With classes established in 110 countries around the world, Les Mills is hands down the most popular group fitness programs to date. By using innovative sports science and exemplary coaches, Les Mills has been leading the world of fitness with its innovative classes for over 50 years. What started as a small family gym in Auckland, New Zealand has grown into a phenomenal source that helps people of all ages, and all fitness levels.
Recently, they’ve partnered with Adidas to create the most impactful, interactive fitness experience possible through a tour named The Les Mills Experience. It was no surprise to know they’d be traveling to places such as Finland, Berlin, and Sweden; to many people’s surprise, one of the stops of this blood-pumping tour was right here in Houston, TX. The event, hosted at The Revaire, consisted of 5 of their most on-demand classes in-person; Body Pump, Les Mills Functional Strength, Les Mills Shapes, Les Mills Pilates, and Body Combat 100. Each class sold out within two weeks as followers couldn’t wait to workout with top tier trainers featured on their cinematic videos. Some of the notable presenters include Luca Callini, Bethany Entreken, Sara Gruba, Lula Slaughter, Nichola Smiles, Trae Tripoli, Cesar Vasquez, Dan Maroun, Hope Bowie, Jaime Terrel, Eric Kouka, Casey Lockwood, Lucy Xu, Jaime Terril, Elena Kohler, Katie Kneupper, Gladyss Saenz. A few of these amazing trainers spent time with Texas Trend Magazine to share their stories and experience within such an innovative brand.
The Les Mills experience was a hit from the start. People arrived over an hour early to check in for the first class, Body Pump. Vendors like Stretch Lab and NOCCO were giving attendees samples of their drinks and services. There was a photobooth and shoe stations set up by Adidas where people could take pictures and get custom t-shirts made. Attendees were able to try on a new pair of Dropset 3s for the duration of their class. There was also an interactive station where attendees could try out their virtual reality app on Meta Quest. The high-intensity Body Combat class is already available for download. All the buzz was happening as the crowd grew before the start of class, ending with a countdown for everyone to enter the open floor covered in Les Mill’s unique workout equipment. The energy in the place was contagiously high. People of all shapes, sizes, colors, ages, all came together with a clear common goal of giving it all they’ve got.
Les Mills uses in-depth research to build fun, challenging, effective workouts for every program. Each presenter takes on specialized training that helps them not only learn and complete the 15-60 minute workouts, but also how to engage with those following along in new ways. Host and performer Jaime Terril says that this what keeps Les Mills ahead of the game. Terril has teaches Body Jam, a dance program with phenomenal following. She became certified in 2012, and has filmed the popular cinematic workout videos for Les Mills twice in New Zealand with three body jam releases. She was a Baltimore Ravens cheerleader in college and is forever passionate about her gift. “What’s so beautiful about Les Mills is it’s quality assurance. Our signature programs are limited edition programs with constant growth. Our consumer matrix model puts different personality types into certain programs. Those who like body pump are usually assertive and dominate, whereas people who like Body balance tend to be more introverted quiet and calm. But what I love about these events, are the people who have been here all day, and I can’t believe it, they do every single class and are just beaming throughout it. That’s physically difficult but the collective energy that’s cultivated here just keeps people going.” Cassie Lockwood, also teaches dance and has 12 years of experience on the Les Mills team. Before joining Les Mills, she was a Dance major in college who took Body Jam classes during her time studying exercise science. “I think our research team does a great job of keeping up with fitness trends. And that’s probably my favorite because I went to college for exercise science. So seeing the research that goes into our programs and how we stay current is very cool. We’ve seen changes as the industry changes but the heart of our program has never changed. To inspire others to believe in themselves.”
Bethany Entrekin is one of Les Mills impressive presenters who brought exactly what the people wanted in Body Pump. She first learned of Les Mills as a child, participating in their fitness programs since she was 12 years old. Now she has gone from a participate to one of Les Mills most powerful, and inspiring trainers anyone would love to workout with. Entrekin regularly teaches Body Pump, Body Combat, Pilates and RPM (cardio cycling). Before the Les Mills Experience began, she gave a heads up on the work we had to look forward to. “We’re hoping to leave you walking out with legs shaking. We’ve got quite a few surprises as far as weight selections and different movements and we’ve also got lots of innovations from Les Mills as well. So we’re just really excited to bring the energy today and spread the love of body pump through the room. We’re excited for the collective energy that all of you bring, I hope you leave here on top of the world.” And that she did! Alongside her was another strength training pro, Nichola Smiles, from Ghana. Smiles’s journey began 15 years ago when she first took those very same classes to lose weight. “Body pump is my favorite program because it was my struggle program in the beginning. I didn’t do well in the beginning. It’s my absolute favorite. I teach it from deep down in my heart, because I didn’t do well in the beginning. I focus on how I made it my strongest there’s something about seeing people’s faces makes a connection and that is special to me. When I get to see the impact on someone, have an escape, or get to smile, that’s why I love it so much.” The Les Mills Experience Houston was a rewarding, fulfilling event for all who attended. The audience of participants ranged from beginners who wanted to try something new, to physically fit people who have been strength training for years, and many people in between. Every, single, person, left with bright smiles after enduring challenging workouts, all due to the amazing performers who lead them through great workouts. Les Mills CEO, Sean Turner told Texas Trend Magazine that he considers this Houston event to be a huge success, and encourages everyone to stay connected. “Group training focuses on connection and motivation and delivers on what we know best – that life-changing fitness experiences have the power to inspire our community to be more active. We showcased our newest innovation, LES MILLS PILATES, giving attendees and future instructors a workout that feels familiar, but with some very modern twists. So, while the next tour stop is in Florida, we’ll continue our mission to create a fitter planet across Texas and provide elevated classes in gyms near you.”
