/* MAKE SURE TO CHANGE THE NAME HERE AS WELL OTHERWISE CSS WONT CHANGE AND THE POPUP WONT WORK */

Back

Functional Training Uncovered

17.06.2021

Instructor Development

From boutiques to mainstream gyms, ‘functional training’ has become the latest buzz-word to describe many trending workouts. But what does it actually mean? And is there any substance behind the hype? We caught up with the experts to find out…

What is functional training?

Functional training incorporates multi-joint movement patterns to keep us fit and strong for everyday life. “It uses exercises that replicate total body movements and patterns seen in sports and daily activities in general,” says Rob Lee, Physiotherapist and Les Mills Technical Consultant. “Functional training provides strength and mobility that is transferrable to other tasks. Essentially, it’s training that doesn’t work muscles or movements in total isolation.”

Why should you include it in your program?

“Functional training enhances your ability to perform other activities outside the gym, whether that’s simply being able to get up off the couch or improve your golf swing!” says US-based Trainer Kenta Seki. “When you train the right muscles correctly and frequently, you also decrease your risk of getting injured when undertaking everyday activities.”

Chris Wright, Head of Strength and Conditioning at Loughborough University (UK), agrees: “Think about a mother who needs to pick her child up off the floor. That task will require movement of the ankle, knee and hip – a squat-type pattern – to lift the load. You can replicate this movement pattern on the gym floor with a deadlift. We can see that strengthening the muscles around those same joints is going to minimize her risk of injury when it comes to picking up her child.”

Chris Wright, Head of Strength and Conditioning at Loughborough University (UK)

It’s not all flipping tyres, handstands and battle ropes…

Contrary to what you might see on the 'Gram, you don’t have to be pushing a heavy sled to be performing functional movements. “The exercises are not all extremely challenging, requiring an elite skill level,” says Lee. “It’s not all dangerous. Good functional exercises use total body movements that replicate relevant movement patterns from your life or sports. The squat itself is a brilliant functional exercise. Functional exercises can be easily adapted to suit different fitness levels."

You can also add elements of functional training into your existing exercise plan. "Deciding to include functional exercises in your training doesn’t mean you need to ditch everything you're currently doing," explains Chris Gagliardi, ACE (American Council on Exercise) Scientific Education Content Manager. "You might be able to incorporate functional training exercises into your warm-up or cool-down, or even into the conditioning phase of the workout."

Is it for everyone?

Within reason, yes. “Like all training methods, the complexity, intensity, frequency, and load help determine its suitability, “says Lee. "If these things are not matched to an individual’s skill and fitness level, it may cause issues. But pitched at a safe and effective level, yes – functional training can be suitable for everyone.”

“The biggest benefit of functional training is that it is appropriate for all fitness levels and can be done in a variety of settings, both with and without exercise equipment,” says Gagliardi. “This type of training establishes postural stability and makes sure that each joint in the kinetic chain is stable or mobile at appropriate times. It’s also not just for beginners. Even elite athletes can benefit from functional training for improvements in postural stability and kinetic chain mobility, helping them move more efficiently.”

Intensity isn’t the most important factor

Despite the rising trend of high-intensity functional workouts, this type of training doesn’t have to leave you sobbing in a pool of your own sweat… “Functional training is often associated with an extremely high intensity and taking people to breaking point but it doesn’t have to be done at our maximal efforts," says Lee. "Understanding and learning good functional training exercises is an excellent way to create balanced strength through multiple ranges and planes of movement.

"The benefits can also be seen when training at low and moderate intensities," continues Lee. "That's when we master these movements. Sure, there is a time to push the intensity and improve your fitness capacity, and we can achieve this with functional exercises, but this should not be done at the expense of losing good movement control."

Three individuals performing barbell squats

If your knees are caving in, it's time to drop the weight

“The biggest thing is to do the basics really well,” says Wright. “It’s a great idea to film yourself performing the exercises so you can check your technique. You also need to know what ‘good’ looks like, so it can be helpful to work with a personal trainer who can check your form and explain why certain movements are included in your program."

“Technique doesn’t go out the window just because you're doing functional training!" adds Lee. "I frequently see good technique being sacrificed to do the exercise just for the sake of it. It's much better to try a simpler version of the exercise – whether that's dropping the load or the complexity – to ensure you're moving efficiently and with good form. That's probably the most functional thing you can do!"

“If you’re going to invest your time in functional training, then the biggest thing to consider is – what outcome are you trying to achieve?” continues Wright. “I wouldn’t recommend doing it just because you’ve seen somebody doing it on social media. Whether you’re new to exercise or a performance athlete, you need to understand why you’re investing your time and energy in training that way because, depending on your goals, functional training might not be the most efficient way to achieve them. And when it comes to high-intensity functional training, you probably don’t need to be doing it 5-6 times a week. You need to allow time for recovery between sessions, so your body can adapt and get the results."

Technology for optimal performance

Whilst wearable sensors can give us data on our heart-rate, calorie burn, steps etc., how do we know if, for example, we're moving at the optimal speed in our deadlift? Technology could be the answer, says Wright. “In the sports performance world, we already use technology that tracks the velocity in movements. Say I want to get stronger in my back squat: I might be aiming to lift 85 kg every day. If technology tells me that I’m losing speed, I might then drop my load down to 78 kg to still achieve the strength gains.”

“I would like to see technology that focuses on the feedback of movement technique and loading become more prominent,” adds Lee. “This could ensure exercises are being performed efficiently and effectively for specific individuals, maximizing their effects in certain sports and activities.”

A person lifting a Smartbar overhead against a clear blue sky.

The future looks functional

The trend towards functional training looks set to continue, with many workouts (including BODYPUMP™ and LES MILLS CORE™) already incorporating these types of movements in their programming. “I think many methods of training will begin to incorporate exercises that are considered functional,” predicts Seki. “Even some bodybuilders I know are starting to include some compound functional exercises into their routines! I’m sure we’ll also continue to see the emergence of new training equipment and brands that focus on functional training.”

“I expect to see it more universally applied across exercise in general,” agrees Lee. “I think a lot of people are doing functional training without really knowing it! We will get better at understanding its effects on and how it relates to not only performance but other health outcomes.”

“Right now, functional training is where it’s at for me,” says Glen Ostergaard, Program Director for BODYPUMP. “I’ve been adding functional exercises into BODYPUMP like pushups mixed in with the bench press, or mountain climbers in with tricep extensions. Throwing full body exercises into the mix means that, when you get back onto the bench to do a more isolated exercise, it’s a whole lot harder and you get more out of it as a result. I’ve been very deliberate in the way I’ve introduced the functional moves and it’s definitely where BODYPUMP is right now. I can see us staying in this phase for a while.”

The most effective functional exercises

With many exercises falling under the umbrella of "functional", which will give you the most bang for your (training) buck?

If you're just getting started, Gagliardi suggests you try exercises which allow you to achieve core stability first before progressing to more advanced options. Good options include a glute bridge, bear crawl, spider walks, inchworm and stability ball walk out.

For those who are a little more confident, Lee advises: "Choose exercises that incorporate large movements while challenging your trunk stability and incorporate more than one movement pattern". Here are some of our favorites:

Squat to Overhead Press Move the weight from below head height to above the head using the fundamental squat pattern.

Deadlift to Single Arm Dumbbell Row Combining the hip hinge pattern of bending and lifting with an offset weight pull.

Offset Kettlebell Lunge Mimics a common movement pattern of a lunge/run stance, total body challenge; you can mix up the kettlebell position.

Offset Weight Walk (Like a heavy suitcase) Or Farmers carry with a heavy weight in each hand.

Medicine Ball Throw Lifting the ball off the floor and pressing to replicate moving objects of all kinds at all speeds.

Box Step-ups and Box Jumps Full body step pattern that adds an explosive and force absorption element.

Sled Pulling and Pushing Pushing and pulling objects using your entire body to create momentum challenges structural integrity and increases your total body capacity.

Burpees (You knew they were coming…) Nothing like getting up and down off the floor for total mobility and strength!

Rob Lee (NZ)

Rob Lee is the Technical Consultant for LES MILLS GRIT™, LES MILLS TONE™, Les Mills Ceremony and Les Mills Conquer. He is an internationally experienced physiotherapist, having worked in professional sports, private practice, and many high-performance training environments.  Combined with his competitive training background, Rob has a passion for creating effective exercise to benefit people’s health, no matter their ability . One of his favorite things about working with Les Mills is being part of the process that influences people’s lives through exercise on a global scale. He adds: "With the right environment, program, and guidance, people will always achieve more than they think they’re capable of.”

Chris Gagliardi (US)

Chris Gagliardi is the Scientific Education Content Manager for ACE (American Council on Exercise). He's an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Health Coach, Group Fitness Instructor, and Medical Exercise Specialist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, NBHWC certified NBC-HWC, and NASM Certified Personal Trainer who loves to share his enthusiasm for fitness with others and is committed to lifelong learning. He holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from San Diego State University, a master’s degree in kinesiology from A.T. Still University, and a certificate in orthotics from Northwestern University Fienberg School of Medicine.

Chris Wright (UK)

Chris Wright is the Head of Strength and Conditioning for Loughborough University. He is a UKSCA accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach whose career incorporates extensive experience overseeing the design, implementation and monitoring of tailored strength and conditioning programs. Combining expertise across areas of fitness coaching, strength and conditioning and performance monitoring, Chris plays a key role in optimising physiological output, rehabilitation and injury prevention for athletes competing in a high-performance environment. Over the past decade, Chris has worked with a variety of athletes, ranging from youth development all the way through to full internationals, both in the UK and overseas.

Kenta Seki (US)

Kenta Seki is a health and fitness Trainer based in Los Angeles. He is a Reebok Sponsored Athlete, a Fitness and Nutrition Trainer for GNC, and lead trainer for the fitness app FitOn.

Glen Ostergaard (NZ)

Glen Ostergaard was born with a love of fitness. Before he even entered this world, his father was lifting weights in an old garage with his friends. As Glen grew up he spent hours watching his dad and his mates training, and he knew he wanted to follow in those footsteps. At 16 his father gave him his first training program: three times ten reps of all the basic exercises. From there Glen moved into competitive bodybuilding, before progressing to powerlifting and CrossFit. He is based in Auckland, New Zealand, where he is Program Director for BODYPUMP, RPM™ and LES MILLS SPRINT™.

Instructor News

Explore all
Morning Teaching vs Evening Teaching

Morning Teaching vs Evening Teaching

New research debunks myths and reveals surprising findings.

Morning Teaching vs Evening Teaching
Pass the Mic: Fraser Beck

Pass the Mic: Fraser Beck

Les Mills’ mind-body guru answers your questions.

Pass the Mic: Fraser Beck
LES MILLS LIVE STOCKHOLM Electrifies Avicii Arena

LES MILLS LIVE STOCKHOLM Electrifies Avicii Arena

1 million goosebumps. 1,900 participants. 34 classes. 1 epic event.

LES MILLS LIVE STOCKHOLM Electrifies Avicii Arena
Ready For The Dance Revolution?

Ready For The Dance Revolution?

Discover what it takes and why the rewards are like no other.

Ready For The Dance Revolution?
Adidas and Les Mills Make Fitness History

Adidas and Les Mills Make Fitness History

Adidas and Les Mills Make Fitness History: Break World Record

Adidas and Les Mills Make Fitness History
Khiran Huston on motivation

Khiran Huston on motivation

Les Mills Ambassador Khiran Huston shares how to create motivation for the people in front of you.

Khiran Huston on motivation
GET READY FOR ACTION

GET READY FOR ACTION

Check out what’s in store in the next releases.

GET READY FOR ACTION
Functional Strength research

Functional Strength research

The innovative strength training workout that improves power and performance and boosts your mood.

Functional Strength research
Q121 Release

Q121 Release

Discover the highlights of the Q121 releases, including BODYCOMBAT 86 and BODYPUMP 116.

Q121 Release
“Everyone deserves to become the best version of themselves”

“Everyone deserves to become the best version of themselves”

The Fitness Industry is an industry of motivation.

“Everyone deserves to become the best version of themselves”
Forever Dancing – Dorotka’s Dance Story

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.

Forever Dancing – Dorotka’s Dance Story
Q2’23 Releases

Q2’23 Releases

BODYBALANCE is 100 and exciting changes to BODYSTEP!

Q2’23 Releases
The Real Meaning Of Being strong

The Real Meaning Of Being strong

This inspiring Instructor explains how she overcame self-hatred and an eating disorder, by finding a workout she loved, and a new career in fitness.

The Real Meaning Of Being strong
Instructor Coaches - Supporting Les Mills Instructors Succeed

Instructor Coaches - Supporting Les Mills Instructors Succeed

Instructor Coaches - Supporting Les Mills Instructors Succeed

Instructor Coaches - Supporting Les Mills Instructors Succeed
International Women's Day 2023 Inspiring Women of Les Mills Nordic

International Women's Day 2023 Inspiring Women of Les Mills Nordic

We asked four women of Les Mills Nordic about diversity, inclusion, equity, and their message on International Women’s Day.

International Women's Day 2023 Inspiring Women of Les Mills Nordic
We're Listening To Your feedback

We're Listening To Your feedback

Learn about the actions Les Mills has taken in response to Instructor feedback around choreography notes, diversity and inclusion, and new releases.

We're Listening To Your feedback
Nordic Superstars - Filming the Q2 Masterclasses

Nordic Superstars - Filming the Q2 Masterclasses

An inside look at filming the Q2 releases in New Zealand

Nordic Superstars - Filming the Q2 Masterclasses
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

Keeping fit and staying motivated is a family affair for lots of Les Mills Instructors – Learn More.

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
The first Nordic Les Mills Strength Development Instructors are here

The first Nordic Les Mills Strength Development Instructors are here

The first Nordic Les Mills Strength Development Instructors are here

The first Nordic Les Mills Strength Development Instructors are here
Les Mills TONE - TRAINING FOR LONGEVITY

Les Mills TONE - TRAINING FOR LONGEVITY

Les Mills TONE - TRAINING FOR LONGEVITY

Les Mills TONE - TRAINING FOR LONGEVITY
How did you end up being an instructor

How did you end up being an instructor

How did you end up being an instructor?

How did you end up being an instructor
Family, Fitness and Innovation: The GOGO Story

Family, Fitness and Innovation: The GOGO Story

Family, Fitness and Innovation: The GOGO Story

Family, Fitness and Innovation: The GOGO Story
Why THE TRIP is More Than a Workout

Why THE TRIP is More Than a Workout

Why THE TRIP is More Than a Workout – 10 Years of Success at SATS Stureplan

Why THE TRIP is More Than a Workout
Winning Yourself Is the Most Meaningful Achievement – Elena’s Superstar Journey

Winning Yourself Is the Most Meaningful Achievement – Elena’s Superstar Journey

LES MILLS NORDIC SUPERSTAR 2025 winner interview

Winning Yourself Is the Most Meaningful Achievement – Elena’s Superstar Journey
LES MILLS SUPERSTAR Winners throughout the years

LES MILLS SUPERSTAR Winners throughout the years

LES MILLS SUPERSTAR Winners throughout the years

LES MILLS SUPERSTAR Winners throughout the years
Got An Issue With Knee Valgus?

Got An Issue With Knee Valgus?

Knee valgus is a common issue that results in knee, ankle and hip discomfort. Find out if you’re at risk, and what you can do about it.

Got An Issue With Knee Valgus?
International Women’s Day: Breaking The Bias In Fitness

International Women’s Day: Breaking The Bias In Fitness

Three inspiring women share how they are standing up against bias and discrimination in the fitness industry.

International Women’s Day: Breaking The Bias In Fitness
How much HIIT Should You recommend

How much HIIT Should You recommend

Ground-breaking research shows the optimum amount of high-intensity interval training we should be recommending for maximum results – Learn More.

How much HIIT Should You recommend
How To Make Your Class Unmissable

How To Make Your Class Unmissable

Top Instructors share their tips to packing out the studio, every time.

How To Make Your Class Unmissable
You Define Your Success

You Define Your Success

Learn about Les Mills’ new Advanced Training course for instructors. How it will help you fill your classes and keep teaching for years to come.

You Define Your Success
 Working To Get You Back In The Studio

Working To Get You Back In The Studio

Answers from the Les Mills leadership team on clubs and Instructor opportunities.

Working To Get You Back In The Studio
Healthy Alcohol

Healthy Alcohol

Is alcohol really toxic? Will wine help you live longer? What’s the healthiest tipple? And how can you survive party season in good health?

Healthy Alcohol
60 seconds with Erin Maw

60 seconds with Erin Maw

The queen of HIIT answers quick-fire questions!

60 seconds with Erin Maw
6 ways to retain new members

6 ways to retain new members

Find out how to convert your new person into your front row regular.

6 ways to retain new members
Rach On Building Confidence As An Instructor

Rach On Building Confidence As An Instructor

Superstar BODYCOMBAT choreographer Rachael Newsham shares how to find your uniqueness as an Instructor, and why there’s a place for everyone on the timetable.

Rach On Building Confidence As An Instructor
Your Top 10 articles from 2022

Your Top 10 articles from 2022

Discover what kind of recovery your body actually needs, how a BODYCOMBAT release is created, plus Kylie Gates’ views on becoming an “older” Instructor.

Your Top 10 articles from 2022
How To Rock Smaller Class Numbers

How To Rock Smaller Class Numbers

Instructors from around the world share their tips to rock the stage when the class numbers are lower than we’d like.

How To Rock Smaller Class Numbers
Q4’22 Releases

Q4’22 Releases

Program Directors and presenters share the challenges and highlights of filming Q4'22 releases, including the latest BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT and RPM workouts.

Q4’22 Releases
THE UNITED RELEASES

THE UNITED RELEASES

Check out what’s in store in these very special releases, created and filmed during lockdown in New Zealand.

THE UNITED RELEASES
How The Very Best Handle Competition

How The Very Best Handle Competition

Kylie Gates, Erin Maw and other legends share how they handle the competitive side of group fitness.

How The Very Best Handle Competition
HOW THE “HOLOGRAM RELEASES” WERE CREATED

HOW THE “HOLOGRAM RELEASES” WERE CREATED

Learn how the Les Mills filming team were able to bring global presenters to life in BODYPUMP, BODYATTACK, BODYBALANCE/BODYFLOW, RPM and BODYCOMBAT.

HOW THE “HOLOGRAM RELEASES” WERE CREATED
Group Fitness Manager Insights

Group Fitness Manager Insights

Group Fitness Managers explain how they make decisions around exercise timetables and how to be a rock star Instructor.

Group Fitness Manager Insights
YOUR NEW RELEASES ARE ON THEIR WAY…

YOUR NEW RELEASES ARE ON THEIR WAY…

Check out what’s in store in the next releases.

YOUR NEW RELEASES ARE ON THEIR WAY…
INCOMING: THE ‘STRONGER’ RELEASES

INCOMING: THE ‘STRONGER’ RELEASES

Discover what’s to love about the new Les Mills releases, including BODYPUMP 119, BODYCOMBAT 89, BODYBALANCE 94 and RPM 92.

INCOMING: THE ‘STRONGER’ RELEASES
Get your pre-holiday HIIT

Get your pre-holiday HIIT

Discover how HIIT can get you fit and strong fast and help you maintain your gains for longer – even when you take a break from exercise.

Get your pre-holiday HIIT
The HIIT List

The HIIT List

Research shows how high-intensity interval training can protect you from cancer, halt aging, help you live longer, target fat and make you happy.

The HIIT List
Get your pre-holiday HIIT

Get your pre-holiday HIIT

Discover how HIIT can get you fit and strong fast and help you maintain your gains for longer – even when you take a break from exercise.

Get your pre-holiday HIIT
Meet Iman

Meet Iman

Les Mills Middle East Trainer and Presenter started career as a tennis player and now teaches group fitness

Meet Iman
Get Ready For Action

Get Ready For Action

Check out what’s in store in the next releases.

Get Ready For Action
Prepare for success!

Prepare for success!

Tips for training success

Prepare for success!
New Study Reveals The Secret To Staying Fit For Life

New Study Reveals The Secret To Staying Fit For Life

Exercise experts have cracked part of the code to exercise motivation and revealed the secret to staying fit for life.

New Study Reveals The Secret To Staying Fit For Life
BODYJAM 100

BODYJAM 100

Gandalf Archer Mills shares the history of the program, and what’s special about the 100th release.

BODYJAM 100
Meet the Saudi Women Putting their Country on the Fitness Map

Meet the Saudi Women Putting their Country on the Fitness Map

Meet the Saudi Women Putting their Country on the Fitness Map

Meet the Saudi Women Putting their Country on the Fitness Map
Meet Anna

Meet Anna

Les Mills Middle East Trainer talks about her career in fitness

Meet Anna
Meet Desmond

Meet Desmond

Meet Desmond, from BODYCOMBAT to BORN TO MOVE

Meet Desmond
FRONT SQUATS AND CALF RAISES

FRONT SQUATS AND CALF RAISES

Discover how the front squat and calf raises in BODYPUMP 118 can improve core strength, mobility, and prevent lower back pain.

FRONT SQUATS AND CALF RAISES
Interview With Caley Jack

Interview With Caley Jack

Global brand ambassador Caley Jack opens up on limiting beliefs, community, and how to keep progressing as an Instructor.

Interview With Caley Jack
Introducing Fiona

Introducing Fiona

Les Mills UK Group Fitness Trainer Fransisca tells us about development and her instructor journey

Introducing Fiona
THE LIFE OF AN INSTRUCTOR IN MEMES

THE LIFE OF AN INSTRUCTOR IN MEMES

Memes that most accurately express innermost Instructor thoughts on teaching, sleeping and remembering choreography!

THE LIFE OF AN INSTRUCTOR IN MEMES
Meet Marc

Meet Marc

Meet Les Mills UK Head Trainer of Dubai and Middle East

Meet Marc
Q3'23 Release highlights

Q3'23 Release highlights

Glen Ostergaard, Lisa Osborne, and others reveal their highlights of the new Les Mills releases.

Q3'23 Release highlights
Your Pride Stories

Your Pride Stories

Les Mills Instructors from the LGBTTQIA+ community share how they found their home in the group fitness studio.

Your Pride Stories
Wellness coaching with Kylie Gates

Wellness coaching with Kylie Gates

Discover wellness coaching and how it can help you to create the life you really want.

Wellness coaching with Kylie Gates
TRAINING FOR YOUR CYCLE

TRAINING FOR YOUR CYCLE

Learn the different phases of your menstrual cycle and the types of physical activity and exercise that is best during each stage of your period.

TRAINING FOR YOUR CYCLE
Steve Tansey shares tips

Steve Tansey shares tips

Les Mills Trainer, fitness professional and martial arts experts shares his tips for staying ahead in the fitness industry.

Steve Tansey shares tips
Rachael Newsham's filming diary

Rachael Newsham's filming diary

Program Director Rachael Newsham shares her experience of filming BODYCOMBAT 87 with Dan Cohen in New Zealand's South Island.

Rachael Newsham's filming diary
Rachael Newsham Talks Mental Health

Rachael Newsham Talks Mental Health

BODYCOMBAT Program Director Rachael Newsham opens up on facing challenging thoughts and how she builds and maintains mental wellness.

Rachael Newsham Talks Mental Health
Quick-fire questions with Rachael Newsham

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!

Quick-fire questions with Rachael Newsham
Q4'20 Releases

Q4'20 Releases

Discover the highlights of the Q420 releases, including BODYCOMBAT 85 and BODYPUMP 115.

Q4'20 Releases
From Front Row Fan To Masterclass Presenter

From Front Row Fan To Masterclass Presenter

BODYATTACK participant Camilo Echavarria Benitez shares how it felt to be selected by Lisa Osborne to present on Release 117.

From Front Row Fan To Masterclass Presenter
Q’3’22 Releases Are Lit!

Q’3’22 Releases Are Lit!

Program Directors and presenters share the challenges and highlights of filming Q3'22 releases, including the latest BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT and RPM workouts.

Q’3’22 Releases Are Lit!
Q3'21 Release: The 'Unstoppable' Releases

Q3'21 Release: The 'Unstoppable' Releases

Discover what’s to love about the new Les Mills releases including BODYPUMP 118, BODYCOMBAT 88 and BODYBALANCE/BODYFLOW 93.

Q3'21 Release: The 'Unstoppable' Releases
Pride Program Playlists

Pride Program Playlists

Discover Instructor top picks for Pride-themed Les Mills classes, including BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT and BODYATTACK!

Pride Program Playlists
No time for illness – Erica’s story

No time for illness – Erica’s story

The inspirational story of how Les Mills group fitness programs helped one cancer survivor. Read Erica’s story.

No time for illness – Erica’s story
New sound for LES MILLS SPRINT

New sound for LES MILLS SPRINT

Program Director Glen Ostergaard explains the changes to the music in LES MILLS SPRINT 29.

New sound for LES MILLS SPRINT
Meet Trainer Shey

Meet Trainer Shey

Les Mills Trainer and former ballet dancer shares her career with us

Meet Trainer Shey
Meet Bram

Meet Bram

Les Mills UK Trainer Bram talks about his career in fitness

Meet Bram
Meet some of the Assessor Team

Meet some of the Assessor Team

Les Mills Assessors help to deliver the highest standard in group fitness coaching. They support Instructors to achieve their certification by giving valuable and constructive feedback on their teaching. But they are also much more than this! Often their journey to becoming an Assessor is a really interesting one, or their most rewarding part of the job often surprising. We thought we would put faces to some of the names and reveal more about our fantastic team of Assessors…

Meet some of the Assessor Team
Meet Phil

Meet Phil

We caught up with Les Mills Trainer & Regional Training Coordinator

Meet Phil
Fun loving, smoothie addict!

Fun loving, smoothie addict!

Les Mills UK Presenter talks about her group fitness journey and making the Les Mills Training Team

Fun loving, smoothie addict!
HOW LES MILLS CONNECT HELPED ME FIND WORK

HOW LES MILLS CONNECT HELPED ME FIND WORK

Two Instructors share how Les Mills Connect took the hassle out of finding new classes to teach.

HOW LES MILLS CONNECT HELPED ME FIND WORK
Meet Marcus

Meet Marcus

Les Mills catch up with UK Trainer Marcus Benson

Meet Marcus
Masterclass filming Uncovered

Masterclass filming Uncovered

Producer Ross Peebles on how we film Masterclass videos.

Masterclass filming Uncovered
Marlon’s Journey

Marlon’s Journey

Les Mills Ambassador Marlon Woods has pushed through a bankruptcy, overcome depression, served his country in the military, and worked on Capitol Hill. Watch his incredible journey to becoming a master group fitness Instructor.

Marlon’s Journey
Lisa Osborne: "Adapt, React, Then Get On With It"

Lisa Osborne: "Adapt, React, Then Get On With It"

In part two of Lisa Osborne’s road to recovery, learn how she is feeling post-surgery and her motivation for recovery.

Lisa Osborne: "Adapt, React, Then Get On With It"
Lisa Osborne: "I Want To Inspire Instructors To Inspire Their Members"

Lisa Osborne: "I Want To Inspire Instructors To Inspire Their Members"

In this first part of our three-part story, Lisa opens up about her secrets to staying motivated and how important it is to show empathy with our members – wherever they are on their fitness journey.

Lisa Osborne: "I Want To Inspire Instructors To Inspire Their Members"
Libby Benson-Day Trainer profile

Libby Benson-Day Trainer profile

Meet Les Mills UK Head Trainer of Dubai and Middle East

Libby Benson-Day Trainer profile
CIMSPA and Les Mills partner

CIMSPA and Les Mills partner

CIMSPA celebrate major new partnership with group exercise specialists Les Mills

CIMSPA and Les Mills partner
Why do I need insurance?

Why do I need insurance?

Comprehensive insurance for group fitness instructors

Why do I need insurance?
BODYPUMP UK 100 finalists

BODYPUMP UK 100 finalists

Meet proud Les Mills BODYPUMP UK finalists Alexandra Williams and Julie Metcalfe

BODYPUMP UK 100 finalists
Introducing Les Mils Wellness

Introducing Les Mils Wellness

Learn about LES MILLS Wellness, a life-changing new series of breath training, yin yoga and meditation sessions developed with Diana Archer Mills and a team of wellness experts.

Introducing Les Mils Wellness
We caught up with Head Trainer Sarah about LES MILLS TONE

We caught up with Head Trainer Sarah about LES MILLS TONE

We caught up with Head Trainer Sarah about LES MILLS TONE

We caught up with Head Trainer Sarah about LES MILLS TONE
Four Reasons Why Les Mills+ Benefits Instructors

Four Reasons Why Les Mills+ Benefits Instructors

We explore how Instructors can use LES MILLS+ to supplement their own training.

Four Reasons Why Les Mills+ Benefits Instructors
Les Mills Music Uncovered

Les Mills Music Uncovered

We find out exactly what goes into licensing the music for each release.

Les Mills Music Uncovered
Could Les Mills Core Be The Answer To Lower Back Pain?

Could Les Mills Core Be The Answer To Lower Back Pain?

New research suggests core targeted workouts could be the antidote to lower back pain caused by sedentary modern lifestyles.

Could Les Mills Core Be The Answer To Lower Back Pain?
How Les Mills Africa Can #BREAKTHEBIAS

How Les Mills Africa Can #BREAKTHEBIAS

Denice Burr, Lula Slaughter, Dr Deidre Douglas and Nichola Smiles share how Les Mills Africa is helping women to step into the fitness spotlight.

How Les Mills Africa Can #BREAKTHEBIAS
Les Mills Qualifications: The Secret To Improving Your Teaching

Les Mills Qualifications: The Secret To Improving Your Teaching

Japanese Trainer Kenshin Tani shares how he became the first person in the world to achieve LMQ Level 10 in LES MILLS GRIT.

Les Mills Qualifications: The Secret To Improving Your Teaching
Kaylas Story

Kaylas Story

Kayla Atkins-Gordine shares her very personal experience of mental distress.

Kaylas Story
Les Mills Women On Their Role Models

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.

Les Mills Women On Their Role Models
How to stay injury-free

How to stay injury-free

Steve Tansey on how to minimize risk of injury to ensure longevity in our teaching careers.

How to stay injury-free