Les Mills, the New Zealand Olympian who built a global fitness empire from a single gym in Auckland, has died at the age of 91, his family announced.
Mills, who represented New Zealand in athletics at the 1950 British Empire Games and later became a physical education teacher, founded Les Mills International in 1968. The company grew into a worldwide phenomenon, with its group fitness programs like BodyPump, BodyAttack, and RPM licensed to more than 20,000 clubs across over 100 countries.
From Olympian to Fitness Pioneer
Born in 1935, Mills competed as a shot putter and discus thrower. He won a bronze medal in the shot put at the 1950 British Empire Games in Auckland. After retiring from competition, he turned to teaching and coaching, eventually opening his first gym in 1968 in Auckland's Ponsonby suburb.
His son, Phillip Mills, took over the business in the 1980s and transformed it into a global brand by creating choreographed group workouts set to music. Les Mills remained involved as a figurehead and continued to inspire the company's culture until his death.
Global Impact and Legacy
Les Mills International now employs more than 1,000 people and has trained over 100,000 instructors worldwide. The company's programs are credited with revolutionizing the fitness industry by making group exercise accessible and engaging.
“Les was a visionary who believed fitness could change lives,” said a family spokesperson. “He built not just a business, but a community that spans the globe. His legacy will live on in every class taught and every person inspired to move.”
Mills is survived by his wife of 67 years, Colleen, their three children, and numerous grandchildren. A private funeral service will be held in Auckland, with a public memorial planned later.
