Les Mills workout classes offer a diverse range of exercise options designed to challenge and motivate participants at all fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer, these group fitness classes can be a great way to achieve your workout goals. If you think you’d enjoy a workout class with upbeat music, encouraging instructors, and a variety of movements, take a moment to learn all about Les Mills workouts!
What Are Les Mills Classes?
Les Mills programs are internationally recognized group exercise classes that blend music, movement, and science-based insights to deliver an exceptional workout experience. These classes create a unique environment where people come together to harness the power of group fitness, helping each individual achieve better results.
Each Les Mills class is designed to integrate the latest exercise trends and technology, making your workout both fresh and engaging. With a variety of styles and intensity levels, there’s a Les Mills class for everyone, no matter your fitness goals.
Where Does Les Mills Get Its Name From?
Les Mills takes its name from its founder, Les Mills, a four-time Olympian from New Zealand. In 1968, Les Mills opened his first gym in Auckland, offering basic strength and cardio training for a small group of athletes. Les Mills’ son, Phillip, joined the family business in the 1980s and helped revolutionize the fitness industry.
After witnessing the rise of aerobics, Phillip began to develop group workouts set to the rhythm of modern music. In 1990, he introduced Les Mills BODYPUMP, a groundbreaking workout that combined weightlifting with high-energy music. This innovation sparked the growth of Les Mills programs, with over 20,000 clubs around the world now offering them.
The 21 Types of Les Mills Classes
Les Mills offers a broad range of fitness programs, each tailored to different fitness goals, age ranges, and time constraints. Whether you’re looking for strength training, cardio, flexibility exercises, or a combination of all three, Les Mills has a class to suit your needs. While you look for a class that’s right for your fitness goals, review the 21 classes Les Mills offers below:
Cardio
LES MILLS BODYCOMBAT
A non-contact martial arts-inspired class that uses moves from Karate, Boxing, Muay Thai, and more. You’ll burn up to 740 calories while punching and kicking your way to fitness.
LES MILLS BODYJAM
A high-energy dance-based class that blends multiple styles of electronic dance music, providing a fun way to burn calories and build cardio fitness.
LES MILLS DANCE
A 45-minute dance workout that includes new choreography in each class, focusing on technique and rhythm while offering a challenging cardio workout.
THE TRIP
A 40-minute cycling class that immerses participants in a digital world for a truly unique and motivating cardio experience.
LES MILLS SPRINT
A HIIT cycling workout that combines short bursts of intense effort with recovery periods, providing an effective way to improve fitness and burn calories.
LES MILLS RPM
A low-impact cycling class that simulates climbs and sprints, helping participants burn up to 675 calories per session while improving cardiovascular fitness.
LES MILLS BODYATTACK
A high-intensity workout designed to improve stamina, coordination, and agility through a combination of athletic movements and strength exercises.
LES MILLS BODYSTEP
A cardio workout that uses stepping exercises to strengthen the lower body while boosting overall cardiovascular health.
BORN TO MOVE
A program designed for children and teens that fosters a lifelong love of fitness through fun, age-appropriate workouts.
Strength Training
LES MILLS BODYPUMP
A full-body workout using light to moderate weights with high repetitions to tone and sculpt muscles. This class burns up to 540 calories and is available in 55, 45, or 30-minute durations.
LES MILLS STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT
A group training class focused on slow, controlled movements, functional exercises, and dynamic core training to boost strength and athleticism.
LES MILLS FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH
This full-body workout combines tempo-focused compound movements with unilateral exercises to improve coordination, stability, and strength symmetry.
LES MILLS CONQUER
A high-energy boxing-inspired workout that combines treadmill running, punching, and resistance exercises to build fitness and athleticism.
LES MILLS PILATES
A Pilates class designed to improve strength, mobility, and posture, ideal for all fitness levels.
LES MILLS SHAPES
A dynamic full-body workout that isolates and strengthens muscles through small, controlled movements, focusing on core strength and flexibility.
LES MILLS CORE
A 30- or 45-minute workout designed to improve core strength and muscle tone, helping to enhance overall fitness.
Both Cardio and Strength
LES MILLS BODYBALANCE
A blend of yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates movements that improves flexibility, balance, and relaxation. Set to soothing music, this class is designed to calm the mind while strengthening the body.
LES MILLS GRIT
A 30-minute HIIT workout that targets strength, cardiovascular fitness, and muscle development. It uses barbells, weight plates, and bodyweight exercises for a total-body workout.
LES MILLS CORE
A 30- or 45-minute workout designed to improve core strength and muscle tone, helping to enhance overall fitness.
LES MILLS TONE
A combination of strength, cardio, and core training that helps improve overall functional fitness, energy levels, flexibility, and balance.
LES MILLS THRIVE
A low-impact workout focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance. It's ideal for those seeking a fitness routine that can support a long and healthy life.
LES MILLS CEREMONY
A functional resistance workout that combines strength and cardio exercises to challenge multiple muscle groups and enhance endurance.
Are Les Mills Classes Good for Beginners?
Les Mills classes are a great fit for beginners. Many classes are designed to be easy to follow, with clear instructions and modifications to suit all fitness levels. The motivating instructors create an inclusive environment, helping you build confidence while progressing at your own pace.
Here are three Les Mills classes that are ideal for beginners:
RPM
This cycling class doesn’t require prior cycling experience. It’s simple to follow—just hop on the bike and pedal. The instructor leads you through basic cycling stances, and you control the intensity and resistance, allowing you to customize your workout.
BODYPUMP
A barbell workout focused on high repetitions with light to moderate weights. BODYPUMP is accessible for beginners, with options to adjust the weight for your level.
Les Mills Core
This class focuses on core strength, with the option for beginners to solely use their bodyweight rather than resistance bands or weights during the exercise. Instructors also provide clear instructions throughout to help beginners maintain proper form.
Les Mills OnDemand
Les Mills On Demand gives you access to a variety of classes from the comfort of your home. For beginners, this is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the moves and build confidence before attending a class at the gym.
What Are the Benefits of Les Mills Classes?
Les Mills classes offer numerous benefits, ranging from improved cardiovascular health and reduced body fat to better muscle tone and increased flexibility. Depending on the class you choose, you can target specific fitness goals and achieve noticeable results. Below are some of the key benefits of Les Mills classes:
- Burn calories and reduce body fat
- Improve muscle tone and strength
- Boost overall fitness and metabolism
- Increase flexibility and agility
- Build stronger muscles and bones
- Enhance energy levels and stamina
- Improve endurance and reduce the risk of osteoporosis
How Do Les Mills Classes Compare to Other Workout Classes?
Les Mills classes stand out from many group fitness classes due to their scientific backing, wide variety of workouts, and minimal equipment requirements. Learn more about how Les Mills classes separate themselves from other exercise programs below:
- Scientifically Backed: Les Mills invests heavily in research to ensure that their programs are safe, effective, and supported by evidence. Their workouts are developed in collaboration with internationally renowned research teams.
- Wide Variety: While many fitness programs specialize in one type of training, Les Mills offers an exceptional variety of classes, including HIIT, cycling, strength training, and dance, so you can meet all your fitness needs.
- No Need for Equipment: Les Mills On Demand classes often require just your bodyweight or household items, eliminating the need for specialized equipment. For in-person classes, the necessary equipment is usually provided by the gym.
- Synchronized Movements: Les Mills focuses on helping members synchronize their movements with the entire class. This synchronization enhances motivation, makes the workout more enjoyable, and helps you push yourself harder.
- Consistently Refreshed Routines: The pre-choreographed routines are updated regularly to keep things fresh and exciting, ensuring that instructors can deliver effective, easy-to-follow workouts.
Sign Up for a Les Mills Class in New Mexico
If you’re looking for a gym that offers Les Mills classes in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Farmington, or Rio Rancho, NM, Defined Fitness has you covered. At Defined Fitness, our locations offer over 60 different classes, with Les Mills at the core of our offerings. Some of our most popular Les Mills classes include BodyCombat, BodyJam, BodyPump, BodyStep, Grit, and RPM. Whether you want to burn fat, strengthen your core, or get a heart-pumping cardio workout in, you’ll want to sign up for one of our Les Mills classes!
Review our full selection of classes at one of our locations in New Mexico today!
