Les Mills Establishes a Place for Strength, Cardio & Community With Ceremony

Les Mills’ latest initiative puts a new twist on the cardio and strength training combination 

While there’s usually a divide between strength training and cardio in the gym, Les Mills is building a bridge between the two modalities with its Ceremony campaign. 

The global fitness leader launched this boutique-style, full-body circuit class —  which includes stops at both strength and cardio equipment stations — only a few months ago, but it’s already picking up steam and relaying impressive metrics. 

“Les Mills Ceremony takes everything great about circuit training — intensity, variety and results — and removes the barriers that can make it intimidating,” Les Mills U.S. CEO Sean Turner said. “It’s designed to feel immersive, welcoming, and high-energy while remaining accessible to everyone.

“The response has been incredible,” he added. “Gyms running Ceremony have seen it bring in a younger and more competitive crowd.”

Unique Movement & Motivators

Ceremony whips users through several resistance-based workouts featuring SkiErgs, rowers and air bikes to boost strength and endurance, all while shooting vibrant music through its speakers to help everyone pull, push and pump a bit harder. Ceremony Studios also include weight plates and benches. 

“We’ve carefully structured work-to-rest ratios so participants hit the right training intensity throughout,” said Turner. “Instead of just pushing through random exercises, members move through the class in a way that keeps them progressing and feeling strong.

“And of course, the music plays a huge role,” he went on. “We don’t just throw on a playlist; we design the music to match the workout. It sets the tone in the beginning, lifts the energy when people start to fatigue and builds up to an epic finish that leaves everyone feeling accomplished.”

Les Mills’ support through Ceremony goes beyond timing and tunes as well. The brand also deploys a crew of coaches to each station who provide instruction and support on multiple fronts. 

“The coaching is another game-changer,” Turner said. “Unlike traditional circuit workouts where you might feel like you’re on your own, our coaches are hands-on, adapting the intensity to each individual and keeping everyone motivated. It creates a strong sense of camaraderie — like you’re all in it together, pushing each other forward.”

Camaraderie Effect

That togetherness extends past Les Mills’ trainers into something shared among all participating fitness consumers as well. Even though everyone progresses at different speeds and chases different goals in the gym, the uplifting culture encourages everyone to rally around each other.

“In the workout, members move through strength, cardio and power movements at their own pace but still feel connected to the group,” said Turner. “Everyone meets up at the end for core work and stretching, and of course, the classic high-fives! It creates an environment where people push themselves while feeling supported. People love working out together, it’s why running clubs, group training and fitness communities are thriving.”

This opportunity to better oneself blended with social motivation has also allowed the brand to reel in new members from the most difficult demographics to tap when it comes to group fitness.

“This format also makes group training more approachable,” Turner added. “Some gym-goers, especially men, might not have considered studio workouts before, but Ceremony gives them a workout that feels familiar yet fresh, helping gyms attract a broader audience.”

Les Mills reports that in some classes 65% of the participants are males. That’s far above the average for group fitness programs. 

Gen Z Wants it All

Like many of Les Mills’ initiatives, Ceremony tailors to Gen Z fitness consumers. Ceremony’s pace and pliability puts the training circuit in this tight, in-between spot that young adults have zeroed in on while aiming to satisfy their fitness demands. 

“Strength training is here to stay, but today’s fitness consumer, especially Gen Z, wants variety,” said Turner. “They’re smart about their training and know they need both strength and cardio, but they don’t want to spend hours in the gym. By combining both in a circuit format, Ceremony makes it easy for members to get a complete workout in a way that feels fun, effective and time-efficient.”

There’s no shortage of evidence arguing that strategy’s effectiveness either. Les Mills reports one of its partners saw a 25% increase in people new to group training since the Ceremony debut. In its Les Mills New Zealand clubs, the circuit launch also lowered the average age of group training participants by 10 years, per the brand. 

“It’s proving that when you combine science-backed training with an engaging, high-energy format, people will show up, work hard, and keep coming back,” Turner said. “We don’t just follow training trends — we elevate them. With Ceremony, we’ve redefined full-body circuit training to make it more engaging, results-driven and widely accessible, all while making life easier for club operators.”

This article originally appeared in ATN’s 2025 State of the Industry Outlook Report, a go-to guide for understanding the next generation concepts that will shape the fitness and wellness industry in the upcoming decade. Download the free report.