BodyPump

At the Spectrum Club in uptown Santa Barbara, a group of about 15 women ranging in age and fitness level follows instructor Cathleen Clarke’s quick transitions. They execute squat after squat with barbells over their shoulders then fly to a new move and new muscle group. As the class ends, an “oh, we made it!” can be heard followed by an agreeing laugh. Everyone is sweaty, tired, but spirited.

These women just finished a BodyPump class created by Les Mills International. Les Mills is a global fitness trend that has captivated Santa Barbara with its group exercise programs designed for consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness. The contagiously upbeat music and highly trained instructors don’t hurt either.

Les Mills International is named for New Zealand Olympian Leslie Mills, whose son, Phillip Mills, created its famous exercise-to-music group fitness classes. Les Mills offers 10 programs: BodyAttack, BodyStep, BodyFlow, BodyVive, BodyCombat, RPM, BodyJam, Sh’bam, CX30/CXWorx, and BodyPump.