How To Become A Les Mills Instructor

Learning how to become a Les Mills instructor can allow you to pursue exciting new career prospects. If you want to work for one of the most popular fitness brands in the world, you can follow this simple breakdown:

• Step 1: Get Qualified to Become a Les Mills Instructor 
• Step 2: Getting Insured Following Les Mills Instructor Training 
• Step 3: Finding Les Mills Jobs in The UK
• Step 4: Progress Your Career After Becoming a Les Mills Instructor 

Earning a personal training diploma can help with the process of becoming a Les Mills instructor. Once enrolled on this course you can gain valuable experience leading fitness classes, increasing your chances of finding employment upon graduating. 

Alternatively, you can download OriGym’s FREE course prospectus to learn more about all of our qualifications! 

Step 1: Get Qualified to Become a Les Mills Instructor 

If you want to become a Les Mills instructor in the UK you will need to undergo training and earn specific qualifications. This section will detail this educational process, covering courses that can help you find employment in this job role: 

#1 - Level 2 Fitness Instructor Certification 

Before you can begin working for Les Mills you will first need to complete a Level 2 fitness instructor qualification.

This qualification is the minimum requirement to teach fitness classes in the UK, meaning that you can’t get employed in a gym without it. Once enrolled, you will develop a strong foundation of knowledge that will help you become a fitness instructor. 

For example, one module will teach you how to motivate groups and individuals during their exercise classes. This will be important for your future success, as you will be able to ensure your class attendees remain engaged and have a positive experience with the Les Mills brand. 

The necessity of earning the Level 2 Fitness Instructor qualification can be seen in the following job advertisement, in which it is listed as a requirement to teach Les Mills’ BODYCOMBAT classes:

For reference, CIMSPA refers to ‘The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity’, which endorses vocational training providers (including OriGym) to ensure everyone is working to the same standard. 

When deciding on a training provider you should always look for CIMSPA’s stamp of approval. This will ensure that you’re being trained to the correct industry standard, and will be regarded as fully qualified when applying for jobs.

Once you’ve obtained a Level 2 certification you will be able to teach fitness classes and move on with learning how to become a group fitness instructor.

#2 - Become a Les Mills Instructor With Branded Training 

For immediate clarity, there is no such thing as a holistic ‘Les Mills instructor’, the job title simply refers to working for the overarching brand. 

So, if you’re questioning ‘how do I become a Les Mills instructor?’, you will first need to decide which branded classes you wish to teach. The company itself has a wide range of courses to choose from, encouraging aspiring instructors to ‘teach what you love’ 

In order to ensure you choose the right course for you, you’ll need to do your own research into various Les Mills’ training programmes. In doing so, you can determine what classes are best suited for your specific skill set and personal preferences. 

Keep in mind that every Les Mills qualification is different, and just because you have one does not mean you are eligible to teach every branded class - e.g. if you’re certified in BODYPUMP, you’ll only be qualified to teach BODYPUMP classes specifically! 

This is evident in the following job description for David Lloyd’s Gyms, which lists the specific qualification as a necessary requirement for a BODYPUMP instructor position:

With that being said, you aren’t limited to enrolling on just one Les Mills course either. Instead, you can become a Les Mills instructor who is qualified to teach multiple different classes, but you will need to enrol and pay for each course separately.

When Becoming a Les Mills Instructor, How Do These Courses Differ?

To understand how these courses vary, here is a brief description of some of the most popular Les Mills training programmes: 

• BODYPUMP - Is described as the original barbell course and is perfect for instructors who prefer full body workouts.
• BODYCOMBAT - Is a high-energy martial arts inspired class that requires no physical contact.
• BODYJAM - A dance inspired workout class that focuses on body movement and music.

Naturally, the contents of the training course will vary depending on what Les Mills classes you decide to specialise in - For example, the skills and knowledge you learn on the BODYPUMP course will differ from those acquired through the BODYJAM qualification.

In addition to this, whilst every Les Mills training programme typically lasts 2 days, the overall delivery of the course can also vary depending on your choice. BODYPUMP for instance can be taught in-person, whereas BODYCOMBAT is based entirely online:

In addition to affecting the content and delivery of the course, your chosen Les Mills training programme may vary in price depending on when you sign up. This is evident from the following screenshot below, which shows how early applicants pay less:

Keep in mind that all of the aforementioned information refers to the initial Les Mills training process. In order to officially become a Les Mills instructor in the UK you may also have to complete further training.

This is only a requirement on specific courses such as BODYCOMBAT, and will need to be completed 12 months following your initial qualification. 

If this is a requirement for your chosen Les Mills qualification, information regarding further training will be discussed during the course itself. You will also be able to find further information on the corresponding ‘More Info’ page:

From all of this information, it should be apparent that each Les Mills qualification has its own process for assessing and qualifying potential instructors. 

For example, in order to become a Les Mills instructor teaching BODYPUMP classes, you will need to complete 3 presentations and teach a practice class. During this assessment tutors will be focusing on 3 main components:

• Choreography 
• Technique 
• Coaching

In addition to this, you will also have to submit a video evaluation within 60 days following the completion of your chosen course.

The assessment process for each Les Mills course can be somewhat complex. For this reason, you should conduct further research into your chosen course to ensure that you’re prepared. 

To help with this process, check out this list of curated OriGym articles that hone in on the requirements of individual Les Mills courses:

• How to Become a BODYPUMP Instructor
• How to Become a BODYCOMBAT Instructor 
• How to Become a BODYATTACK Instructor 
• How to Become a SH’BAM Instructor 

Each article will offer an in-depth look at the specific Les Mills course, detailing aspects such as what you’ll study and how you will be assessed. 

Step 2: Getting Insured Following Les Mills Instructor Training

Once you’re officially qualified the next step in becoming a Les Mills instructor is to legally protect yourself with the correct insurance.

For reference, insurance can offer financial protection in the event something goes wrong during your classes, and can even save you from jail time should a client severely injure themselves.

When operating as a Les Mills instructor you’ll want to ensure that you’re covered in the following areas:

• Public Liability Insurance - This legally protects you in the event one of your class attendees is injured or falls ill while under your supervision. For example, they could claim that a faulty piece of equipment caused their injury.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance - Somewhat similar to the coverage above, this will legally protect you in the event a client calls your teaching style/advice into question. For example, they could claim an injury they suffered was the direct result of your guidance, 
• Loss of Earnings - In the event that you are personally injured and can’t work for a prolonged period of time, loss of earnings insurance will help to ensure you’re financially compensated for this time. 
• Equipment Insurance - If your personal equipment is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can claim financial compensation in order to buy a replacement.

When learning how to become a Les Mills instructor you can either purchase insurance from the brand itself, or through a third-party provider.

Les Mills insurance is specifically designed for self-employed instructors who teach the popular branded classes. For this reason, this may be the ideal option if you only intend to teach Les Mills classes and nothing else. 

For reference, the minimum payment for Les Mills insurance is £51.88 a month, which will provide you with £10,000,000 worth of insurance coverage. This will legally cover you in all of the aforementioned areas, in addition to protecting you from libel and slander accusations.

To get a quote of your own, head over to the Les Mills Insurance website and fill out their application form with your own information: 

Alternatively, you could instead opt for a third party provider such as Insure4Sport also provide coverage for a variety of Les Mills classes, including:

• BODY ATTACK
• BODY BALANCE 
• BODY COMBAT
• BODY JAM
• BODY PUMP

In addition to this, it may be worth investing in insurance for fitness instructors. This will be the better option if you intend on teaching classes outside of the Les Mills umbrella. 

Note - Purchasing your own insurance isn’t always a necessity, if you’re in any form of contracted employment (part/full-time) then an employer may provide this coverage. 

Step 3: Finding Les Mills Instructor Jobs in The UK

Once you have learned how to become a Les Mills instructor you can then use the companies’ ‘find-a-class’ feature to see which facilities in your local area offer these branded classes.

This will help you determine which locations are more likely to hire you to teach classes. For example, the screenshot below highlights the gyms and fitness centres in Liverpool that offer these services to their customers:

Popular fitness chains across the UK host regular Les Mills classes, meaning that you could find stable employment in sites such as:

• JD Gyms
• David Lloyd
• Total Fitness
• 24/7 Fitness
• Village Hotels & Leisure 
• Virgin Active

If you’re questioning ‘how do you become a Les Mills instructor at these facilities?’, the simple answer is to apply as you would for any other job. 

For example, employers will regularly use sites such as Indeed or Glassdoor to post Les Mills instructor job ads. The application process for these roles may differ from one vacancy to another, but typically you will be asked to provide a CV and cover letter at a minimum! 

An example of one of these job ads can be seen below from Virgin Active:

Be aware that not every employer will specifically hire Les Mills instructors. Instead, they may opt for a general fitness instructor who can teach a variety of classes, including Les Mills.

For example, the following job advertisement is for a holistic gym instructor position, where the employer lists that a successful candidate must be able to teach BODYPUMP among a variety of other classes.

As you can see from the highlighted section, the importance of getting a Level 2 Fitness Instructor qualification is again stressed if you wish to work in this holistic position. 

Note, when working as a holistic fitness instructor in these locations you will be expected to fulfil other responsibilities associated with the position, beyond teaching classes. This can include:

• Hosting gym inductions 
• Working on the gym floor offering help and feedback to customers
• Cleaning equipment at the end of a shift 

Now that you understand how to become a Les Mills instructor, you should always read job descriptions diligently in order to determine whether the vacancy is appropriate for you.

The Average Salary for Les Mills Instructor Jobs in the UK

One of the largest deciding factors in whether you pursue a role or not, will undoubtedly be the proposed salary! 

According to recent stats collected by Glassdoor, if you choose to become a Les Mills instructor in the UK you can expect to earn a lucrative salary of £30,819 per year:

Whilst this may seem like a highly lucrative salary, keep in mind that this data is not entirely founded. This is due to the fact that the final figure is an average made up of stats submitted specifically by site users - Thus not reflective of the entire industry.

In addition to this, numerous factors could influence the statistics submitted by users. For example, some instructors may be qualified to teach more than 1 Les Mills class, and will thus be able to earn a higher salary.

Other factors which could influence the overall salary of a Les Mills instructor include:

• Location, i.e. you can expect to earn more when becoming a Les Mills instructor in London compared to smaller towns.
• The type of employment, i.e. whether you are self-employed or contracted by a gym. 
• Experience level - e.g. those who have just become a Les Mills instructor will earn less than those who have been in the industry for longer periods of time

In short, once you have learned how to become a Les Mills instructor you should treat each job application separately. Be sure to read the proposed salary, before determining whether it’s suitable for your specific needs and skill-set. 

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If you’re interested in learning how to become a Les Mills instructor you should also check out these OriGym articles:

• How to become a BodyAttack Instructor
• How to become a Group Instructor Instructor
• Les Mills Instructor Salary

Step 4: Progress Your Career After Becoming a Les Mills Instructor

Now that you know how to become a Les Mills instructor in the UK, keep in mind that you don’t have to stay in this position permanently. Instead, you can look for progression opportunities and expand into different areas including:

#1 - Continue Working With Les Mills After You Become an Instructor

One option is to continue working with the Les Mills brand in different capacities. This is even encouraged by the organisation and is referred to as ‘ongoing development‘.

By following this process you can pursue higher roles within the company, in positions such as an assessor or presenter - These are just two examples, all other vacancies can be found within the website’s career section.

Become a Les Mills Presenter

Once you have learned how to become a Les Mills instructor, you can then advance your career and become a presenter for the brand. 

For reference, a presenter’s main responsibility is to teach instructors new routines every quarter. Due to the popularity of this position, Les Mills does not hire for this role frequently, meaning you should apply as and when you see a vacancy.

The process of doing so can be found below, as advised by the brand’s recruitment section! 

• Step 1: Instructors must submit a grade review to ensure they’re qualified for the position. To ensure this information is as accurate as possible, be sure to keep your Les Mills profile updated!
• Step 2: Submit a video speaking directly to the camera about why you’re passionate about the company and why you wish to become a presenter. You will also be asked to complete a video assessment, but this process will vary from one applicant to another.

• Step 3: You will then be invited to an audition day. Here you can meet other qualified Les Mills instructors, attend upskill workshops, and listen to insightful presentations.
• Step 4: Successful applications will be invited back for a second day, which will work as a bootcamp event. 

If successful, Les Mills contact you further about your future role within the company! Be aware that whilst you may apply for a presenter role, the organisation may feel that you’re better suited for other positions, such as an instructor.

Becoming a Les Mills Assessor:

Those who are researching ‘how do you become a Les Mills instructor?’ will undoubtedly have a passion for fitness and helping others achieve their goals. You can use this same dedication to pursue a career as a Les Mills assessor.

In this role you will be responsible for evaluating and marking the assessments of aspiring instructors on the training course. This provides a great opportunity to shape the future leaders of the brand, passing along any knowledge and experience you have gained. 

The application process is the same as that of a presenter, with the key difference being that in your video submission you will stress your desire to become an assessor. 

Qualified assessor Cris Tourinho shed some light on key traits Les Mills looks for when hiring for this position -

• What programmes are needed for the business - e.g. what Les Mills training qualifications you hold
• The commitment shown by the instructor to the Les Mills brand 
• Living the Les Mills values 
• Using the teachings acquired in advanced training

Earning a Fitness Teaching and Assessing qualification could also increase the chances of becoming employed in this role. You can mention this certification during your video submission or audition, in order to demonstrate that you have valuable prior experience as an assessor.  

Note: Due to the fact that these roles are filled internally, little information is made available about the salary associated with these positions. However, one thing can be guaranteed, is that they’ll earn more than instructors as they are higher up in the company.

#2 - Teach Other Fitness Classes After Becoming a Les Mills Instructor 

If you enjoy teaching group fitness classes and wish to expand beyond your Les Mills bubble, you could look for job opportunities as a general fitness instructor. 

You won’t even have to obtain any additional qualifications either, as most employers will ask applicants to hold a Level 2 fitness instructor qualification -  which you should already have! 

The best part about becoming a fitness instructor is that you don’t have to give up teaching Les Mills classes. For example, you could teach Les Mills classes at one location, and general fitness classes at another, potentially doubling your income as a freelancer. 

Alternatively, if you wish to stay in one location you could look for opportunities that allow you to teach both classes. In the example below for instance, Les Mills sessions are listed among several holistic classes such as aerobics and indoor cycling.

The average salary of a fitness instructor is estimated to be around £26,325 every year, according to stats collected by Indeed. 

Whilst this is technically less than that of a Les Mills instructor, if you worked both positions on a freelance basis you have the opportunity to earn a significantly higher salary. This is because you aren’t restricting yourself to one mode of employment, and will instead be working in a variety of different positions.

#3 - Qualify as a Personal Trainer After You’ve Become a Les Mills Instructor

By becoming a personal trainer you will be able to work with clients on a one-to-one basis, alongside teaching your Les Mills classes.

You could even plug your PT services at the end of your weekly classes. This will help you attract a dedicated base of clients, who are already invested in your approach to training. 

In order to qualify for this position you will first need to obtain a Level 3 personal training qualification.Throughout this course you will learn valuable skills, such as how to plan and deliver bespoke workout programmes to  individual clients.  

Once qualified you can work as a PT in a variety of ways, for example, you could start your own business or seek employment in a gym or fitness centre. The latter of which can be seen below in an example from Nuffield Health:

As evident from this example, you can expect to earn a decent wage when working in this role. But be aware that your overall salary as a personal trainer can vary depending on a range of factors, such as:

• How often you work
• The number of clients you have
• Your location - On average trainers located in like London earn more than others across the country
• The services you offer - if you have a specialism you will be able to charge even more due to being an expert

With that being said, you can expect to earn a higher salary when working as a PT. This is supported by Glassdoor, which states that on averager trainers can earn up to £86k every year!

Ultimately, the earning potential for personal trainers is far greater than that of Les Mills instructors. This is especially true if you decide to operate your own business, as you will have direct control over how much you charge! 

#4 - Become a Yoga Instructor Following Les Mills Training 

Alternatively, if you want to specialise in another group exercise class you could pursue a Level 3 yoga instructor qualification. Throughout the duration of this course you will learn how to plan and deliver yoga classes for students with varied skill sets and needs.

Once obtained, you will be able to teach these classes in addition to your regular Les Mills sessions. For example, if you’re employed on a contracted basis you could inform your employer of this additional qualification and begin teaching these classes.

Alternatively, those that work freelance could look for yoga instructor jobs that can be held alongside their Les Mills responsibilities. For example, this Virgin Active advertisement is for a zero hour contract position

Pursuing a role can also prove to be financially rewarding, with Talent estimating that yoga instructors can earn anywhere between £34k-£66k every year:

Whilst these stats can be influenced by a variety of factors, the final results show that even inexperienced instructors can earn a decent salary teaching yoga.

If you wish to progress your career for financial purposes, you should therefore consider obtaining a Level 3 yoga qualification. For more information on how to do this, check out our in-depth exploration of how to become a yoga instructor.

#5 - Progress Onto Becoming a Gym Manager Alongside Your Les Mills Instructor Jobs

After learning how to become a Les Mills instructor, you will naturally spend a lot of your time working in gyms and fitness centres. With this in mind, one natural route of progression is to pursue a career as a gym manager.

In this role you will be responsible for the daily maintenance and upkeep of the gym, overseeing both employees and customers alike. This can include leading classes, so you won’t have to give up your Les Mills sessions, instead you’ll just take on more responsibilities.

Typically, employers will prefer to hire candidates who have prior experience working in gyms. This can be seen below, where the job advertisement clearly states candidates must have prior experience working in a gym environment:

In order to initially find employment at a gym you will naturally need to hold both a Level 2 fitness instructor and Level 3 personal training qualification - which is also listed among the requirements for this job role.

Before You Go! 

This article has covered how to become a Les Mills instructor in great depth. You can now use this information to pursue your desired career, and begin teaching these world renowned fitness classes.

A diploma in personal training will also help you find employment, showcasing to employers that you can offer additional services on top of teaching Les Mills classes. 

You can also download our FREE prospectus here!