“Long before home workouts became popular, Les Mills had already built a fitness movement that reached millions. From Olympic stadiums to gyms across the world, his influence stretched far beyond New Zealand.”
Les Mills, the New Zealand fitness pioneer, four-time Olympian and founder of one of the world’s best-known gym brands, has died at the age of 91.
His family announced his death on Sunday, bringing to a close a remarkable career that spanned elite sport, public service and the global fitness industry.
Mills first made his name as an athlete.
He represented New Zealand at four Olympic Games, competing in the shot put and discus, and won five Commonwealth Games medals during his career. His greatest sporting achievement came in 1966, when he claimed Commonwealth Games gold in the discus in Kingston, Jamaica.
After retiring from competition, he and his wife, Colleen Mills, opened their first gym in Auckland in 1968.
What began as a single fitness centre would eventually grow into a nationwide chain before inspiring the creation of Les Mills International, a company founded by their son Phillip Mills and his wife Jackie Mills.
The business transformed group fitness by introducing choreographed exercise classes set to music, including internationally recognised programmes such as BodyPump, BodyCombat and several others now taught in thousands of gyms around the world.
Paying tribute to his father, Phillip Mills said Les had dedicated his life to helping other people.
“He achieved a huge amount in his life.”
He continued:
“The common thread throughout whether in fitness, politics or family life was that he always wanted to help others.”
Phillip also described his father as someone who never lost sight of people facing hardship.
“Dad was immensely strong, driven, and always cared deeply for the less advantaged.”
He added that although his father had passed away, his influence would continue to be felt every day.
“His spirit lives on in gym workouts around the world, continuing to help people fall in love with fitness.”
Mills’ contribution was not limited to sport.
During the 1990s, he entered public life and served three terms as Mayor of Auckland City, where he became known for his energetic leadership and strong interest in improving community wellbeing.
Even while involved in politics, he remained closely connected to athletics.
He coached several New Zealand competitors, including discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina, who went on to win the World Championship title in 1997.
His achievements earned him some of New Zealand’s highest honours.
In 1973, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to sport. Nearly three decades later, in 2002, he became a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of his contributions to both local government and sport.
Tributes quickly poured in following news of his death.
Nicki Nicol, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, said Mills had set an example that generations of athletes continued to follow.
“Les Mills set a standard for what it takes to represent New Zealand at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.”
She added:
“His place in New Zealand’s Olympic history is firmly established and no doubt his legacy will continue to inspire.”
For many people, Les Mills will be remembered as far more than an Olympian or businessman.
He helped change how millions of people think about exercise, proving that fitness could be challenging, social and enjoyable all at once. Decades after opening a small gym in Auckland, the movement he started continues to reach people in countries around the world one workout at a time.
