualified feedback. He was a very attentive, motivating, and patient coach.

The biggest benefit for me was how the combination of the three factors (connect, motivate, teach) matched my mindset and teaching style, and how I was able to discover new coaching ambitions, increase my self-esteem and feel freer.

Now, before each session, I take a short break to center myself, take a few deep breaths, visualize my inner self, and think about my clients. I do a few simple exercises like ab crunches, focusing on getting out of my comfort zone but greeting my clients with a smile. I think about how to convey to them the main goal - that everything is not limited to one training session, and instill in them the desire to come to the next lesson.

If you are going to take an Online Advanced Training Course, you must understand that the results will be proportional to the efforts. The time you devote to developing yourself as a fitness leader will pay off threefold and will be a real gift to your future clients.

As a fitness leader, I know what, why and when I do it, I build on core values and meet expectations. IM proud of myself. As a natural teacher, I easily learned how to learn the material and then enjoy what I learned. As Diana said, if you show clients that you yourself like to train, they begin to like training more.

I continue to study all 54 pages of notes I took during the course and constantly discover new things, hone my leadership skills, so my exciting journey continues.

LIVE TWO-DAY COURSE:

LORNA FLINT, UK

Personal improvement has always been a core value of mine and I hoped Les Mills would support me in that. Sometimes it can be easy to pick up a bad habit or get stuck in your development (I think we all know this), so I was intrigued by the opportunity to learn something new and looked forward to what they had to offer me. I have already taken one advanced training course and have learned a lot about myself and my coaching abilities. But I wanted to know and be able to do even more. What does 80% updated content mean? What can I learn? How will this transform me from an Instructor to a “Leader”?

PREPARATION

Besides downloading manuals, studying videos, stuffing your backpack with extra clothes, notepads and snacks, don't forget one more important thing... napkins. Be willing to go deep within yourself and become aware of your past, present, and future self. This is not as physically demanding as the Initial Training, but it completely restructures the consciousness - in a good way, of course. Start with a clear head and you will experience all the benefits that the course will offer you.

DISCOVERING YOUR WHY

We discover why we do what we do. WHY do I teach BODYATTACK™?

Understanding WHY we do this is absolutely essential - it allows us to teach with more confidence. This is your “inner call,” as Kylie Gates calls it in the video. This was the most difficult part for me - it required me to re-examine several layers of my own life... after a brainstorm and support from the invaluable Sam Russell (who was my direct mentor), I understood everything about myself! It was a real breakthrough, liberation. We have linked our WHYs to individual values and strengths, the things that fuel our WHYs. After some time, I realized why I was teaching fitness.

I wanted to share my passion for exercise with anyone who needs it and help them become a better version of themselves.

What's holding me back? What are my barriers? For me…

I don't believe I can do better (I train in a team with coaches who can jump higher than me, can make the audience laugh, and look more athletic).
I think everything over a thousand times. I am constantly worried that the participants will have fun/trying to rebuild relationships with them. I think that I could tell more about something, do it better, and so on.

Since we figured this out, we have started to transform my barriers into empowering reasons. We let go of negative perceptions and set out to become our own cheerleader. The main reason that clients come to your salon again and again is that they come to YOU. That means YOU are doing something right. Self-knowledge allows you to open up and overcome your internal barriers. And this is my case again...

It's stupid, of course, but I'm actually fine.
I think about my clients all the time because I care about them. This is completely normal.

Be the very essence

We presented the exercise given to us three times over the weekend and practiced. Unlike Primary Training, choreography was not the main point, it was more about the overall presentation, understanding the essence of the program, the state of mind, what, how and why we do and say. Are we getting the message across and doing it NATURALLY? Are we still OURSELVES?

This was achieved through self-analysis, we filmed ourselves every presentation. There was a wonderful, warm atmosphere, full of support. We are truly ONE TRIBE.

We build connections, motivate, train

There are three areas that keep clients coming back to the gym again and again. We spent the second day analyzing the types of people who come to our training, understanding how to build a connection with them, how to motivate and train them. MF discussed teaching with external objectives and how this can help us achieve our goals. As Les Mills instructors, we should be proud of what we encourage our clients to do. The entire second day of classes was devoted to this.

conclusions

The very next day, I felt more positive about teaching than I ever had before. I noticed how caringly I began to treat my clients, and they treated me (we correspond on weekends, and I received several offers to spend the holidays together), we are like one big family. I learned about the peculiarities of motivation, began to feel the music better, and when I looked at the hall, I began to understand that I was seeing more than before. After class I feel amazing. And my clients feel exactly the same. I feel like I learned so much in these two days that it was breathtaking. Of course, it will take time to fully understand everything, but it is just a matter of constant work.

TOP TIPS:

For those who are thinking about taking Advanced Training, I can say...

DO - don't hesitate, book your place! Schedule here.
Go into it with a clear head - this way you can reap greater benefits.
Be mentally and emotionally prepared - you will have to dig deep into yourself.
Take a notebook and write down as much as possible - you will be given so much knowledge that it is impossible to learn in two days - then you will have to come back and repeat what you have learned

In Russia, more than 20 instructors have already completed Advanced Training. Look at the names of the instructors who completed the training in May here - you should know their names!