In brief
Les Mills, the New Zealand fitness pioneer and former Olympian, has died at the age of 91. The founder of a global workout franchise began his career opening a local gym with his wife in Auckland in 1968, eventually turning it into a worldwide brand known for music‑based sessions such as Body Pump and Body Combat. A four‑time Olympic shot‑put and discus competitor, Mills later served as mayor of Auckland City and remained involved in sports as a coach for athletes including world‑class discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina. His contributions earned him a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit and a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Phil Mills, his son, praised his father’s strength, drive and charity, noting that the spirit of his efforts continues to inspire people to love fitness worldwide.
Fitness expert and former Olympian Les Mills has died at the age of 91, his family announced.
A 1968 pioneer, he and his wife Colleen opened Auckland’s first gym, which evolved into that global network known for music‑synced workouts like Body Pump and Body Combat.
Mills’ Olympic career spanned four Games, competing in shot put and discus. He later served as Mayor of Auckland City for three terms and remained active in sport coaching, guiding athletes such as discus champion Beatrice Faumuina.
In 2002 he was appointed Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to local government and sport, and he had a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1973 for his sporting contributions.
Phil Mills, his son, said his father “achieved a huge amount in his life” and that his compassion for others shaped a legacy that now lives on globally through gym routines.
The Olympic and Commonwealth medals he won—including a discus gold in Kingston, Jamaica, 1966—cement his place in New Zealand sports history, observers note.
