Les Mills
Initial Training

Everything you need to know about our world-leading Instructor training program.

Are you ready to inspire and motivate people to change their lives through fitness? Whether you have previous experience teaching group training or you’re just starting out, we’ll give you everything you need to be a world-class Les Mills Instructor.

INITIAL TRAINING OVERVIEW

  • Choose the program you’ll train in: Les Mills offers a wide range of workouts spanning Strength, HIIT, Mind/Body, Cardio and more.
  • Book a two-day training course to qualify in one of our Signature programs, or a half-day training to teach our Limited Edition Collection.
  • You’ll have the option to attend training in-person or online.
  • Ahead of training you’ll receive a variety of materials to help you learn and prepare, including music and choreography notes.
  • Experienced trainers will support your learning with feedback and encouragement every step of the way.
  • By the end of training, you’ll know how to safely and effectively deliver life-changing group training to your classes.
  • To complete your certification we’ll ask that you submit a video of yourself teaching for assessment. You’ll receive high-level feedback and tips on how to keep growing.

WHEN AND WHERE IS TRAINING?

Initial training for our Signature programs takes two days. It can be completed online from the comfort of your home, or you can train in-person at locations around the country.

Training for our Limited Edition programs last half a day and can also be completed online or in-person. Events run throughout the year, so you’ll have plenty of choice of when to attend.

WHAT CAN I TEACH?

Whatever your workout style, we’ve got a program to match it. From BODYPUMP™ to Mind/Body, HIIT and Dance – there’s something for everyone.
View our workouts here.

If you’re not sure what to train in, talk to the instructors at your local facility, or get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

You might also like to see which clubs and facilities in your area offer the workout you're interested in teaching.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

To see the cost in your country, search for training near you.

If no training options are available in your area, get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk you through our pricing.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT TRAINING

Designed to fit different learning styles, your course will include lectures, group discussions, practical workout sessions and teaching practice.

Topics include:

  • Class structure and benefits
  • How to interpret, understand and learn choreography
  • How to perform and evaluate correct exercise technique
  • Why exercises are executed in a particular way
  • How to coach the class so that it is both safe and inspirational
  • How to create a memorable, fun and effective workout experience

Class size

Between 8 - up to 24 participants.

How to prepare

  • We recommend you attend plenty of Les Mills classes before attending your training, so you're well prepared
  • You’ll receive your training materials - including a video of the release you're going to learn and pre-work to help you prepare for training about 10 days before your training starts
  • You’ll be given one track to learn and you need to practice it until you’re able to present with just the music playing – not looking at your notes
  • We recommend you set aside a few hours to learn the choreography or workout plan and practise the release.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?

  • Training will involve practical and theoretical components and you will spend the majority of the time practicing choreography
  • It's designed for participants who are experienced in fitness classes and physically fit
  • If you’re unsure about your fitness level,
    consult your doctor before registering – please don’t put yourself at risk

Are you pregnant? Read this first

WHAT DO I NEED FOR TRAINING?

  • Your Instructor Handbook
  • A smartphone or iPod, to access your training materials
  • Headphones
  • Pen and paper for taking notes
  • A change of clothes – you will sweat!
  • Food and water
  • A laptop or tablet so that you can review your allocated tracks as homework after the first day.
  • Online Only: You will need a stable internet connection, access to a computer or mobile device (with a microphone) and camera for the duration of the training

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER INITIAL TRAINING?

After Initial training, to complete your certification we’ll ask that you submit a video of yourself teaching a live class for assessment.

We recommend you spend as much time as possible shadow-teaching with existing instructors to prepare for your video submission.

To certify, you’ll need to show competency in:

  1. Choreography
  2. Technique
  3. Coaching

More information on how to present a successful video will be provided at your training.

ONGOING SUPPORT FROM LES MILLS

We create science-backed group training programs and develop the world’s best Instructors to teach them – soon you’ll be one of them.

Life as a Les Mills Instructor is rich and varied. We’ll support you and your classes with new workouts and music every three months.

We want you to be your best, which is why we’ll offer you a world of resources on your Instructor journey, including marketing and research.

While you’re teaching classes, we’re working too. We’re continually evolving and innovating as we look to shape the future of fitness.

You’re joining a passionate family – you’ll be part of a team of 100,000 certified Instructors in 100 countries globally.

Ready to start your journey with us?

Initial Training terms and conditions

We want to be upfront and avoid surprises down the line, so here’s the bottom line on what’s required to become certified and stay certified:

  • You must attend 100% of your Initial Training – no exceptions
  • You’ll need access to a computer and internet to download your training materials
  • Are you pregnant? Please read our Pregnancy Disclaimer before booking your training
  • Our cancellation policy is set out in our Purchase Terms which is available to read as you go through the booking process.
  • If you are unsure about the level of your fitness for any reason, including injury, sickness or pregnancy, you should consult your medical adviser before registering for the training and should not participate if your health or ability to exercise is at risk.
  • If reasonably requested by us, you agree to provide us with clearance from a licensed medical professional. If you are not able to provide such clearance - or if it otherwise reasonably appears to us at any time that your health might be at risk - we reserve the right to ask you to leave training (and your assessment video will not be accepted). If this happens, there will be no refund for the price paid for the training. However, at our discretion, we may transfer your training to another date or program.
  • You will only be able to film in a facility licensed for the program you're learning to teach
  • You are required to have a minimum of five visible participants in your assessment video
  • Online Only: You will need a stable internet connection and access to a computer or mobile device with microphone and camera for the duration of the training. To help with your learning and development during training you will send a video recording of you teaching the assigned track and 5 technique demo moves directly to the trainer no less than 5 days prior to training. Specific directions will be shared after registration.