Success Stories

Les Mills receives a constant stream of mail from, or about, people who have changed their lives for the better with BODYPUMP™ and the other LES MILLS™ programs. Check out these inspirational stories below and please send more BODYPUMP™ success stories and pictures to web@lesmills.com .

Cassi Bussick

BODYPUMP™ saved my life!

In December 2003, I weighed 230 pounds (104 kg) – I am 5’5” inches (165cm) tall. I was pregnant at the time, but had only gained 18 pounds (8 kg) during those nine months. I had just always been a heavy girl who hated exercise.

After my daughter was born it was discovered, through some blood work, that I was insulin resistant. My doctor told me I should lose some weight or I would most likely develop diabetes. For about two years, I dieted on and off and did a bit of mat Pilates work at home. But I was obsessed with food, thinking, “I can, or can’t, eat this or that because it’s ‘good’ or ‘bad’”, etc. I also weighed myself at least once a day – usually more. Over the course of about two years I did lose 50 pounds (about 23 kg), but I was a slave to the scales and completely obsessed with food.

A friend of mine was a member at Double Diamond Athletic Club and often talked about these “classes” she was taking. I finally decided to join the club in February 2006. After about a week of being bored on the treadmill, I decided to see what these classes were all about, starting with BODYPUMP™. I was hooked from the moment the instructor pushed “play”.

About two weeks into doing BODYPUMP™ twice a week, something strange started happening. At the beginning of the squat track I was getting a weird sensation in my head, like something was going to explode. After a week of that happening, I ended up going to the ER on a Sunday night, thinking, “It would be stupid to die of an aneurysm on Sunday because I’m waiting for the doctor’s office to open on Monday.”

The CAT scan performed at the ER didn’t show anything, but I was told to follow up with my doctor on Monday to get an MRI, just to be sure. I went to see my doctor thinking, “Worst case scenario, some type of exertional migraine.” But probably more along the lines of “Go home and take and Advil, you hypochondriac.”

I had an MRI on Wednesday, March 8, 2006. That Friday, I was told I had a brain tumor that they believed was an astrocytoma. There is no “good” cancer to have. Especially when it’s brain cancer. Astrocytoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer that can keep recurring until it eventually kills you.

On Friday, March 24, 2006, I had a craniotomy to remove the brain tumor. Several weeks after that, the pathology report came back. I did not have brain cancer! What I did have was a Disembryoplastic Neuroepithelial tumor (DNT), which is a benign brain tumor that has virtually no chance of ever growing back!

That was definitely the wake-up call I needed in life. Did I want to go through life obsessing about food and a number on the scales? Or did I just want to feel healthy, strong, and in control of my body? I voted for the second choice. After about two months, I got clearance from my neurosurgeon to go back to the gym. I took it easy in BODYPUMP™ for a while and eventually started to check out the other programs, all of which I now love! I went on to lose 50 additional pounds (23 kg) – a total of 100 pounds (about 46 kg) was lost through diet and exercise. I can honestly say that I LOVE to work out and look forward to each and every class that I teach and participate in!

LES MILLS™ programs truly are life changing fitness experiences! I am living, breathing proof of that.

What’s very interesting about this whole experience is that my doctors don’t really think the head pain I was experiencing in BODYPUMP™ had anything to do with my brain tumor (though I’ve never experienced it since having the tumor removed). Given the tumor’s location in my brain, my first real symptom should have been a seizure. Best case scenario, I would have been sitting at home when the seizure occurred, but I could have been cruising down the highway, had a seizure and lost control of my car. But thanks to BODYPUMP™, the tumor was found and removed and I never had a seizure!

BODYPUMP™ saved my life on many levels. If I hadn’t found BODYPUMP™ when I did, who knows how I would have found out about my tumor? If the instructors at my club hadn’t been so amazingly inspiring and motivating, who knows if I would have actually made a complete lifestyle change?

“Listen to your body” is a very popular phrase in the fitness industry and it’s very true. However I would like to add, “Make sure you give it something to talk about.”

Danielli Monteiro

“I'm from Brazil and I'd like to share the benefits of what the best exercise program in the world has brought to my life.
I've always struggled with the scales but I was OK until I stopped doing exercise. I went from 80Kgs to 120kgs in a blink. Desperate and sick of trying all kinds of pills, I opted for the gastric bypass surgery.
After recovering and feeling comfortable enough to go back to the gym, I started to attend some BODYPUMP™ classes and it's been awesome. My body has completely changed. My arms are getting an incredible shape, my tummy is beautiful and my legs are really getting stronger.
For those who know what it’s like to be heavy, hearing things like "It's impossible to tell that you were ever obese" or "Your body is beautiful", sounds like music to my ears.
I'm 60kgs today and it's like a dream. BODYPUMP™ helps me keep the weight off and not only that, all the LES MILLS™ group fitness programs help me have a better and healthier life. It's always a pleasure to go to the gym and attend the classes, they really work.”

Leslie Bull

“I’ve been a compulsive over-eater since I was fiveyears old. I’ve been overweight most of my life. There are very fewdiets or diet products I haven’t tried at least once, and never withany lasting success.

In January of 2004, weighing well over 200pounds, I tried my first BODYPUMP™ class. In the first eight months, Iwent from a size 24 to a 10/12!

I became a BODYPUMP™instructor in August of 2004, and now I’m a BODYFLOW™ instructor, too.I’ve continued to keep the fat off, and my body keeps improving in waysthat delight me— improvements I never thought I’d achieve withoutinvasive cosmetic surgery. My blood pressure, resting heart rate andcholesterol levels are excellent. With LES MILLS™ programs, you justkeep getting better!

In May of 2005, I turned 40 in the bestshape of my life! Thoughts of food no longer dominate my brain, whichto me is almost a bigger miracle than keeping the fat off for over twoyears! I urge anyone who wants to have a stronger, healthier, more shapelybody to try BODYPUMP™ and BODYFLOW™. I’m living proof that they work!”

Lou Bahun

“I started BODYPUMP™ after reading an article on the benefits of weighttraining and how it could assist in weight loss. I didn't really have any expectations, but thought I would give it a go... and as they say the rest is history. I haven't looked back since starting.

The Les Mills programs have had such a major impact on my life that I have recently joined the Les Mills Instructingfamily by attending and passing my BODYATTACK™ training. I cannot tellyou how very exciting this is for me. I am also attending myBODYCOMBAT™ training this coming weekend and am hoping again to pass mytraining. But most of all, I am excited that in the new year I will beattending my BODYPUMP™ training, and will finally be able to instructBODYPUMP™ to lead others onto a path of fitness, strength, health andhappiness. I feel so passionate about the LES MILLS™ programs as I am aliving testament to the results that they produce and want to sharethis with as many people as possible.

I would like to thank and congratulate Kym Langill, one of the instructors from my local gym (Ballina Fair Swim N' Gym), for being such a great role model of the LES MILLS™ programs, as it was her passion, instructing and her way of connecting with others that motivated and inspired me to be the best version of myself I could be.

Pam Barker

“I joined Fitness Stylz in January of 2005. I was 5’10”,215 pounds and 47 years old. I was suffering from mid-life anxietyattacks, sleeping horribly, and I couldn’t bear to look at photos ofmyself. I was so large and unhealthy-looking in them.

I lovedthe very first BODYPUMP™ class and every one since. The music and themoves made the hour fly by. It felt like only 20 minutes hadpassed, and we were done! The first week, I could only groan and laughat how sore I was. I had been warned about this and had the expertassurance from gym owner Tom Roy and the wonderful staff that this wasto be expected and would pass. Boy, they were right! Then, it felt soawesome to be doing something good for myself after all the years ofinactivity.

After one year, I had lost some inches, five pounds,one clothing size, slept better and had more energy. My husband noticeda big improvement and was very supportive, but I wanted something more.

Ihadn’t modified my terrible eating habits and I decided to change that.At first, I experimented. Without telling anyone (in case I failed), Istarted eating more veggies and some fruit. I had Cherrios and a bananainstead of an English muffin slathered in peanut butter for breakfast.I still have breakfast sandwiches, too, but only once in a while. Itried, and thoroughly enjoyed, a BODYCOMBAT™ class once a week, butcouldn’t give up on my beloved BODYPUMP™ twice a week. I kept those twoBODYPUMP™ classes for this busy summer and continued to lose pounds andinches.

I love to go out to eat, love to eat period! I just eata little better! And this Fall I will be able to do three BODYPUMP™classes a week again. I’ve gone from a size 18/20 to a size 12 and havesaid “bye-bye” to almost 50 pounds so far!

People have noticedand have said nice things. A dear friend asked if I was getting tiredof people commenting on my change of appearance all the time. Heck, NO!My favorite compliment is that I look 10 years younger. I feel 10years younger. Only I wasn’t this strong and toned when I was 38!

Thanksso much to all the phenomenal instructors and fellow members at FitnessStylz! What a great group of people! I’m gonna keep this going!”

Tami Shaughnessy

“After being overweight my entire life, at the ageof 42, I decided to make a change due to health issues in my family(diabetes and osteoporosis).

I joined a large commercial weight lossprogram (Weight Watchers), and began my work to lose 80 lbs. After Ihad lost most of the weight, I noticed a new class at the Y calledBODYPUMP™. It looked like fun, and I really loved the music.

Thefirst time I did it, I thought someone would have to carry me out, butI stuck with it and built up to coming three times per week. When the chance came up to take the training, I jumped on it, and have beenteaching BODYPUMP™ for about four years now. I really love the program andwhat it's done for my body, both mentally and physically. It has helpedme maintain my weight loss for the last five years.

I have also moved on to participating in BODYSTEP™, and just went to BODYFLOW™ instructor training this last weekend.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.”

Brenda LaViolette

“Before I came to Fitness Stylz, I could not get off the floor without a ball and tackle!!! And if something fell on the floor, I had a hard time picking it up. I started going to Curves to gain some range of motion. It helped me tremendously because I could move more without getting all kinds of cramps. But I decided I needed something more aggressive than Curves and was going to join the UMF fitness center. Then I heard about Fitness Stylz and the real success people were having there.

I took my first BODYPUMP™ class on January 3rd, 2006. That was all I needed. Everyone was so encouraging and non-judgmental, and they truly seemed happy to see me. I felt at home there.

Since my first class, I have lost three clothing sizes! It’s given me a lot more range of motion, and I have so much more energy. I love it! I’m a PUMPAHOLIC!

This summer, I was able to do so many things I never thought I would be able to do again. For instance, I go to camp with my parents and we have to go by boat. I was actually able to carry heavy coolers full of frozen food and lift them into the boat, amazing both my parents and myself. That was a great feeling! I also spent a day with my daughter-in-law digging and planting flowers without getting tired or having cramps, and recently I was able to assist the mechanic working on my car, and I was able to fit under the car!! I just keep improving!

I know that I have a long way to go, but I am excited about the progress I have made and what is yet to come!"

Tim Smith

“My name is Angela Cleveland, I teach BODYPUMP™ atthe Clubs at River City in Peoria, Illinois USA. I nominate Tim Smithto win the contest about how BODYPUMP™ changed his life.

Tim Smith is afriend of my husband and is in his early 40's. I told my husband allhis friends were getting flabby, fat and out of shape!! We were able totalk Tim into trying BODYPUMP™. This was very difficult, group fitnesswas not for him, he had never been in an aerobic studio and had nodesire to go. My husband, a pumper for eight years said to go to my classand he would go with him. There were only two men at 9:15 Monday, Wednesday andFriday. Now, Tim made three!!

Of course he had a great time!!!Now one year later he is 20 pounds lighter and sculpted... quite thehottie now!!! He goes to class religiously three times a week. He hasrecruited several people to my class. And he is the one to start allthe hooting and hollering during all the tracks. He is a Les Millsjunkie too, going online to Blog, talking about every ones form, andloving all the songs!!

Best of all is his increased self esteem and confidence. Two words to describe Tim... KIA KAHA!!!

Timdeserves to win and get recognized because he was the most unlikelyperson to take a group fitness class and it truly changed his life."

Jim Dufour

“I’ve been taking BODYPUMP™ for almost three years. I’dbeen putting off exercising for years, until I saw a feature in theLivermore Falls Advertiser about BODYPUMP™. After talking to instructorChris Guild, I thought I’d give it a try.
My cholesterol hasdropped significantly without using medication. I feel 10 yearsyounger! This is a fantastic place, and the owner and his staff arefantastic people!”

Julie Fessenden

"I started attending BODYPUMP™ and BODYCOMBAT™ almost two years ago. I started attending group fitness classes because I wanted to incorporate weight lifting into my exercise regimen. I'm very social, so I knew working out in the weight room by myself would not happen, so I decided a group fitness class was the way to go.

My instructors were very welcoming and I loved the way the class stimulated me both physically and mentally (always trying to improve technique and form). The class hour goes by quickly, the music is fun and upbeat, and I end each class with a feeling of accomplishment.

Since I began group fitness classes at Hawthorn Farms Athletic Club, I've lost around 70 lbs and have gained a lot of muscle. I love to see how my body is changing, even the subtle changes as I lean out and tone up are exciting. The instructors I have had in group fitness classes have been amazing and I learn something different from each one, every instructor brings a something a little different and special to the class.

I am a work in progress physically, but I know I will get there and am excited about the journey. I hope one day to be a group fitness instructor to encourage and motivate others along their health and wellness journey."

Dr Nick Rehagen

“I have been participating in BODYPUMP™ and the other LES MILLS™ programs for almost three years, and not only has my HDL cholesterol gone up, but I have maintained muscle mass, increased bone density, and have improved my overall fitness level.

The best part is these programs are fun. The trainers are responsive, knowledgeable, and inspiring, and there is copious and effective support from the staff.

These are great programs!”

Betty Wilson (mother)

“I’ve tried so many different programs and exercise routines, but until Fitness Stylz I would just get bored and quit. These are the only programs I have stuck with, and I just love them! My blood sugar went from being borderline diabetes to within normal ranges, and my cholesterol has come down 30 points. Kayla and I love BODYPUMP™, BODYSTEP™, BODYCOMBAT™ and BODYFLOW™. They give us a chance to spend time with each other and get a great workout.”

Kayla Wilson (daughter)

“I take all four LES MILLS™ programs. They make me look and feel better. They give me more energy so I can keep up with the ‘in-shape’ kids! My dream is to be able to become a Les Mills instructor, so that I will be the one on stage teaching.”

Emily Gale Eubank

“I am a true believer in the LES MILLS™ programs. I joined the gym five years ago at the request of the doctor. I weighed about 350 pounds , was taking two types of blood pressure medication and had Diabetes type II . I am currently on no medication and the diabetes is gone! I have not even had a headache in the last five years. I am now a normal weight and have dropped significant body fat in the last five years (from approx 60% to 12-15%). I not only became addicted to the exercise but I am now teaching BODYPUMP™ (my favorite) RPM™, and BODYFLOW™.

When I first started taking BODYPUMP™, I could barely make it through a class. I now challenge everyone else and take all the hardest options for myself. I truly believe in the LES MILLS™ formula and tell everyone who will listen how wonderful they are - what a wonderful way to work out - it's a party for me each day I walk into the gym.

Thank you for giving me my life back!! I never imagined this fitness level for myself - EVER!”

Tamia (Tee) Banks

“My BODYPUMP™ story was kind of a fluke. A good friend dared me to take the class and I just couldn’t resist. It was the best work out sweat Ihad in my six month at Golds! The rest of the story is basicallyhistory.

My body went into a metamorphosis! In a three-yearperiod I started taking BODYPUMP™ classes regularly and was a size 20strong. I now am a 14 (working hard on that 12).

BODYPUMP™ notonly gives me a good work out, it also outlines the correct way to useweights to MY advantage. So I don’t hurt myself and can reap thebenefits of the class. Also, the energy and liveliness of the classmakes each one different.

BODYPUMP™ is now a part of my life and I hate to miss a class.
Overall I feel GREAT and would recommend this class to guys and gals of all ages!”

Gwenda Keene

"I've been waiting for a chance to get Gwenda's story told!

Briefly, she battled with an undiagnosed lower leg problem for a long time, keeping up with her BODYPUMP™ classes as part of her fitness regime. When at last the problem was identified as cancer she was quickly admitted to hospital for a lower leg amputation.

Within a few months she was in the gym determined to get back some of her fitness and yes it didn't seem long before she was having a go at BODYPUMP™ again!!!

She now attends BODYPUMP™ on a weekly basis, the lunges being the only movement she doesn't do (squats make a good substitute).You would never believe the trauma she has been through.She has coped with such fortitude, determination and BODYPUMP™!

I decided to contact you after she asked me at the end of a class if I thought there were any other one legged BODYPUMP™ members around the world !!!

It is my privilege as an instructor to continue to see her enjoy and benefit from the programme."

- Lesley Kirkland