Les Mills Senior Dies: A Reflection

 You may already have learned that Les Mills Senior recently passed away. From everything I’ve read, he lived a full, active, and impactful 91 years. You can read more about his life and legacy through Les Mills International.

As I reflect on his passing, I find myself feeling grateful for what he built. It began with a small vision, and he remained open to watching it evolve into something even greater: empowerment, connection, and joy.

Joy

Frustratingly so, Les Mills won't give you the "right" workout program. Instead, they continue to say that whatever brings you joy is what will bring you back for more. Add in music and fun personalities, and they've got their priorities straight.

Not weight loss.

Not body sculpting.

Not working to change yourself to look "better".

Instead, bringing joyful movement into your life in ways that enrich it. Yes!

Empowerment

This was the first thing that attracted me to the Les Mills programs: "Yes, you can today."

Every program is built on empowerment. Not the notion that we need them to become better versions of ourselves, but the belief that we can be — and already are — the answer to becoming our best selves.

It's in the subtle encouragement to take the movement options that are right for you that day.

It's in the reminders to "shine bright" and to "never let anyone dim your light."

Yes!

Connection

There's so much here.

Connection to music.

Connection to movement.

Connection to mindset.

Connection to each other.

Les Mills programs carried me through some pretty intense seasons of life: growing & raising my young babies while teaching and supporting my husband through pharmacy school, losing my dad, figuring out a new career path, and a bit more.

The opportunity to stay connected to music, joy, movement, and mindset during those times was significant. Now, having the opportunity to experience that connection alongside all of you makes the impact exponentially greater.

Recent releases have touched on this:

"We ride farther and harder when we do it together."

"It's better when we're with like-minded individuals who love this feeling."

And my favorite:

"We've got you."

That one catches me every time because that's exactly how I feel about our community. We've got each other — and what's greater than that?

As Glen Ostergaard says:

"You are not alone. You are never alone."

I'm so grateful to be growing in this journey together.

Let's keep moving together!

In gratitude,

Cindy Appanaitis

LesMills Philomath