Core Insights - Les Mills is a family-owned fitness company from New Zealand, founded in 1968, and has become one of the largest group fitness course providers globally [4] - The primary revenue source for Les Mills is the licensing fees from its self-developed fitness programs, with an estimated annual income exceeding $100 million [4][5] - The company has over 140,000 certified instructors worldwide and offers more than 20 different fitness programs, including BODYPUMP and BODYCOMBAT [5][6] Company Development - The company struggled initially until Philip Mills took over, introducing innovative fitness concepts that transformed the business [6][7] - Philip Mills created the BODYPUMP program, combining weight training with aerobic elements, which significantly increased membership [6][7] - In 1997, Les Mills International was established to focus on course development and global licensing, leading to rapid expansion [7] Course Development and Certification - Les Mills has a dedicated team that updates courses every three months, ensuring they remain fresh and engaging [7][8] - The certification process for instructors is rigorous, requiring initial training and ongoing assessments to maintain quality across global locations [8] - As of 2022, there are approximately 9,000 certified instructors in China, with over 2,000 authorized fitness clubs [9] Market Challenges - The return on investment for group classes in gyms is declining, with rising costs and reduced participation post-pandemic [10] - There is a trend of gyms in China moving towards self-developed courses, with competitors like Super Monkey and LeKe focusing on more accessible and varied offerings [11] - The difficulty level of Les Mills' classic courses may not align with the preferences of the Chinese market, which favors gentler fitness options [11]