How Kipa Tiivola Brings the Spirit of LES MILLS CEREMONY to Life

For many fitness enthusiasts, the road to personal transformation begins with the right program, and the right coach. Kipa Tiivola is one of those athletes whose journey bridges elite-level ambition and deep, human connection. While she’s competed at the HYROX World Championships and trained with a drive like no other, it’s as a LES MILLS CEREMONY coach that she truly shines in building community and guiding people of all levels through powerful, functional training.

Discovering the Power of Functional Training

Kipa first came across HYROX in 2022, quickly falling in love with the format's pace and energy. But it was a tip from a fellow Les Mills Trainer that led her to LES MILLS CEREMONY and something clicked.

“I was instantly drawn to LES MILLS CEREMONY because of its similarities to HYROX: circuit-based, functional, and focused on cardiovascular development and strength,” she says. “But what really stood out was how structured and accessible it is. It felt like a concept that could truly support people at every stage of their fitness journey.”

Now a certified LES MILLS CEREMONY coach, Kipa blends her experience as a personal trainer and HYROX Performance Coach to create engaging, effective classes that motivate and empower. “I don’t see CEREMONY and HYROX as competing,” she adds. “They support each other beautifully.”

LES MILLS CEREMONY: High Intensity with Heart

So what exactly is LES MILLS CEREMONY, and why is it gaining such traction? At its core, LES MILLS CEREMONY is a 45-minute high-intensity circuit training session designed to develop endurance, strength, and mobility. With themed blocks, curated music, and a rotating set of functional movements, it offers a powerful combination of consistency and variation.

“The energy in a LES MILLS CEREMONY class is incredible,” Kipa explains. “Everyone trains at their own level, but the group setting gives this shared momentum. You see people surprise themselves every time. Whether it’s lifting heavier, moving faster, or simply finishing a block they didn’t think they could.”

Unlike freestyle workouts that change session to session, LES MILLS CEREMONY follows a structured program with releases that stay consistent for a period. This allows members to track their progress and feel a sense of mastery, while still pushing their limits.

Coaching with Emotional Intelligence

Kipa’s approach to coaching is as grounded as it is passionate. Before every session, she checks in with participants asking how they’re feeling, what kind of day they’ve had, and whether they’re here to push or simply to move and reset.

“I adapt my coaching depending on the group. Some are here to sweat and smash goals. Others might need a mental break. As a coach, you have to be present, emotionally aware, and ready to shift the energy in the room.”

In a class with Kipa are safety, accessibility, and personal connection non-negotiables.

A Lesson in Resilience: The World Championships Experience

While Kipa is known for her strength and spirit, her performance at the HYROX World Championships in Chicago was a defining moment.

“It was the first race I didn’t finish,” she says. “I started strong, well-prepared, with great energy. But by the second station, the Sled Push. I hit a wall. The lane I was on turned out to be extra hard due to issues with the sleds. From there, things went downhill.”

Despite the setback, Kipa kept pushing. Dizzy and overheated, she continued through the stations, determined to give her all. Eventually, her body shut down, and she collapsed during the final Wall Balls with a temperature of 42°C (107.6°F).

“I don’t remember most of it, just that I was fighting like a beast,” she recalls. “It was a physical and mental battle, and I’ve never pushed myself that far before. But I don’t regret a second. I gave everything, and that was my promise to myself.”

Thanks to the HYROX medical team, Kipa made a full recovery. “You can learn a lot from victory,” she says, “but you learn everything from defeat. Chicago changed me. It showed me what I’m capable of far beyond fitness.”

A Class for Everyone

One of LES MILLS CEREMONY’s biggest strengths is its accessibility. “It’s for everyone from beginners to pros,” Kipa says. “Every exercise has modifications. You don’t need a certain fitness level to start, you just need the willingness to try.”

For many, LES MILLS CEREMONY becomes a stepping stone to more advanced training, while others fall in love with the format itself. It’s functional training at its best: supporting daily movement, building real-world strength, and boosting overall health.

The Functional Training Trend

Why is functional training booming right now? Kipa believes it’s because people are looking for practical results. “It’s training you can feel in your everyday life. Like carrying groceries, climbing stairs, playing with your kids. And it’s fun. It’s diverse. You see and feel the benefits quickly.”

She also believes that group formats like LES MILLS CEREMONY play a crucial role in creating belonging and consistency. “When the music is pumping, and everyone around you is moving with purpose, something shifts. You go further. You feel stronger.”

Final Words: “It’s Worth It”

For anyone considering their first LES MILLS CEREMONY class, Kipa offers simple advice: “Yes, it might feel intimidating at first. But trust me after one or two sessions, you’ll realize it’s one of the most supportive and exciting environments you could train in. Just show up. You’ll be surprised at what you can do."‍