Les Mills was more than just a name on a gym class schedule - he was the unsung hero of fitness who got the world moving. At 91, his passing leaves behind a legacy that's as impressive as it is inspiring, having single-handedly revolutionised group exercise and made the world a fitter, more energetic place.
From humble beginnings in Auckland back in 1968, Mills' pioneering spirit was always evident. He opened his first gym with his late wife Colleen, laying the foundations for a global empire that would go on to change the face of fitness forever. And while many may know him as the brains behind BodyPump and BodyCombat, few appreciate the Olympian credentials that earned him five Commonwealth Games medals - including discus gold in Jamaica in 1966.
But Mills' remarkable story didn't stop there. As he entered local politics, serving three terms as Auckland City Mayor in the 1990s, his family says a common thread ran through every chapter of his life: an unshakeable commitment to helping others. Whether in fitness, politics or family life, Les Mills was driven by a passion for making a difference.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mills picked up no shortage of accolades - including being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1973 and a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002. And as Nicki Nicol, CEO of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, so eloquently put it: "Les set a benchmark for representing our country at the highest level, with a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come."
Today, the Les Mills programmes that have become staples on gym timetables across the UK remain an enduring testament to his innovative spirit and vision. With thousands of instructors worldwide teaching his structured, music-driven workouts every week, it's clear that his impact extends far beyond his family or even New Zealand itself - he's left a mark on the world that will be felt for years to come.
Source: Les Mills family statement, New Zealand Olympic Committee