Les Mills Launches New Pilates Program Targeted at Gen-Z
Les Mills is joining the Pilates party with a new program scientifically proven to enhance flexibility, endurance and more
Les Mills, the international fitness brand licensed in 20,000 clubs, is expanding its exercise offerings to match its global reach. The brand just announced the launch of Les Mills Pilates, a new program that repurposes the classic exercise modality in a new format to attract Gen-Z fitness enthusiasts.
Les Mills Pilates went through 50 rounds of tests and revisions, according to the brand, to deliver a marquee Pilates experience and ensure long-term retention. The program inserts into any studio with ease thanks to its speedy instructor certification process and a mat being its lone equipment requirement. It differs from traditional Pilates classes, ushering in new music and the uplifting coaching style Les Mills is famous for.
“Being able to deliver Les Mills Pilates in any space, with nothing more than an optional mat, means clubs can quickly bring the world’s hottest trend to their studios and engage a broad range of members,” said Les Mills Pilates co-creator Summer Bradley.
“The program pays homage to Joseph Pilates, blending the best of old with the best of new as we add unique music, beautiful choreography and supportive coaching to offer members an unforgettable experience.”
It’s a well-timed launch for the brand with Pilates being one of the more popular fitness modalities, even being named as a top wellness trend for the current year. The workout format also experienced a 50% year-over-year online search increase according to a survey conducted by Health and Fitness Education (UK) in September of last year.
“With Pilates all the rage right now – particularly among younger members – Les Mills Pilates serves as the perfect addition to the timetable, offering integrated functional core training that supports other workouts, reduces risk of injury and leaves you feeling great,” said Bryce Hastings, head of research at Les Mills.
The program features low-impact, high-intensity exercise to elevate core endurance, flexibility and general well-being. It can be modified as well to make it applicable to different participants at varying fitness levels or dealing with any setbacks.
“Anyone who wants to move better and feel better will love this workout,” added Bradley. “It’s a particularly good complement for strength training or high-impact training. There are lots of different options and progressions, so people of all abilities can feel confident and enjoy the benefits.”
While the program is new, there’s already significant evidence backing its effectiveness. Dr Gillian Hatfield, an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Canada’s University of the Fraser Valley, conducted an 8-week trial featuring individuals with an average age of 34.6 years who formerly took no part in regular Pilates or core training. Of that pool, 61% experienced an increase in abdominal endurance, 20% saw an increase in back endurance, 13% saw an improvement in flexibility and 13% experienced an uplift in general well-being.
“These results show Les Mills Pilates is a scientifically validated workout that delivers fast results,” said Hastings. “The effort members put into these workouts will be rewarded in terms of increased flexibility, core endurance and general well-being.”
This isn’t the first time Les Mills has used its keen understanding of consumer demands to establish new fitness offerings. Earlier this year, the brand launched Limited Edition, a series of science-backed exercise programs based on what Gen-Z gym-goers desire in a workout experience.