LES MILLS THRIVE EXPLAINED

What is LES MILLS THRIVE?

“This is a low-impact workout where you build lower body and core strength, flexibility and balance. Each 45-minute workout combines a feel-good playlist, supportive coaching, and a community of people moving together. It is suitable for a range of fitness levels, from those needing balance support to those who prefer bodyweight or are ready to add resistance.”

Has LES MILLS THRIVE been created with a specific demographic in mind?

“Yes. Older generations are overrepresented in the inactivity stats. Research shows that 43 percent of older adults are inactive, which is significantly greater than younger groups. While there is already a fair bit of quality programming for seniors, we know there is a gap for those who are slightly younger. LES MILLS THRIVE is targeted at people aged 55+ who might want to transition from their traditional group exercise and seek something just as enjoyable, but with lower impact.

This is such a critical age. We know that regular physical activity can help prevent and manage non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and several other cancers, and it also helps to improve mental health, quality of life, and well-being. If people in their fifties can keep moving in a way that they find enjoyable it could prevent a lot of the health issues that might occur around that time, and later.”

You describe it as functional training. Why is that?

“This is a great example of true functional programming because it is highly relevant to the activities we do every day. You can expect to do lunges, squats and the like. All the movements are specifically targeted at walking economy – and improving the fundamental elements of what we do every day that help people to walk well.”

What is ‘walking economy’ and why is it so important?

“When it comes to mitigating the effects of decreased physical activity in older people, walking plays such a pivotal part. As we age, we rely a lot on walking to get our physical activity in, and if our walking ability declines, then so too do our physical activity levels.

Our VO₂ max naturally declines as we get older. When your VO₂ max comes down a lot, then you get to the point where it doesn’t take much to push you to 90% of your VO₂ max – it could be as little as getting up and walking across the room! A lot of us in the fitness industry know what it feels like to push ourselves to our 90% max. If we’re in a situation where everyday activities like going to get the mail pushed you to that level, what would you do? You just wouldn't do it. And that’s the start of a slippery slope.

By improving walking we create the fence at the top of the cliff, rather than trying to be the ambulance at the bottom.”

Tell us about the science behind the development of this new programming.

“We know that if we can help improve people’s metabolic efficiency when they walk, they will be more willing to walk on a regular basis – which means they stay physically active, which is what offsets all those other disease risks.

With this in mind, we delved into a systematic review of all the literature on walking economy (something that no other researchers have done before) and unearthed all the expertise and insights on how to influence people’s gait as they age.

Then, as we developed LES MILLS THRIVE, we’ve really heavily targeted things like strength, propulsion, balance, consistency and symmetry – all of which are elements of efficient walking. We’ve also taken aspects of the NEMEX program, using an adaptation of neuromuscular training specifically designed to improve functional ability in individuals with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.

The end result is a workout that combines flexibility, strength and coordination exercises to target the propulsion muscles and stabilizing muscles of the lower limbs, and improve balance, coordination and overall fitness.”

What makes this workout so good?

“You get the perfect blend of feel-good motivators with some musculoskeletal challenge too – so not only does it make you feel emotionally fulfilled, you walk away feeling more connected and stable. It’s always achievable and the moves are relevant to everyday activities, so you know it’s exactly what your body needs.”

Kylie Gates, Les Mills Creative says the music is a really unique factor that brings so much joy to each LES MILLS THRIVE workout. “The music is really nostalgic, you’ll often know all the words, and that’s what helps make the workout really fun. While the fun factor is high, Kylie says many will be surprised at what a good workout it can be. When you work really slowly, it can be intense, and feedback shared from LES MILLS THRIVE participants reflects this. “It is amazing how repeated smaller moves can really make a difference to strength and flexibility,” adds Kylie. “It’s great to take it slow and keep it simple, but still feel all of your muscles engaging and benefiting! The workouts are fun and easy to intensify if needed. It’s perfectly put together with different levels.”

What will people love about this workout?

“Everyone loves the adaptability. There is such a wide range of options – you can use assistance, bodyweight, or resistance. The classic hit music is a real mood booster, and it’s nice and slow, with a focus on loading and movement precision. You can go at your own pace, so there’s no intimidation factor. And, because it attracts a very similar demographic, there’s a really strong and powerful community of people who bond over this workout.”

What makes the coaching so unique?

“There are no complex movements, so the coaching can be really simple and targeted. The main challenge for Instructors is setting up all the different options at the start – so participants can choose to use a chair for assistance, body weight, or add resistance.

Once the setup is sorted, it’s a really rewarding class to teach. Knowing all the science underpinning the movements gives Instructors confidence. There’s the opportunity to educate and explain how the specific moves relate to an improved walking economy. When it comes to motivation, rather than trying to push more out of people, it's all about enjoyment and community. So once you’ve got everyone set up, and you’ve explained what they are doing and why they are doing it, then it’s just amplifying the enjoyment factors. And that’s what makes it so fulfilling.”

LES MILLS THRIVE Trainer, Chelsea Savage, says it feels so good to be part of something that really helps change people’s lives. “With this workout, we're helping people move with more ease and comfort, improving their quality of life. I love how the Instructor training teaches the science behind each movement and how these specific exercises can help people be able to stand, move and walk with more confidence and competence. It's truly a program that's going to help people feel their best in everyday activities.”

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