Libby Benson-Day Trainer profile
We thought we'd lock Libby down for a quick chat after being appointed Head Trainer of Les Mills Middle East and India.
Tell us about your career so far…
I started as a Front of House Manager, then got my fitness qualification. From there I got the job of Group Fitness Manager in my hometown gym. I then moved to London to pursue my Group Fitness career.
I ended up working as a Group Fitness Manager in 5 different Virgin Active clubs. Then I became a Regional Group Fitness Manager. I went on to win ‘Group Fit Manager of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Contribution to Group Exercise Award’ presented by Phillip Mills! From there I became a National Group Fitness Manager for Fitness First UK. Following that I became a Presenter, Trainer and IQA Assessor for Les Mills UK in BODYPUMP™, BODYVIVE™ 3.1, and CXWORX™.
I’ve appeared in 2 BODYPUMP™ DVDs so far, and a Reebok/Les Mills photo-shoot in L.A. I move to Dubai this month and I am really loving my new role as Head Trainer already!
If you weren’t a fitness Instructor, you would be…
I’d be a lawyer and take the bad guys down! Or I’d own and run a cat sanctuary…. So maybe a lawyer with loads of cats!
Tell us something that people don’t know about you…
I’ve appeared as a dancer in a Bollywood film!
What’s your ideal day off?
I’d be on a Maldives beach with my husband, family, my cat, and loads of amazing food and drinks!
What made you become a Les Mills Instructor?
I started as a Front of House Manager at a gym, and that’s where I discovered Les Mills classes. My Fitness Manager could see I loved it and so she snuck me into a Quarterly Workshop (non-instructors weren’t allowed to attend back then) and I was blown away!
From there I was hooked and ended up certifying in 8 Les Mills programmes! I knew from the first day that I tried a BODYCOMBAT™ staff class that it would change my life, and it did!
What’s the highlight of your career so far?
Becoming Head Trainer for Les Mills Middle East and India. My passion really lies in discovering superstars, developing them, and pushing them forwards and onto great things - so this is me all over. I’m so lucky that I get to change lives, and do something I truly love every day!
Thanks Libby! And if you want to hear more from Libby follow her on Instagram @libbybensonday.
When The Fight Became Personal
How BODYCOMBAT gave Instructor Max Dorsey the strength to face his biggest battle.
Why it pays to raise the bar together
How group motivation, paired with the benefits of strength training, delivers supercharged results.
Marlon Announces New Instructor Listening Program
Because without our Instructors, we simply wouldn’t exist.
Presenter Tips for Stage-Ready Confidence
Les Mills Presenters share their pre-performance prep routines for maximum focus, energy and motivation.
7 Key Trends Shaping Fitness in 2026
From JOMO and digital twins, to smarter gyms and community connections, what’s next for the world of fitness?
Pass the Mic: Gandalf Archer Mills
Your unfiltered questions, answered.
Q4 '25 Release Highlights
Discover what you and your members can look forward to in the new releases.
Introducing BODYPUMP HEAVY™
Your deep dive into the new workout of the decade.
How Kipa Tiivola Brings the Spirit of LES MILLS CEREMONY to Life
Read how Kipa Tiivola Brings the Spirit of LES MILLS CEREMONY to Life
Morning Teaching vs Evening Teaching
New research debunks myths and reveals surprising findings.
LES MILLS LIVE STOCKHOLM Electrifies Avicii Arena
1 million goosebumps. 1,900 participants. 34 classes. 1 epic event.
The New Initial Training Is Here
Purpose, breakthrough moments, and streamlined learning – discover what’s changed.
Ready For The Dance Revolution?
Discover what it takes and why the rewards are like no other.
Meet the New LES MILLS SMARTSTEP™
LES MILLS SMARTSTEP™ - More Compact, Faster Transitions, Softer Impact
Smashing Through the Mental Stop Sign
8 mind hacks to take you and your members further
Level Up Your Launches
Fun ways to turn those quarterlies into epic can't-miss events
LES MILLS YOGA™ Explained
Creative Fraser Beck shares the inside scoop on this modern take on traditional yoga, now available to teach
Q3’25 Release Highlights: Back to Nature
Discover what you and your participants can look forward to in the new releases
Your Legacy Beyond The Class
Les Mills to plant 50 CO₂ absorbing trees for your next launch event
5 DIY Tests For Longevity
Simple, science-backed at-home assessments every Instructor should try
The truth about weight-loss drugs
Research reveals the smarter approach
.webp)
How to Shoot a Masterclass
Les Mills production crew reveal the secrets behind the magic of the masterclass
Train your voice like a pro
How to keep one of your greatest assets in shape
.webp)
Winning Yourself Is the Most Meaningful Achievement – Elena’s Superstar Journey
LES MILLS NORDIC SUPERSTAR 2025 winner interview
Forever Dancing – Dorotka’s Dance Story
Dorotka Baburin has danced for three decades, instructed thousands, performed on big stages – and still, dance lives just as vibrantly within her.
Q2'25 Releases Highlights
Discover what you and your participants can look forward to in the new releases.
Group Training - Your Triple Threat Advantage
New findings show your workout community might just add years to your life
When Classes Become A Lifeline
Instructors share the stories we don’t always hear
Hosting THE TRIP™
Instructor Adam Gripenblom on the workout redefining indoor cycling
Why THE TRIP is More Than a Workout
Why THE TRIP is More Than a Workout – 10 Years of Success at SATS Stureplan
AI: Friend or Foe for Our Profession?
Amber Taylor, Chief Digital Product Officer at Les Mills, shares her thoughts on AI's impact on group fitness
Are your glucose levels stable?
New research reveals the benefits of exercise in keeping our fuel source primed.
Wired after teaching a workout?
Read on to discover 5 easy ways to fall asleep faster after an adrenaline-pumping evening class.
Les Mills Expands Research Team
Dr. Gottschall and Dr. Hatfield join the technical team, bringing even more science-backed insights to your Les Mills programs.
The Importance Of Better Balance
Will improved balance really lengthen your life? Discover the benefits of better balance and the one exercise that will help you improve your balance.
4 Life-Changing Outcomes Of Exercise
New fitness science reveals how to cut blood pressure, lose weight, protect yourself from Alzheimer’s and reduce the risk of death from cancer.
Help Young People Rid Anxiety
A quick yoga session can help you overcome pre-exam stress or assessment anxiety. A 30-minute BODYBALANCE workout is all you need.
Q1'25 Release Highlights
Presenters from around the globe reveal their highlights of the new Les Mills releases.
New Habit Science
Researchers put different habit-forming strategies to the test and reveal two powerful ways to make your exercise intentions stick.
Les Mills Thrive Explained
Why this functional workout is needed, the science behind it, why walking economy is important, and the results THRIVE delivers.
Habit Forming Advice
Expert advice about how to make resolutions a reality, the best way to start healthy habits and mistakes to avoid.
Is Stress Undermining Your Results?
Learn about the link between stress and fitness results to optimize your performance.
7 Trends Set To Shake Up Fitness In 2025
Uncover the 7 key trends shaping fitness in 2025.
Family, Fitness and Innovation: The GOGO Story
Family, Fitness and Innovation: The GOGO Story
Why Teach Les Mills Ceremony
Four Coaches share the benefits of coaching the functional training workout
The Top 10 Articles Of 2024
Stories about nutrition, self-care and BODYCOMBAT were among the most-read of the year.
Les Mills Ceremony Explained
Fitness experts explain why you haven’t done circuit until you’ve done CEREMONY.
Les Mills Thrive: Empower A Growing Community
Learn about the program designed for those who want to stay fit for life.
New Fat Facts Revealed
Learn how to get healthier body fat, what it takes to dodge dementia in later life and fresh evidence that cardio exercise is hard to beat.
Fitness Festival Fit
Trainers share advice on what to wear to a fitness festival, practical essentials for exercise events and the workout accessories that are on trend.
Q4'24 Release Highlights
Presenters from around the globe reveal their highlights of the new Les Mills releases.
How To Create The 'Experience'
Top Trainers share their secrets to creating an unbreakable bond with their members.
How To Breathe The Pilates Way
Learn the Pilates breathing technique that can increase feelings of strength, calm and control.
5 Hacks To Fuel Your Workouts
Try these five simple steps to keep your energy high!
How 7 Instructors Practice Self-Care
Marlon Woods, Kaylah-Blayr Fitzsimons-Nu’u, and others reveal their secrets to maintaining a work-life balance.
A Team Approach
Glen Ostergaard, Kylie Gates, and others share the benefits of a collaborative approach to creating workouts.
.jpg)
BODYCOMBAT: THE INSIDE STORY
Dan Cohen and Rachael Newsham share behind-the-scenes insights about how this martial arts workout has grown to become a global phenomenon.
3 Ways To Boost Your Class Numbers
Discover how to capitalize on the opportunities in September.
5 Reasons To Teach Pilates
Glen Ostergaard, Kylie Gates, and others share compelling reasons to train in the program.
Q3'24 Release Highlights
Presenters from around the globe reveal their highlights of the new Les Mills releases.
Legendary Bodycombat Instructors
Marlon Woods, Natasha Vincent, and others share their stories about the program.
How Les Mills Qualifications Helped Me Become A Better Instructor
Instructors from around the globe share stories of how Les Mills Qualifications helped them level up their game.
How A Bodycombat Release Comes Together
Rachael Newsham, Vili Fifita and Mark Nu’u-Steele reveal the process behind creating the popular martial-arts inspired workout.
.webp)
Trainers reveal the secrets to their success
Find out how Glen Ostergaard, Khiran Huston and others got to the top of their game.
Stories Of Pride
Amy Lu, Meno Thomas and Otto Prodan share how group training helped them find their home.
The Benefits Of Ice Baths
Group Training Instructor Sarah Shortt reveals the surprising rewards of cold-water immersion.
Q2'24 Release Highlights
Presenters from around the globe reveal their highlights of the new Les Mills releases.
Instructor By Night: Part 3
Death Investigator, Vet, CEO… discover what Les Mills Instructors get up to when they’re not in activewear!
Functional Strength research
The innovative strength training workout that improves power and performance and boosts your mood.
Meet The Les Mills Ambassadors
The Les Mills Global Ambassador team share why they love teaching, who influences them, and their tips to growing as an Instructor.
Les Mills Women On Their Role Models
Find out who inspires Kylie Gates, Rachael Newsham and Erin Maw, in celebration of International Women's Day.
Interview With Anthony Oxford
The Les Mills Global Ambassador on overcoming shyness, challenges to mental health, and his top advice to aspiring Presenters.
WORKOUT FOR WATER 2024
Change children’s lives by participating in this incredible challenge.
Q1'24 Release Highlights
Presenters from around the globe reveal their highlights of the new Les Mills releases.
How To Prevent Choking Under Pressure
Strategies to cope when you’re feeling stressed, and your body enters fight or flight mode.
6 ways to retain new members
Find out how to convert your new person into your front row regular.
8 Key Fitness Trends For 2024
Article looking at 8 key fitness trends for clubs in 2024
.webp)
Otto Prodan Opens Up
Les Mills Ambassador Otto Prodan shares his tips for longevity in teaching, and why he went from teaching 20 classes down to five.
Rpm Is 100!
Legendary Instructors including Sarah Ostergaard, Lee Smith, and Dee Rowell share their special memories of the iconic cycle program
Les Mills Functional Strength Explained
Ben Main and Erin Maw introduce a unique new way to get strong.
Adidas and Les Mills Make Fitness History
Adidas and Les Mills Make Fitness History: Break World Record
Q4'23 Release Highlights: La Live
Presenters from around the world share their highlights of the releases filmed at LES MILLS LIVE LOS ANGELES.
Squat Gains In Bodypump
Rob Lee, Les Mills expert technical adviser and physio, delves into the science and explains the best approach.
Les Mills Dance: Upskill Overview
Discover the benefits of teaching LES MILLS DANCE, and how to get certified quickly if you’re an existing BODYJAM, SH'BAM, or LES MILLS BARRE Instructor.
.webp)
Quick-fire questions with Rachael Newsham
The Program Director shares her celebrity crush, her worst fashion mistake, and who she'd love to have dinner with!
.webp)
Wellness coaching with Kylie Gates
Discover wellness coaching and how it can help you to create the life you really want.
.webp)
Highlights Of Bodypump 126
Glen Ostergaard and the team unveil the benefits of BODYPUMP 126 — a killer workout that’s overflowing with innovation and cool new sounds, presented by a massive international team.
5 Reasons To Make Time For Your Own Training
Uncover the benefits of exercising outside of your classes and learn what Masterclass presenters do to increase their fitness for teaching.
Q3'23 Release highlights