In brief
Les Mills, founder of the worldwide fitness brand Les Mills International and New Zealand's celebrated shot put and discus Olympian, died at 91. His first gym, opened with his wife Colleen in 1968, evolved into a global chain known for classes like Body Pump and Body Combat. Beyond fitness, Mills served three terms as Mayor of Auckland City and earned honours such as the Order of the British Empire and the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. His son Phillip commemorates his legacy, noting that his father’s spirit continues to inspire millions.
New Zealand fitness pioneer and four‑time Olympic athlete Les Mills died today at the age of 91. He was celebrated not only for his remarkable athletic career but also for founding the global workout network that powers millions of classes worldwide.
Mills opened his first gym in Auckland in 1968 alongside his late wife Colleen. What began as a single studio grew into Les Mills International, producing iconic class titles such as Body Pump, Body Combat, and the high‑intensity Body‑Flow. Today these programmes are streamed in gyms across 90 countries.
Athletically, Mills represented New Zealand at four Olympics in shot put and discus, winning five Commonwealth Games medals, including a gold in Kingston in 1966. His sporting excellence earned him a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1973.
Beyond sport, Mills served three terms as Mayor of Auckland City, championing community and public health initiatives. In 2002 he was named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to local government and sport.
Phillip Mills, who co‑founded the international brand with partner Jackie, said his father “was a force of strength, motivation and compassion, always caring for the less‑advantaged.” He added that the spirit of Les Mills lives on through the workouts that continue to inspire people worldwide.
Les Mills’s legacy is one of dedication to fitness, community service, and global outreach. His influence will remain felt in every jump, stretch, and workout that echoes the call to “help others” that he carried near to the heart throughout his life.
