Les Mills classes

Has anyone been to these classes? What should I expect?

All the classes follow the same basic format of having a set routine which you do for about 3 months before it is changed.  This means that you can get used to the moves and put your full effort into them, rather than spending all your time learning the routine.  The instructors are highly qualified and have to go through regular assessments in order to be able to take the class, however there are still some who are much more motivational than others.

The routines are chroeographed by proper fitness experts so they will work all muscle groups and minimise the risk of injury, but of course they are only as good as the individual taking part in the class so listen to what the instructor says if you want to get the most out of it.  They should give advice on technique as well as showing you the basic moves.

If you have any injuries or medical conditions then tell the instructor just like you would for any other class.  Often there are alternatives for those with specific problem areas or pregnanat ladies.

I keep hearing about these classes but haven't got around to trying them yet. Apparently they're quite good though?

I've never even heard of them. Are they really well known? I will have to google this!

They are quite well known Laura, many Gyms offer these classes now. You might recognise them as Body Combat, Body Pump, Body Attack etc

Plus sides -

Balanced workout
Very well trained instructors who have to keep up their training
Variety of workouts on offer

Downside -

They can get VERY boring if the instructor follows the set CD - 3 months of the same workout


I don't get on well with Les Mills classes, mostly because I get bored.

I tried the body pump class - but my arms are pretty weak and the weights were too heavy - as everyone else added to theirs, I was taken mine off! I'd like to try a body combat/attack class - I don't think they do them at my gym though.

Ohh I see. I recognise them under those names! The repetition must get tedious but I suppose it would be pretty good to do them once or twice a month, and then do other exercise classes to mix it up a bit.

I find them OK for a few weeks while I'm learning the routine, I have the attention span of a puppy and once I've learned the routine I want to do something else! They're very much 'each to their own' classes. I know people who go several times a week and don't get bored, they love it so it's a preference thing :)

They offer them at my gym but I have never been. I don't like the idea of Body Pump, but perhaps I will try Body Attack -let out some stress while I am at it! I think I would feel silly lifting weights when I don't really know what I'm doing...

That's what the instructor is for, you'll never learn if you don't try it!

I think i quite like repetitious classes - it allows me to tune out a little bit

Yeah me too - although I've seen a couple of these classes and not sure I'd fancy it.

They seem a little intense

I enjoy the feeling of being puffed out and tired after a fitness class, but not to the point where I feel like I'm knocking on death's door! The sickness/dizziness after certain exercise isn't pleasant!

They're only as intense as you make them, like any exercise. If you put your all into it you will be out of breath, sweaty and ready to drop. If you only lift light weights or move around without much 'oomph' you won't feel the intensity.

I started Body Combat when I was very unfit and I used to do a lower intensity version in the corner of the room, where I bounced on the spot instead of travelling and didn't jump like the rest of them did.  Slowly I build up a little group of us that did it - those with injuries, or the unfit that wanted to do a workout but didn't want to feel like they had to keep up with the rest.

The instructor was just as supportive to us and encouraged us to do only what we were capable of.  Gradually I got fitter and eventually i was able to participate fully in the class.

It really is what you make of it.  You can push yourself hard, or take it easier. It's no harder or easier than any other aerobic style class.