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Discovering Elite Fitness: Les Mills' New Docuseries

Les Mills, a pioneering name in the fitness industry, has taken a bold step by launching a new YouTube docuseries titled RISE: Search for the Ultimate Trainers. This captivating series offers viewers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look into the lives of elite fitness trainers vying for a coveted spot in the global Les Mills filming team.

Scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2026, the docuseries captures the essence of high-performance fitness training while highlighting the immense pressure, dedication, and personal sacrifices these trainers face in their pursuit of excellence. The narrative follows trainers from across the world, including renowned fitness hubs like New Zealand, London, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Berlin, Amsterdam, Riyadh, and Stockholm, as they compete for recognition in a field populated by 100,000 Les Mills certified instructors.

Over the course of six episodes, filmed over two years, the series will showcase high-stakes performances in front of thousands of fitness enthusiasts. The final episodes will culminate in New Zealand, where the last remaining contenders must prove their worth by filming workouts enjoyed weekly by 7 million people in 23,000 gyms worldwide.

More Than Just a Competition

More than just a showcase of fitness prowess, RISE delves deep into the realities faced by trainers. The series doesn't shy away from the nuanced and often harsh realities of maintaining performance at the peak of one's career. Viewers will witness firsthand the balance between family commitments, health, and the relentless travel schedules that come with being at the top of the fitness world.

Trainers featured in the series include:

• - Maggie Cheng (China)
• - Vili Fifita (New Zealand)
• - Sebastian Jaramillo (Germany)
• - Charlotte Ranque (France)
• - Lula Slaughter (USA)
• - Kenshin Tani (Japan)
• - Bronté Terrell (GB)
• - Marlon Woods (USA)

As Phillip Mills, CEO of Les Mills, articulates, “Fitness is the world’s most popular sport, and trainers are its backbone. Yet very few understand what it truly takes to reach the pinnacle of this profession.” He emphasizes that RISE examines the ambition, pressure, and peak performance amidst the rigorous demands of a competitive environment.

An Engaging Accompaniment

In conjunction with the primary series, Les Mills will also release a weekly podcast titled RISE Reactions, hosted by Les Mills presenter Bas Hollander. This supplementary show will feature discussions about each episode, offering deeper insights into the performances and challenges faced by trainers.

Hollander believes the series captures more than just the competition; it showcases the dedication and passion of those involved. “You can see the pride they have in their work, the pressures and doubts that come with it, and the relationships that underpin their journeys. This authenticity makes the series truly remarkable—it's fitness like never before,” he states.

Senior Creative Kylie Gates, who has worked with the Les Mills film team for decades, adds that the driving force behind each successful trainer is their genuine desire to inspire others through fitness. The docuseries serves as a testament to this passion and commitment that motivates trainers to continue pushing their limits.

A Global Celebration of Fitness

As part of the RISE launch celebration, Les Mills will provide access to several of its legendary workouts for free on YouTube, enabling millions more to embark on their fitness journeys.

The docuseries is crafted by the award-winning New Zealand production team at Tomorrowland and will air over six weeks, with each episode launched in three parts weekly. RISE offers a unique opportunity to experience the world of elite fitness like never before, highlighting the triumphs and trials of those who strive for greatness.

Mark your calendars for April 13, 2026, and tune in on the Les Mills YouTube channel at Les Mills YouTube Channel to experience the passion, dedication, and drama that defines the quest for fitness excellence.

About Les Mills

Les Mills is a global leader in group fitness, offering more than 30 innovative programs in top gyms around the world. Founded by four-time Olympian Les Mills in 1968, the brand was created to make high-quality training accessible to all. Today, Les Mills workouts are delivered by over 100,000 certified trainers in 23,000 clubs across 110 countries, supplemented by the streaming platform LES MILLS+.