Les Mills, Visionary Olympian Who Built Global Fitness Empire, Dies at 91

NY Times World · 2026-06-29
Les Mills, Visionary Olympian Who Built Global Fitness Empire, Dies at 91

The global fitness community is in mourning following the passing of Les Mills, the renowned New Zealand Olympian and visionary entrepreneur, at the age of 91. Mills's name became synonymous with pioneering group exercise programs and a global fitness brand that profoundly transformed the landscape of physical training and wellness worldwide. Starting from a modest gym in Auckland, New Zealand, Mills's ambitious vision steadily expanded, blossoming into an expansive, globally recognized fitness chain. His unique background as an Olympian, combined with an innovative approach to exercise, laid the foundation for building an empire that popularized structured, high-quality group fitness classes across continents. Through his pioneering work, Les Mills touched millions of lives, democratizing access to accessible and inspiring workout programs. He empowered countless individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles, leaving an indelible mark that scaled from a local venture to an international phenomenon, embodying an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey and a lasting legacy in health and fitness.