Les Mills

Inspirational Filming Round

susanrenata — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:35:00 GMT

Hearing about all the people who have changed their lives with Les Mills is one of the best things about this job. There are so many success stories out there and I was lucky enough to meet the inspirational Cassi Bussick at the latest round of filming. In December 2003 Cassi, who is 5’5’’ tall, weighed 230 pounds (104 kgs). After dieting on and off for a couple of years, she joined Double Diamond Athletic club in Reno, Nevada and gave BODYPUMP™ a try. Cassi was hooked however two weeks into her new exercise regime, Cassi was diagnosed with a brain tumor which was removed in March 2006. This was the wake-up call she needed. Cassi got back into BODYPUMP™ and is now a fan of all LES MILLS™ Programs. She’s lost an amazing 100 pounds (about 46kgs) and is now a BODYPUMP™ instructor. Click here to read her story…

Cassi (pictured right) traveled to Auckland, NZ with fellow instructor Shalie Thorwaldson (who teaches all eight programs), to take part in the 1/2009 filming. Being in NZ was a dream come true for the pair who were thrilled to be invited on stage during the week to teach some BODYPUMP™ tracks with NZ instructor Susan Fowler. A number of other international instructors made the long trek to NZ and it’s just so awesome to have them there.

A big thank you also goes to our international presenters who contributed to the amazing energy of this fantastic round.

Taking to the stage for BODYATTACK™ was Program Director Lisa Osborne, Giles Bryant from the UK, Grant Goes from NZ and Sara Amorim from Portugal. Creative Director Emma Barry led the BODYBALANCE™ team featuring Dr David McKenzie, Corey Baird and Christelle Sollier – all from NZ – and Ann-See Yeoh from the UK. BODYCOMBAT™ Program Directors Dan and Rachael Cohen heated things up with Vanessa Livramento from Portugal and Toni Giannini from Brazil. Rachael Cohen also joined the BODYJAM™ team led by Program Director Gandalf Archer and featuring Philip Harrison from the UK, Mysti Taguba Oglesby from the USA and Ginny Crocker from NZ.

BODYVIVE™ celebrated their tenth release with Program Director Susan Trainor, NZ’s Maureen Baker, Pete Manuel from Australia and Susan Laney from the USA. RPM™ raced by with the powerful team of Program Director Glen Ostergaard, NZ’s Sarah Ostergaard and Australia’s Meg Chalker.

I must say – it’s good to be home and introduce everyone to Grace (who is already a natural on stage). It’s awesome to get back into the filming process and I was part of both the BODYPUMP™ and BODYSTEP™ Presenter teams. In BODYPUMP™ I was joined by Program Director Glen Ostergaard, Alexandre Veret from France, Alani ‘Storm’ Mala from Australia and Matt Thraxton from NZ. I took to the stage in BODYSTEP™ with Program Director Mark Nu’u, Lisa Osborne and NZ’s Sarah Robinson.

Susan Renata

Life On The Road!

dancohen — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:26:00 GMT

The life of a Les Mills Program Director is certainly hectic and in the last couple of months, I’ve seen my fair share of the world!

My travels started at the Can-Fit-Pro/Goodlife Convention in August with my partner in crime, Rach, and fellow Program Directors Glen Ostergaard, Lisa Osborne, Mark Nu’u, Susan Trainor and Jackie Mills. BODYPUMP™ and BODYCOMBAT™ were super sized with over 800 instructors in attendance.

Poughkeepsie, New York, USA was the next stop. The US/Canada Trainers’ Summit was opened with the LES MILLS™ Haka and it was an honor to be the Kaiako (Leader) for the first time – it’s a great feeling bringing our LES MILLS™ culture to the world. Les Mills North East did a great job with the summit which was held at the largest Gold’s Gym in the world. We attempted to unofficially break the Guinness Book of Records for the most participants in a weight training class – 722 people rocked the house in BODYPUMP™ (see pic). It was truly a highlight of my trip teaching BODYPUMP™ and BODYCOMBAT™ to so many people!

On the last night of the summit we were hosted by the USA Trainers on board an old steam ship. There were a few formalities such as the ‘Bloody Mary’ court session which of course wound up being an unforgettable evening (literally).

With a bit of downtime we tasted good ol’ New York cuisine from the Hard Rock Café and liquid from the New York Gods – Budweiser – while girls did the “Sex in the City” thing and spent a lot of money.

While Rach and Susan Trainor went to Phoenix, Arizona; Mark N, Lisa O, the IMTs Dr Dave, Steve and Susan Renata and I went to Super Saturday in Sweden. Super Saturday is Les Mills Nordic’s largest quarterly workshop with 900attendees. A big thanks to Petter from Sweden for looking after me until 4.30am and yes, I did get in the taxi at 6.30am!

I continued on to my home country, the UK, to do Quarterly workshops – upskilling instructors and trainers – with Steve, Susan and Dr Dave. The UK team bought me a birthday cake and I spent precious time with my Mum and family. When I was in Sweden I was lucky to have them sing Happy Birthday in their native language, it was the funniest thing!

I’m now back in Auckland getting BODYCOMBAT™ 39 ready for filming on November 3.

Over and out –

Dan

Wild About the LES MILLS™ Widget!

lesmills — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:22:00 GMT

Share your favorite LES MILLS™ program with the world by posting the new widget on your social networking pages!

As well as showcasing your favorite program, the easy-to-add widget also links to the LES MILLS™ class locator, Learn the Moves and all eight inspirational program videos. It includes a description of each program so all your mates can read about what LES MILLS™ offers AND includes some of the motivating images from the latest inspiring campaign.

Putting the widget on your social networking pages is just so simple – five clicks and you’re done. It’s also available in FIVE different languages.

Don’t hesitate – click on the image to improve your look today with Les Mills, the world’s leading group fitness programs! Turn It Up!

World Class Presenter Teams for 4/2008!

marknuu — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:45:00 GMT

Hi everyone!

We’ve just completed the 4/2008 round of filming and boy are the presenter teams looking hot. International presenters flew in from all over the world to enjoy two weeks of Auckland rain but the wet weather didn’t phase them as they were too busy with rehearsal after rehearsal. The hard work certainly paid off as filming went off!

RPM™ 41 lead the charge last Wednesday with Glen Ostergaard, Dan McDonogh, Paulo Behr from Brazil and Amy Styles from NZ.

Next up was BODYSTEP™ 74 lead by yours truly. I was joined by Lisa Osborne, NZ’s Sarah Robinson and Craig Duker, and Joella Hopkins from the US of A. Following our awesome performance (which has a special Christmas treat) was the BODYJAM™ 47 team lead by Gandalf Archer. G was jamming with Rachael Cohen and Åsa Fornander from Sweden. High VIVE™ for the BODYVIVE™ 9 team who followed, which again included me in the line-up. Also taking to the stage was Susan Trainor, Maureen Baker, Dr Dave McKenzie from NZ and Lynne Brick from the USA.

The second round of filming took place on Monday and a totally awesome BODYPUMP™ 68 team showed us how it’s done. Glen Ostergaard was joined by Emma Barry, Carole Dobson from Canada, Fredrick Andersson from Sweden and Frank Heinemann from Germany.

The BODYCOMBAT™ 38 team consisting of Dan and Rachael Cohen, Hernan Lopez, who now resides in NZ, and Justin Sanchez from the USA smashed participants with their boxing theme. They were followed by Lisa Osborne and her BODYATTACK™ 63 team of NZ’s Mark Sinclair, June Anderson and Grant Goes, Masato Karimata from Japan and Karen Russell from Australia.

BODYBALANCE ™ 43 restored the calm and finished off another successful filming round with Jackie Mills, Dr Dave McKenzie from NZ, Rene Thrasher-Duch from Canada and Kylie Gates from Australia.

Again, special thanks to all the international presenters who made the long journey to Auckland and worked so so hard!

Bring On The Bodcast!

rachaelcohen — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:11:00 GMT

Listen up! There’s a new LES MILLS™ Bodcast available right now for your listening pleasure. And to make things super simple, we’ve created a page on lesmills.com just for the Bodcasts – click here to check it out! You can even click through to iTunes and download these podcasts onto your MP3 player. Awesome huh?

In the latest Bodcast we talk to Les Mills™ Trainer Matt Thraxton about the benefits of a Personal Trainer and what to look for when selecting one, Program Director Lisa Osbourne talks shiny leotards, jazzergetics and why you should get into BODYATTACK™ and Les Mills Creative Director Emma Barry fronts up in the Coaches Corner talking us through the origins and benefits of yoga. You’ll also learn about how much water you should be drinking and when, hear an inspirational story from our online community and pick up some handy fitness facts.

This is one of two podcasts we're working on. The other one (coming soon) is for those of you who want to hear about what happens "on the inside" with Program Directors, presenters and instructors from around the world!

Again, your feedback is appreciated so click here and let us know what you think – what did you like, what didn’t you like, what would you like to hear more of. Be Loud and Heard!!!

Tour de Germany

stevenrenata — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:10:00 GMT

Kia ora everyone!

If you’re in Germany this August make sure you get along to my RPM™ class at the Soda-Club Fitness Festival in Bad Zwischenahn, North Germany on August 9!

I’ll be joining Germany’s very own Master Trainer Wolfgang Schmidtberg to present two masterclasses at the cycling event, which is billed as one of Europe’s largest.

Festival organiser Ralph Butzin is a total fan of Les Mills RPM™ and told me he couldn’t imagine holding a consumer health and fitness event without inviting Les Mills to take part.

“It’s important to provide consumers with innovations coming out of new world countries like New Zealand. After the incredible performance in 2007 we realised that Les Mills are the leaders in Group Fitness offering a great solution for indoor cycling. It’s great to have the RPM™ team back in the Pelaton,“ he said.

We’ll be going hard - backed by a sound system with 25,000 watt power, 120,000 watt lighting and of course the top 40 playlist. And we’re expecting a great turn-out - RPM™ is now available in almost 2000 locations throughout Europe, and over 250,000 people take an RPM™ class each week.

Forget Tour de France, this is THE place to be. For more information on how to register go to www.nfa-academy.de

Turn It Up!

Steve

BODYVIVE™ Program Director

susantrainor — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:30:00 GMT

Hi to all my BODYVIVE™ trainer/instructor friends and to BODYVIVE™ fans everywhere.

I’m rapt to let you know I’ve been appointed BODYVIVE™ Program Director, with a clear brief to continue the growth and development of this great program.

I’ve been Head Choreographer since early 2007 and it’s great to see the number of clubs with BODYVIVE™ now heading for the 2000 mark. I’m looking forward to hitting that mark and bringing BODYVIVE to many, many more people in the years to come.

Huge thanks to Les Mills’ Training Director, Maureen Baker, who’s done a fantastic job as BODYVIVE™ Head Trainer. Maureen is now going to focus totally on her global training responsibilities, although remaining an international master trainer for BODYVIVE™.

Thanks, too, to the BODYVIVE™ creator and Creative Director, Emma Barry and the technical consultancy team of Bryce Hastings, Lynne Brick and Cedric Bryant. They will all continue to help me in my new role.

And thanks to all of you for your contribution to our success so far.

See you soon!

Susan

Inspiring the World to Fitness

lmadmin — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:37:00 GMT

Check out our awesome new video showing how Les Mills inspires people to get out and get fit!

It's got all the elements - fun shots of the Les Mills Tribe at Global Summit, filming of the new releases in Auckland and some great quotes from people at the heart of Les Mills who've been inspiring people to fitness for years. It's inspiration in numbers, without a doubt!

The new video has been entered in a competition on "How You Inspire Others to Wellness and Fitness". Have a look at the video, feel the Les Mills buzz and then place your vote if you agree that the Les Mills Life Changing Fitness Experiences are truly inspiring others.

We'd love your support on this one!

Kia Kaha

Latest Filming Round Hits Town

lmadmin — Mon, 05 May 2008 04:14:00 GMT

Can you believe filming for 3/2008 is already under way? Seems like only yesterday the Global Summit team were doing their best to bring down the roof at Auckland’s Sky City!

Glen and Sarah Ostergaard, and Dan McDonogh got things rolling on Friday, recording RPM™40 in Les Mills Auckland’s awesome new purpose-built studio for the first time. Apparently the atmosphere was amped and it’s no wonder - it can hold an amazing 62 bikes (when there aren’t any cameras in the way!)

Over in Studio 1, Gandalf, Carla Fitzsimons and Chris Richardson funked it up for BODYJAM™46 while Lisa Osborne, Bevan James Eyles and Nathan Jones led the BODYATTACK™62 charge. BODYVIVE™08 had a huge turnout up front with Susan Trainor, Maureen Baker, Mark Nu’u, Pete Manual and Australia’s Dione Ware looking fine.

Can’t wait for Monday when BODYSTEP™73 , BODYPUMP™67, BODYBALANCE™42 and BODYCOMBAT™37 - featuring our favourite newly-weds Dan and Rachael Cohen - get their turn!

The BIG Day

rachaelcohen — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:09:00 GMT

Some people are lucky enough to find someone who lights them up every day…

On March 8 2008 our family and close friends joined us on the edge of the world (literally) - on the west coast of the North Island, New Zealand - to share a very special day.

The sun shone and our hearts sang (my legs wobbled)!

Dan looked so beautiful and smart, standing there in his suit and tie, smiling back at me as my legs seemed to move of their own accord down to meet him! (I’ve experienced adrenaline before so many times but let me tell you, this was the crème de la crème of adrenaline. Grade A, make you move mountains kinda gear.)

Chris, our best man was by Dan's side. Little Jackson (Lisa O and Pita’s little boy) was our ‘little’ best man, and he carried the rings. Claire, our Maid of Honour, flew from the UK to be there too.

The day was perfect. This kind of high cannot be bought. We are blessed with it.

Arohanui

Mr & Mrs C.xx

BODCAST - ALIVE AND KICKING

rachaelcohen — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:56:00 GMT

I know – it’s been a while – but the wait is worth it! The new LES MILLS™ Bodcast is ready for downloading today and thanks to your feedback it’s a lean, mean, refined machine.

Now, we want people all over the world to get into group fitness and improve their lives – like you’ve done! So we decided to create a Bodcast that is beneficial not only for those of you who already reap the benefits of Les Mills’ program, but everyone who is interested in group fitness - or maybe needs that little push to give it a go.

Check it out! LES MILLS™ trainers from around the world share their diet and workout secrets, BODYVIVE™ Program Choreographer Susan Trainor talks about the newest addition to the Les Mills stable and Les Mills’ Technical Consultant physiotherapist Bryce Hastings discusses the latest research behind stretching – is it really that good for you? Interspersed with Fitness Facts, this Les Mills Bodcast will leave you wanting more. And guess what? You’re going to get more because we’re recording a new LES MILLS™ Bodcast every twelve weeks.

Again we’d love to hear what you think so have a listen and make sure you email your feedback and ideas to melanie@lesmills.com

Turn it up!

GEARING UP FOR NEW ROLE

danmcdonogh — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:32:00 GMT

Hi Everyone

Just wanted to update you on some changes here in the RPM team.

As you’ve probably heard, I’m on the move to Les Mills West Coast in the United States where I’m taking up a new role as USA RPM™ Ambassador and Program Coach and continuing as an International Master Trainer.

The shift means my buddy and co-Program Director Glen Ostergaard will be taking over as sole RPM™ Program Director in New Zealand from now on.

I will still be keeping my hand in as International Master Trainer (IMT), representing Les Mills at major industry conventions and workshops and contributing to the RPM™ program team as a video presenter.

See you all west-side soon!

Dan
Live and Ride Strong

Waxing Lyrical Competition

lesmills — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:35:00 GMT

Fancy yourself as a wordsmith? One who can wax lyrical? Well then, have we got the competition for you!

The BODYJAM™ instructors out there will have seen the awesome rap G, Rach and Matteo used to introduce BODYJAM™ 44. We think it’s pretty cool but know you can come up with something equally as good – if not better – using theirs as your inspiration.

All you have to do is click here to download the beat, add some of your own lyrics and film it against the backdrop of your choice – at the beginning of your BODYJAM™ class would be perfect.

This is your way of introducing yourself and your class. You can use any of the lyrics from the Masterclass on the DVD – maybe the chorus is your way of tying it all together. Get creative and express what BODYJAM™ means to you and your members.

Transform your performance into an mpeg format and upload it today. Tell all your mates to vote for you and you could win an Apple iPod Touch.

Les Mills Global Summit - Changing The World!

lesmills — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:56:00 GMT

Wow - what a week! The 2008 Les Mills Global Summit was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, uniting the team as the Les Mills Tribe.

Another day of masterclass filming was kicked off with BODYPUMP^TM 66. The presenting team - Glen Ostergaard, Susan Tolj, Emma Barry, Matt Thraxton (UK), Peggy Cleland (Canada) and Petter Ehrnvall (Sweden) - transformed the room.

Next up was BODYSTEP^TM72. Mark Nu'u took to the stage with his fast and furious team consisting of Lisa Osborne, Sarah Robinson (NZ), Brent McLemore (USA) and Olivier Klein (France).

BODYVIVE^TM 7 provided more smiles per mile with Susan Trainor, Maureen Baker, Dr David McKenzie, Mark Nu'u and Pete Manuel hitting the stage with a Love Boat theme.

The BODYJAM^TM 45 team consisting of Gandalf Archer, Rachael Newsham, Kili Marti (USA), Fabien Lesch (France), Matteo Cerruti (Portugal) finished off an amazing filming experience in style with a seamless transition to a post filming party.

The delegates were treated to a beach day at the gorgeous Pakiri Beach on Tuesday indulging in the great Kiwi weather and trying their hands at surfing, horse riding, beach volleyball and cricket.

Wednesday it was back to work with agents, sales and trainer sessions. The Les Mills International team took to the stage showcasing an awesome new marketing campaign and plans for Les Mills moving forward.

The Grand Finale on Thursday night was a perfect end to a perfect week uniting the Les Mills Tribe - together we are changing the world!

Les Mills Global Summit is Going Off!

lesmills — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:41:00 GMT

Over 600 LES MILLS™ agents, sales staff and trainers from all over the world have traveled to Auckland, New Zealand – the birth place of Les Mills – for the 2008 Global Summit. And it is going off!

The summit was officially opened on Sunday February 10 by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Helen Clark. It was a cultural celebration with a new LES MILLS™ haka revealed, the LES MILLS™ promo song Kotahitanga performed by its composer Hinewehi Mohi and the LES MILLS™ handshake (the hongi), shared by all.

After this spectacular event, the room at SKYCITY Convention Centre was transformed into an amazing racing track where 100 RPM™ trainers rode to the rhythm of RPM™ 39 set by their presenting team of Program Directors Dan McDonogh and Glen Ostergaard, International Master Trainer Pete Manual, Sarah Ostergaard (NZ), Chris Richardson (NZ) and Meg Chalker (Aust).

The BODYCOMBAT™ 36 presenting team consisting of Program Directors Dan Cohen and Rachael Newsham, Hernan Lopez (Mexico/Argentina), Thomas Cerboneschi (France), Oscar Fernandez (Spain) and Haruka Tamura (Japan) then took to the stage with a fusion of many of the world’s finest martial arts – karate, boxing, capoeira, kung fu, muay thai, taekwondo and kick boxing. And wait until you see their outfits!

BODYATTACK™ 61 brought the house down with a hugely energetic release by a world class team. Program Director Lisa Osborne was joined by Will Brereton (NZ/UK), Fabio Abrantes (Portugal), Bevan James Eyles (NZ), Kendall Kimball (USA), Mark Sinclair (NZ) and Robinson Kennedy (Brazil).

BODYBALANCE™ 41 finished off the first huge day of filming – providing the calm in the storm – so to speak! Program Director Jackie Mills was joined by Corey Baird (NZ), Dr David McKenzie (NZ), Kylie Gates (Australia) and Laurence Klares (France).

Turn It Up!

Click here for more pics...

Jamming on MTV

gandalfarcher — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:04:00 GMT

Ssup everybody! Hey I gotta tell you about this wicked new collaboration… Les Mills has joined forces with MTV (YEAH, MTV!!!!) with the result being a series of brand new BODYJAM™ inspired routines broadcast to viewers all over the Netherlands and the Flemish part of Belgium.

In December I flew to Amsterdam and recorded 15 two and a half minute sets. Until March 15, five of these are being broadcast every day on MTV in the Netherlands. Bad huh? The aim is to get people off their couches and into a club to try out more BODYJAM™!

The two weeks I spent in Amsterdam were full on but fully worth it – I spent a day auditioning a huge group of BODYJAM™ instructors, then picked the best to join me on screen. We had a day of rehearsal to get our stylez looking tight, then spent two days (in the freezing cold) filming. And when I say cold, how does minus five sound? In a crop top? Not me – the girls! But you get the picture.

The release of the Les Mills/MTV project coincides with the launching of www.lesmills.com/netherlands – the all new Netherlands website. Since the launch, a huge amount of traffic has been directed to the new site, guaranteeing massive exposure of your favourite dance class.

It’s awesome to be working with MTV as they represent some of the most important values of the BODYJAM™ experience: music, entertainment and inspiration.

Click here to see more pics!

BODYVIVE™ Takes To The Snow!

susanrenata — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 02:32:00 GMT

While the rest of the world battled their hangovers and spent time with family and friends on New Years Day, 15 Italian instructors and potential trainers, Team Italia (Saskia, Roberto and Gabriel) and Steve and I traveled from all over the continent to attend the first module of 2008. This was held in a small Italian village, one hour drive from Turin.

It was a beautiful location, situated at the base of a mountain range fit for the world’s best skiers. Staying in a family hotel with great Italian food and a really cosy room to work in for five days was fantastic.

The Instructor Module, which ran from Jan 2-4, was a real success with all 15 instructors passing (must have been the great trainer)! Because it had snowed for the first three days, some instructors were snowed in.

Seven instructors were selected for the BODYVIVE™ trainer bootcamp which ran from Jan 5-6. Trainers were up-skilled in the new module and a real BODYVIVE™ spirit was ignited in Italy.

It was amazing to work with the passionate Italian teachers and trainers. Like everything they do, it was all about style and energy. Dinner with Roberto and his family was a highlight with everyone managing to survive the full four courses and champagne! That was the real BODYVIVE™ challenge. Thanks to Roberto’s wife Barbara for an incredible meal.

The best part of the five days was seeing people really grasp the potential of BODYVIVE™ - I think there is a great fit for BODYVIVE™ in Italy. Watch this space, world!

Susan

GLOBAL SUMMIT MASTERCLASS FILMING - REGISTER NOW!

lesmills — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:28:00 GMT

Taking place in Auckland, New Zealand, the Les Mills Global Summit is going to be the experience of a lifetime, with over 300 trainers from around the world attending.

If you’re an instructor and keen to get a slice of the action, now is your chance to register and join our international guests in the 2/2008 Release Masterclass filming which is taking place during the summit on February 10 and 11.

The filmings will be unlike any we’ve done before with new concepts and special effects. They will certainly be a summit highlight so register now to guarantee your spot. Instructors can register for the two day experience, which includes a welcome pack, gift, lunch during the filming and entry to the post filming party, for NZ$250. To be involved in one day of filming will cost NZ$155.

Because there will be over 600 people taking part in the Masterclass filming, you must register to be involved – for capacity and equipment reasons. The filming is not being held in Studio 1 at Les Mills World of Fitness, and just turning up on the day will most certainly lead to disappointment.

This really is an opportunity of a lifetime so turn it up and sign up today! There are a limited number of instructor places available and will be allocated on a first in, first served basis. Please note that the RPM™ Masterclass is already fully booked.

Registrations will be open until January 6 unless sold out prior.

Special Star in 1/2008 Les Mills BODYJAM™ Filming

gandalfarcher — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:47:00 GMT

The filming of the 1/2008 Release went off on Friday November 2 and Saturday November 3!

There was an extra special guest on the filming of BODYJAM™ 44 – 17-year-old Lien Michiels. Lien has been a BODYJAM™ instructor at her parents’ gym in Belgium since she was 15 and an avid fan of BODYJAM™ since 2002. She traveled to New Zealand with her Mum, Dad and sister Anne courtesy of Make-A-Wish – a foundation that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Lien impressed the BODYJAM™ team consisting of myself, Rachael Newsham and Portugal’s Matteo Cerruti with her stylish moves and beautiful attitude. Check out her inspirational story here…

Another big highlight was the filming of BODYATTACK™ 60! Big ups to Lisa Osborne – 60 releases of BODYATTACK™ is definitely worth celebrating. Lis took to the stage with New Zealand’s Bevan James Eyles, Karin Zandstra from the Netherlands and Dean Lightbody from Australia.

Lis and Dean were also part of the team for BODYSTEP™ 71. They were joined by Mark Nu’u, Sarah Robinson and Australia’s Kirsty Robbie.

Jackie Mills lead a BODYBALANCE™ 40 team of Corey Baird, Hong Kong’s Jean Goh and Dione Ware and Matt Sadler – both from Australia. IMT Pete Manual made his BODYVIVE™ debut with support from Susan Trainor and Maureen Baker for the filming of BODYVIVE™ 6

RPM™ 38 had a stellar line-up of Dan McDonogh, Glen Ostergaard, Sarah Ostergaard and Amy Styles and in BODYCOMBAT™ 35 Dan Cohen and Rachael Newsham were joined by Claudia Siera from the Netherlands. Glen was on stage again with the BODYPUMP™ 65 team of Susan Tolj, Mark Sinclair, Brazil’s Cris Tourinho and Australia’s Shannon Cleary.

Special thanks to all the international presenters who made the long journey to Auckland and worked insanely hard while they were here helping create that LES MILLS™ magic.

Download the LES MILLS™ BODCAST Today!

rachaelcohen — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Listen up!

We’re always trying to think of new, improved ways to communicate all things Les Mills to our dedicated community. So, a few of us creative types got together and thought;

“Mate, wouldn’t it be really cool if we could put together some wicked behind the scenes stuff that captures what goes on that no one ever sees?”

So, after many meetings (we like meetings here) we sorted ourselves out and got on with the job and created the Les Mills BODCAST. As it’s our first podcast it may be rough in patches but hey, like a fine wine, we will get better with time.

And who is us, we hear you ask?

It’s Pete Manuel, Dan Cohen, Dan McDonough, Gandalf Archer, Emma Barry, Bridget Armstrong, Vaughn Schwass and yours truly! There’s so much to talk about and we can’t keep quiet any longer.

Because it’s a pilot podcast, we’re keen to receive feedback so make sure you fill in the survey and tell us what you think!

Remember to be honest: tell it like it is, how it could be, how it was and of course how it should be! (man that rhymes well)

We want to bring you another Les Mills BODCAST as soon as we can and we want it to be filled with content you’re interested in.

So tell your mum, your mate, your neighbour, your fellow gym buddies – it’s for everybody to listen to!

Download the very first Les Mills BODCAST for FREE and tell us what you think.

HOT GEAR FOR HOT CLASSES

lesmills — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 21:22:00 GMT

Watch out! Les Mills workout gear is about to get as hot as the classes with the launch our new clothing range for the USA from today (9/19/07).

Collaboration between some of New Zealand’s leading sportswear designers and top LES MILLS™ trainers have resulted in a unique blend of high fashion and performance workout gear.

Initially two ranges are being launched. The “Moko” range captures the essence of the individual programs, while the “Whanau” range reflects a LES MILLS™ look across all the programs. These garments look cool in, and out, of the club.

All the clothing is available for purchase on lesmills.com. The user friendly, interactive clothing store looks so good you’re going to want to buy everything on offer!

If you're in the States, click here to find out more about Les Mills Clothing.

AWESOME TRAINER SUMMITS

lesmills — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:48:00 GMT

They say there’s no rest for the wicked and this is certainly the case for the LES MILLS™ international master trainers! Not long after finishing filming a great 4/2007 round of masterclasses, most of the IMT team headed overseas to attend both the Europe and US Trainer Summits.

First stop was Veighy, near Geneva, Switzerland where 150 trainers from all parts of the continent attended. The Netherlands celebrated ten years of BODYPUMP™ at the summit with a special BODYPUMP™ class taught by the original trainers who have been involved since Day One.

Next stop was Mandeville, near New Orleans in the USA where 80 trainers travelled from all over North America to be a part of the event.

The Trainer Summits in Europe and the States are held every year and provide the national trainer teams with the chance to upskill with the IMTs and Program Directors. They can then pass on the latest teaching techniques to instructors at workshops and modules so instructors, in turn, can deliver life-changing classes for their participants.

It was truly inspiring to see so many trainers attend these amazing summits – it’s always great to catch up and share their passion and energy!

Check out the team at the North American summit. In the trainer pic are (left to right in top row) Susan Trainor, Kim Blake, Vanessa Jodar, Dan Cohen, John Cleland, Glen Ostergaard, Pete Manuel, Dan McDonogh, Kendall Kimball, Brent McLemore and, bottom row: Maureen Baker, Kili Marti, Gandalf Archer, Peggy Cleland, Rachael Newsham and Lisa Osborne.

MAKING HISTORY WITH RPM™

stevenrenata — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 02:24:00 GMT

Les Mills cycling history was created 25th August 2007.

1200 person pelaton in the world's largest RPM™ class in Bremen, Germany. Event response was out of this world. Thanks to all who shared and contributed.

Kia Ora to Ralph Butzin and the NFA organisers and Les Mills presenter team; Rob, Anthony, Hella, Alex, Phil, Roberto, Wiljan, Fabio and Wolfgang. Very Solid.

Huge thanks to co-sponsors BODYBIKE (Kim, Uffe, Lars), POLAR (Simon, Anja and team), Les Mills Germany (Oliver, Ben, Wolfgang), Perfect Fit (Arthur Riker - RPM apparel). We couldn't have done it without you guys. Kia Kaha.

Special thanks to Glen and Dan, RPM™ Program Directors, for an amazing playlist and choreography. The Bremen event reinforced why RPM™ is the world's leading indoor cycling experience. Life changing.

Check out the pictures

4/2007 Filming – Bring It On!

marknuu — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:50:00 GMT

Here we go again! We’re gearing up for the 4/2007 Release filming and the excitement levels are rising as usual as we count down to huge days of action on Thursday, August 2 and Monday, August 6.

The big highlight for me will be filming BODYSTEP 70™ – that’s amazing longevity for any branded fitness class and you ain’t see nothin’ yet!

It’s also great to see another big contingent of overseas presenters who are making the long trek to Auckland to help roll-model the new releases.

I’m joined by a fantastic team for BODYSTEP™. Lisa Osborne, Susan Tolj, Sarah Robinson and Brent McLemore from California will help celebrate the milestone. That's Brent in the picture with me.

I’ll also be joining Susan Trainor and Maureen Baker for BODYVIVE™ 5.

In BODYCOMBAT™ 34 Hernan Lopez from Mexico takes to the stage with Dan Cohen and Rach Newsham.

Michelle Bridges from Australia joins Dan McDonogh and Glen Ostergaard in RPM™ 37.

BODYPUMP 64™ sees Michelle Bridges joining Glen on stage again, this time with Susan Tolj.

BODYATTACK™ 59 is going to have huge amounts of energy. Lisa’s joined by Eduard Žalar and Petra Verhovec from Slovenia, Amy Barnes, Nathan Jones and Bevan James Eyles.

Gandalf takes to the stage with Fabian Lesch from Nice and Carla Fitzsimons in BODYJAM™ 43, while Jackie Mills leads a BODYBALANCE™ 39 team of Sarah Lacey Fisher, Susan Fleming, Dr Dave McKenzie and Corey Baird.

Mark

NZ Represent at World Hip Hop Champs

gandalfarcher — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 21:31:00 GMT

TMC WHAAAT!

Wassup Wassup everybody!! Just wanted to drop a note about my travels to the World Hip Hop Champs in Los Angeles this weekend. And I’m competing!! Man am I getting nervous.

Our crew, the TMC Hip Hop Crew, is representing NZ on the world stage against something like 35 other countries. We placed a close second in the NZ champs behind Dziah, an Auckland crew who placed second in the world last year!! Also joining the NZ contingent is Triple 8 Funk (they’re from Auckland too) so NZ is going for a strong showing of skillz to the rest of the world.

Our routines are based around Choreography and Performance. Many styles of hip hop have to be displayed to score maximum points; Oldskool, Popping and Krump all feature prominently. And, of course, any kind of acrobatics is promoted - all of this in a two minute set turns out to be damn hard!! Think along the lines of a BODYATTACK™ warm-up.

Anyway peeps, wish us luck and check out Youtube as I’m sure all the routines will be posted by the time we leave the stage!

Big ups to Les Mills and all our supporters for their help in getting us there.

Geezy