Support member gains with the new step that elevates every class

The right equipment transforms group training — enhancing comfort, safety, and performance for every participant. It enables movement, supports proper form, and elevates member outcomes – crucial for ensuring they keep coming back. And it’s not just members who benefit. With reliable equipment in place, Instructors can focus on inspiring and motivating, leading a class experience that builds lasting member loyalty.

That’s why Les Mills is taking group training equipment to the next level, with the new SMARTSTEP. Workouts are more effective than ever, thanks to a comprehensive research and design process combining clubs insights and scientific analysis. The result? A one-piece step system that outperforms competitors on all fronts: functionality, performance, comfort, sustainability, style and storage.

We’ve created an all-in-one step with integrated risers and click-to-rise functionality, speeding up in-class transitions thanks to seamless, intuitive adjustments. Members can select from one of three heights, as well as using the SMARTSTEP as an incline bench. The new version is constructed from 10% recycled plastic and uses 15% less plastic than our previous step. It’s better for members and better for the environment.

The journey to creating our new SMARTSTEP was underpinned by rigorous science and research, to fully optimize your studio floor. Technical testing was led out by professional sports and fitness research scientist, Dr Jinger Gottschall. Trials consisted of a mixed gender group of participants, who took part in a series of exercises on four different steps from leading equipment brands. Each bench was set to the same height, equivalent to two risers on each side. Participants executed plyometric lunges, over-the-top jumps, straddle jumps and wide plyo jumps, performed for eight repetitions to a metronome set to 70bpm. Testing was carefully structured to take into account factors such as fatigue, with sensors used to accurately measure muscle activation.

Dr Jinger concludes: “The new SMARTSTEP sets your members up to feel less impact and more power.”

“We rigorously tested the new step in the lab to replicate the real-world demands of the group training studio. The new SMARTSTEP was the favorite among participants of all the steps used in trials. But most importantly, it performed the best, showing superior deflection –- the extent to which the step bent under force – leading to significantly greater muscle activity for participants.”

“The SMARTSTEP’s ability to deflect (bend) during jumps and other activities is crucial to driving outcomes for members. Muscle activity was greater during plyometric lunges, over-the-top jumps, straddle jumps and wide plyo jumps with the new equipment.”

“Increased performance is key to creating positive workout experiences that keep members coming back for more. With the right equipment, clubs build stronger communities, deeper member bonds, and higher retention.”