Fitness Industry Pioneer Les Mills Sr. Dies at 91
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Les Mills Sr., the New Zealand Olympian, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Les Mills fitness brand, has died at the age of 91.
His passing marks the loss of one of the fitness industry's early pioneers, whose influence extended from gym operations in New Zealand to the global growth of group fitness programming.
Born in Auckland in 1934, Mills represented New Zealand at four Olympic Games in the shot put and discus. He also won one Commonwealth Games gold medal, three silver medals and one bronze before transitioning into coaching and sports administration.
In 1968, Mills and his wife, Colleen, opened their first gym in Auckland. The business grew into Les Mills New Zealand, establishing a foundation that would later support one of the fitness industry's most recognizable global brands.
The next phase of that growth came when their son Phillip Mills and daughter-in-law Jackie Mills launched Les Mills International, introducing instructor-led group fitness programs such as BODYPUMP to health clubs around the world. Today, Les Mills programs are delivered in thousands of fitness facilities across more than 100 countries, making the company one of the industry's largest providers of group fitness programming.
While the Les Mills brand expanded internationally, Mills pursued a career in public service, serving three terms as Mayor of Auckland during the 1990s. During his time in office, he led infrastructure projects and waterfront redevelopment while remaining involved in the family's fitness businesses.
Over the course of his career, Mills received numerous honors recognizing his contributions to sport, business and public service. In 1973, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to sport. He was later named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002 for services to local government and sport. In 2022, he was inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame alongside Phillip and Jackie Mills.
Reflecting on his father's legacy, Les Mills International Managing Director Phillip Mills said, "He achieved a huge amount in his life. And the common thread throughout – whether in fitness, politics or family life – was that he always wanted to help others."
"Dad was immensely strong, driven, and always cared deeply for the less advantaged. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met, and his spirit lives on in gym workouts around the world, continuing to help people fall in love with fitness."
Although Les Mills International evolved into a global fitness education and programming company, its origins can be traced to the single Auckland gym that Les and Colleen Mills opened more than five decades ago. Their work helped establish a brand that continues to influence health clubs, instructors and exercisers around the world.
Mills was predeceased by his wife Colleen, who died in 2005. He is survived by his children Phillip and Donna, daughter-in-law Jackie, grandchildren Diana, Les Jr., Gabriel and Moana, and several great-grandchildren.
