The new workout of the decade: Introducing BODYPUMP HEAVY

Global fitness leader Les Mills has announced the launch of BODYPUMP HEAVY – an addictive new program designed to help clubs capitalize on the red-hot strength training category.

Backed by the science of BODYPUMP™ – the world’s most-loved strength class for over 30 years – BODYPUMP HEAVY makes safe and effective weightlifting accessible for everyone by removing common ‘gymtimidation’ barriers and dialing up the workout experience with iconic music, group energy and an expert Les Mills-certified Instructor.

While BODYPUMP builds strength endurance and lean muscle growth using the Rep Effect (over 1,000 reps in a single class), BODYPUMP HEAVY takes the proven psychology of group training and combines it with slower weightlifting, allowing for increased focus on technique and the ability to lift heavier.

WATCH BODYPUMP HEAVY TRAILER

BODYPUMP HEAVY is tempo-based weightlifting that draws on traditional lifting techniques to challenge strength, build lean muscle, and drive measurable performance gains. Simple to do, the workout’s slow tempo and ample recovery periods allow for expert coaching, so participants master form and technique.

With strength training participation at an all-time high, BODYPUMP HEAVY has been crafted so operators can meet this demand through their studios, boosting overall club capacity and building community to drive retention and member referrals.

Phillip Mills, Les Mills Managing Director, says: “Strength is now the biggest category in fitness, but our research shows many people are being held back by gym floor intimidation and queues for equipment, plus challenges with technique or motivation.

“BODYPUMP HEAVY is a turn-key solution for clubs to maximize their strength offering by making it accessible to all members, reaping the rewards of in-studio workouts, while freeing up capacity on the gym floor.”

The program has been rigorously tested in the Les Mills New Zealand (LMNZ) gym estate with compelling results:

• 82% of participants are highly likely to recommend BODYPUMP HEAVY to their friends
• 80% of participants are highly likely to continue doing BODYPUMP HEAVY
• 79% of participants expressed total or very high satisfaction with the quality of the program

Geena Pannett, LMNZ National Group Fitness Manager and one of the creatives behind BODYPUMP HEAVY, adds: “We've been trialling BODYPUMP HEAVY at our Auckland City club for a couple of months and it’s been a huge hit.

“It’s been particularly popular with males – who are inherently hard to get into the studio – and a massive success with new members. It gives them a place to learn basic lifting techniques without paying for a personal trainer or facing the intimidation of being on the gym floor by themselves.”

BODYPUMP HEAVY IS AVAILABLE TO CLUBS NOW – DISCOVER MORE HERE

ABOUT LES MILLS

Les Mills is the global leader in group training and creator of over 30 programs available in leading fitness facilities around the world. Les Mills programs include the world’s first group exercise resistance training workout BODYPUMP™, BODYCOMBAT™ (martial arts), RPM™ (indoor cycling), LES MILLS CEREMONY™ (functional circuit training), and its latest fitness innovation – BODYPUMP HEAVY.

The company was founded by Les Mills – a four-time Olympian and head coach of New Zealand’s track and field team – who opened his first gym in 1968 with the aim of taking elite sports training to the masses. Today, Les Mills workouts are delivered by 130,000 certified instructors in 22,000 clubs across 100 countries, as well as via the LES MILLS+ streaming platform and Extended Reality (XR).

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