Les Mills Logo
star star star star star_border

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: February 17th, 2021

Originally from New Zealand, Les Mills was an Olympic athlete in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1968, near the end of his competitive track and field career, he and his wife opened a gym in their home country, utilizing many of the training and fitness techniques Les used during competition. In the 1980s, Les's son, Phillip started the Les Mills program in U.S. gyms. The program gained in popularity and is now used in more than 15,000 gyms in more than 80 countries around the globe. Today, Les Mills is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and is one of the most popular workout programs in the industry.

Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of joining Les Mills.

Top Ranked Companies

thumb_up

The Good

  • Accessibility and Flexibility
  • Additional Program Resources
  • Valuable Partner Opportunity 
  • Free 14-Day Trial
  • On-Demand Workouts 
  • Youth Classes

Accessibility and flexibility

Accessibility and flexibility is a major benefit of the Les Mills program; it's available in more than 20,000 clubs and gyms and more than 100 other countries across the globe. More than 100,000 certified instructors lead the classes at some of the most popular gym networks in the world, including Powerhouse Gym and 24-Hour Fitness.

A bevy of Les Mills classes are available to meet your personal fitness goals and workout preferences. Series like Body pump and CXworx focus on strengthening muscles through repetition to build a lean, strong body. If you like a high-energy, cardio-based workout, try Body combat, Body attack or Body step. If you prefer to burn calories during a dance class, try Sh'bam or Bodyjam. If you're a cycling enthusiast, try RPM. Or take a Bodyvive class for an equal mix of strength training, core exercises, and cardio.

Les Mills instructors are certified to ensure that their classes are both safe and effective, and many participate in follow-up programs to continue to develop and learn new fitness techniques.

To keep workouts fresh and challenging, the class programs are updated with new choreography and music every three months. Instructors also receive educational updates on the same timeline, which helps them stay up to date with the latest knowledge in the fitness industry.

Additional Program Resources

Nutrition and healthy eating is part of the Les Mills program — nutrition information, advice, and recipes are available in both the Knowledge and Newsfeed sections of the site. Les Mills has also published a book titled "Fighting Globesity," which details strategies to help you become more active, lose weight, and eat healthy.

Les Mills has regional community sections on its website, each including message forums, articles, FAQs, motivational tools, blogs, surveys, research studies, and educational materials. Through these online tools, you can stay motivated by learning more and connecting with others in the Les Mills network.

Valuable Partner Opportunity 

Les Mills partners with gyms around the world to spread its exercise knowledge and technology. If you are interested in a partnership, you can reach out to Les Mills through its online website. The partnership includes some perks that may help you increase attendance at your locations. Benefits include a customer support package, mentoring, certified instructors, outlined fitness classes, and access to online videos. You will also receive marketing materials to attract new customers. 

Free 14-Day Trial 

Finding the right workout regime takes time and experience. Les Mills offers a 14-day trial for its on-demand subscription. You can test out the online classes to see if the Les Mills workout is a good fit for you. Just remember that your account will automatically renew at the end of the 14 days, so cancel in advance if you don’t plan on continuing. 

Les Mills also has about a dozen free workout videos on its Youtube channel. You can try one of these workouts to get a feel for the tempo and structure of the workouts. 

On-Demand Workouts 

Les Mills just recently created on-demand workouts for home users. The on-demand workout program costs $14.99 per month. Customers can lower the subscription cost by committing to a three month or yearly subscription. Choose from a variety of workout classes including dance, yoga, cycling, strength training, and high-intensity interval training. Les Mills also combines workouts tailored to fully-body or specific muscle groups to help you improve your area of focus.

Most workouts are between 15 to 25 minutes, giving you the flexibility to workout wherever and whenever you need to. You can easily incorporate these workouts into a morning or evening routine. 

The on-demand workout subscription provides tutorials for beginners. These tutorials are meant to help members learn the basic moves before moving on to the full-length workouts. If you are new to a home fitness routine, you can start with some beginner workouts. 

Access on-demand classes through the app on your smartphone, tablet, computer, or TV.  You can also view classes through the Les Mills website.

Youth Classes

Les Mills has an on-demand library tailored to kids called Born to Move. These videos are meant to get your kids up and moving while at home. Videos feature kid-friendly music and themes. For example, one video is titled “Move Like the Avengers” and guides children in superhero-related moves. Each Les Mills instructor receives extensive training and must pass the certification process. Classes are tested for safety and fun before being posted. The online videos for children are included in a regular adult subscription. 

thumb_down

The Bad

  • Poor Customer Service
  • Equipment Required for Some Classes 
  • Live Class Recordings

Poor Customer Service 

Multiple customer reviews highlight the poor customer service at Les Mills. Customer complaints include receiving charges after canceling a subscription and having difficulty contacting anyone in customer service. Before signing up, consider how long you plan on sticking with the program. If you are looking for a free trial, you may experience difficulty canceling and avoiding payment. 

Equipment Required for Some Classes 

Some on-demand classes require equipment such as light weights, yoga mats, resistance bands, steps, and a stationary bike. Buying additional equipment can quickly add up making the subscription more expensive than a gym membership. However, Les Mills offers classes that do not require any equipment for those who do not want to make another purchase. You may just not be able to get the full use out of the subscription. 

Live Class Recordings

Online classes usually have an instructor talking directly into the camera. Les Mills on-demand uses class recordings to instruct at-home participants. This can make it a little more difficult to follow because you are more of an observer than a participant. After a while, individuals get used to this style of instruction.

gavel

The Bottom Line

The Les Mills program offers a variety of classes based on an established, accessible workout regimen - not to mention access to a thriving online community and nutrition information. In addition, its quarterly program updates and instructor education offerings demonstrate its ongoing commitment to providing a fresh, safe and effective way to get fit.

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info

3.9

star star star star star_border

54 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

59%

4 grade

15%

3 grade

2%

2 grade

0%

1 grade

24%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star_border star_border star_border

Quality

star star star_half star_border star_border

Service

star star_half star_border star_border star_border

Trustworthiness

star star_half star_border star_border star_border
cancel
info
star star star star star

Annie Buck Colorado Springs, CO

I have been taking Body Pump, Body Combat and Body Step classes for about 2 months through my local Gold's Gym. I love the classes. The instructors constantly check form, and correct us when we're off - which you will miss with a video format. I can think I am doing a move correctly, but without being an expert, I can be wrong. The instructors switch up the routines so they don't get boring. I have made consistent strength gains and I can see the changes in my body. As a 47 year old woman, I know weight training is essential to keeping my bones healthy, and Body Pump is a fun and challenging way of accomplishing that. I am very impressed with the Les Mills classes, and am looking forward to Sh'Bam. coming soon to my gym!

11 years ago

star star star star star

Jessie Palliser Fort Mill, SC

Les Mills Combat Saved My Life. I Joined the Fight to Get Fight and with this I Completely Destroyed my Hypothyroidism because my Metabolism shot through the roof. I lost an incredible 22 Pounds + 29 Inches in just 8 weeks following this Program. I enjoyed the trainers so much that I advanced to Les Mills Pump to join them again and meet the rest of the Pump Team. I got Strong and felt Empowered for the first time in my Adult Life. I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and with that all the associated pain once I picked up that Bar my Fatigue and Pain Vanished. My Fibromyalgia also has Dwindled thanks to Pump. I lost an astonishing 33 Pounds + 55 Inches (55") Following the Les Mills Pump Program. I am a completely different person. I turned my Flab into Fab and feel So Strong. My Nickname is Strong Mommy Ninja all thanks to Les Mills Programs. I give it the highest rating on the scale 10! I encourage anyone suffering from issues that make weight loss and finding muscle definition virtually impossible to give Les Mills a try. You will not be dissappointed. By following Les Mills to a T - I became a Beachbody Challenge Winner so far I've won $2,500 for completely transforming my life. And I'm currently up for voting for the Beachbody Challenge Quarterly Prize of $5,000. And I owe all my success and my Personal Drive to Inspire and Motivate by Paying it Forward to Les Mills!

11 years ago

star star star star star

Geralyn Carlsbad, CA

For 10 years I've been taking several Les Mills classes consistently, usually 2-3x/week each (Body Pump, Body Combat, Body Flow, CX Works (started later)). The programs are well-choreographed to provide a consistently balanced and challenging work out. You never have to be unsure of the quality of the class that you are taking because the instructors follow the choreographed class. You are also not at the "whim" of how an instructor feels that day, or what they might want to do. Quality and consistency are of the utmost importance. Also highly significant, new "launches" are released quarterly, and instructors follow the new choreography for about a month, and then mix in older tracks to keep it fresh and to continually challenge your body. The music is also great! There is a great variety and it's motivating. I can't say enough good things about Les Mills programs, except I don't have enough time for more classes!! I can't imagine taking any other classes or working out with gym equipment. There is nothing better.

11 years ago

star star star star star

Lisa Newnan, GA

My husband and I started the in-home version of Les Mills Body Pump sold by BeachBody. We loved it. I looked forward to working out every day to this program because the leaders are entertaining, constantly encouraging, they do it with you and I love their accents!! Now, every time I hear those songs on the radio I want to start working out! My daughter is doing the program now and is one her second round through! I love their warm up and their cool down....most thorough I've had yet!

11 years ago

star star star star star

John Bommarito Henderson, NV

The Les Mills series of fitness classes are an excellent way to access the very best training routines at a local level. The instructors are all disciplined and superb at what they do. An average person can get a full body workout in a one-hour Body Pump class. Body Flow provides the perfect complement to Body Pump. Taking these two classes 2-3 times per week have made an enormous difference in my muscle strength, health and stamina.

11 years ago

star star star star star

Julie Nurenberg Grand Rapids, MI

I am a Beachbody Coach. I got started with the Les Mills products. These are by far my favorite workouts! I've done other home workouts and got bored. But Les Mills keeps me pumped up. I have Pump & Combat. I have so much fun doing these workouts, I often don't feel like I'm working out (especially with Combat). I would recommend Les Mills to anyone (which I have).

11 years ago

star star star star star

Rachel Gridley-Waters Marysville, WA

Bodypump is amazing! I could never motivate myself to stick with weight training of any sort until I found this. It has helped me build and maintain strength, and it's really fun. Each class feels like such an accomplishment.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Linda Rabideau Jacksonville, FL

I take several of the Les Mills classes at my gym and love everyone of them. The music and instructors and doing this with other members is very encouraging and so much fun! It is the first time I have really stuck with a gym membership and lost weight while building muscle and stamina.

11 years ago

star star star star star

Terry Cary, NC

I love the variety of classes that Les Mills offers to help me grow strong in a variety of ways. I average 7+ classes a week and can't get enough! Thank you for all the effort y'all do to make the classes a great experience to help me grow stronger as I grow older <3

11 years ago

star star star star star

Lees Hummel Piscataway, NJ

Les Mills is amazing. Under the "bad" portion they mentioned that only instructors can purchase the videos to work out from home. That is no longer true. Anyone can purchase Les Mils work outs "on demand" at Les Mills.com. My only regret is that I didn't get certified 10 years ago and I waited too long.

11 years ago

star star star star star

Megan Post Clarks Summit, PA

Was personally the best program I have ever completed and inspired me to join martial arts and start training Jiu Jitsu 2-3 times a week as well as to become a certified personal trainer... I couldn't recommend it more Highly ...

11 years ago

star star star star star

Omar Raudez Pocatello, ID

Ever since introduced to Les Mills and now teaching Body Pump it has become my new passion. Very organized training, and the trainers believe in their product. This is a very motivational company that brings the best in people and the motivation is contagious.

11 years ago

star star star star star

Tammy Valero Pittsburgh, PA

I love Les Mills! Bodyjam is my favorite program. The reason you don't just find these videos out there is because you are supposed to be taking classes from trained professionals. They spend a lot of time and money getting trained to do these classes in a professional club/gym environment. Enjoy! I give them 5 stars!

11 years ago

star star star star star

DJ Portage, MI

The very best in group fitness classes. Great energy and music all choreographed to challenge and change you! I am at a gym with extremely good instructors that bring solid knowledge of what each program offers, are high energy and very motivated. They offer Pump, Combat, Step, Attack, Flow, GRIT, RPM and CXWorks.

11 years ago

star star star star star

Shirley Ann Fredericksburg, VA

The Les Mills instructors I know are the best! They will take the time to show you what you don't understand. I love the program. I take CXWorx, Combat, Pump, Vive, Flow, RPM. I am familiar with Step and Attack but they are too hard on my knees.

11 years ago

star star star star star

Kitsy Powers Bridges Mobile, AL

I was so hooked on BodyPump when they brought it into my gym that 6 months later I got my certification to teach the class. I taught BodyPump for 10 years and had so much fun!!!

11 years ago

star star star star star

Kim Kelley New Braunfels, TX

Les Mills DVD sets from BeachBody are awesome. Muscles guaranteed, even if you slack off & do 2-3 X per week. Wish they didn't part ways. Will be mixing this up with my routines the rest of my life. LOVE THIS!

11 years ago

star star star star star

Lyndon Hayward, CA

I've been doing BodyAttack, Bodypump,CXWORX. for about 2 years. These program really are amazing they can be challenging at times. They worked your core and build good endurance and stamina.

11 years ago

star star star star star

Laura Kickbox Kraft Portland, OR

I love all of Les Mills' formats! I only wish we could get Power Jump in the US, as that is my favorite format of all. Any chance we can popularize urban rebounding here? Great low impact leg work and cardio!

11 years ago

star star star star star

Myra Saugerties, NY

Love my Les Mills Combat that I bought from Beachbody. It is the best overall workout I have ever done. Wish Les Mills' workouts were more accessible even now that he severed ties with Beachbody

11 years ago

star star star star star

Rebecca Cofod Hudson, MA

Great programs! Designed by teams and tested so they offer more than any individual instructor EVER could. Great music, Great Workouts, Great Results!!

11 years ago

star star star star star

Kim Richmond, VA

Great classes - the gym I've been going to actually changed to another class format. I've now joined a different gym to get back into Les Mills Classes......

11 years ago

star star star star star

John Bommarito Las Vegas, NV

Simply the best, most efficient fitness program out there without going to a personal trainer. It's plug & play anywhere in the world.

11 years ago

star star star star star

Jan Harris Rabinowitz Atlanta, GA

Love Les Mills! Since I dropped out of my gym I really miss the fun workouts full of variety - especially Body Pump and Body Step.

11 years ago

star star star star star

Dallin Smith Kaysville, UT

I love the Les Mills Classes at my local Golds Gym! The trainers and the class are awesome. I am really motivated to work out in the Les Mills classes

8 years ago

star star star star star

Melinda Sprueill Laguna Niguel, CA

Les Mills are amazing classes! If you work them, they will work for you! Body Pump, Step, and CX works are the best!

11 years ago

star star star star star

Dawn Bennington, VT

I do Body Pump and Body Combat twice a week and I love them both!

11 years ago

star star star star star

Barbara Mello-Henares Carmel, CA

I enjoy all of LM's programs; the certified instructors at CVAC are great!!!!!

11 years ago

star star star star star

Jerf Poway, CA

Les Mill's programs are all good!

11 years ago

star star star star star

Shirley Seven Valleys, PA

I like all of Les Mills

11 years ago

star star star star star

Kelly Fountain Valley, CA

LOVE Les Mills programs. They are fun and additive.

11 years ago

star star star star star

Michael Ogden, UT

Best classes we especially at golds gym

8 years ago