Review of Les Mills+ Plus (formerly Les Mills On Demand) streaming workout service

ByAshley Hours
Comments 27 Comments

Review of Les Mills+ (Les Mills On Demand is now called Les Mills+ Plus)!

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve posted about Les Mills group fitness programs, so here we go: a full review of Les Mills+ Plus (formerly Les Mills On Demand) streaming workouts (and there’s a special link for you to try the service for free for 30 days too). 

Les Mills+ (Les Mills Plus formerly Les Mills On Demand) is a web-based site where you can access more than 1,000 Les Mills group fitness workouts, and you do NOT need to be a Les Mills instructor to sign up — it’s for everyone.

Les Mills+ features the actual classes and releases you would find in a gym with a Les Mills license — just virtually. This post is going to detail everything you need to know about the pros and cons of this streaming service.

Review of Les Mills+ Plus (formerly Les Mills On Demand) streaming workout service

As a note, Les Mills did give me a free trial to experience the service, but I’m writing this post on my own, and it’s not sponsored. I mean, if you’ve ever been to the blog before, you know I’m a Les Mills lover through and through, but I’m going to give an unbiased opinion today.

Review of Les Mills On Demand streaming workout service by A Lady Goes West

I trained to teach my first Les Mills program, BODYPUMP, almost 13 years ago (WOW), and I’m currently certified in BODYPUMP, BODYATTACK and CXWORX.

Now, let’s get to the review …

What is Les Mills+ (formerly Les Mills On Demand)?

From the New Zealand-based creators of the very popular live group fitness classes, Les Mills+ is a web-based service available on computers, tablets and iPhones, with more than 1,000 various streaming workout classes, ranging from 15 to 55 minutes in length, you can access almost anywhere, anytime. You pay a monthly membership fee for unlimited usage of the streaming service. Basically, you have workouts … on demand.

Where can you get Les Mills+ (Les Mills On Demand)?

Pulled from the Les Mills website …

LES MILLS On Demand is currently available in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Australia, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore. We are working on expanding LES MILLS On Demand to more countries as fast as we can!

So if you can’t get it yet, hopefully soon.

Review of Les Mills On Demand streaming service by A Lady Goes West

How much does Les Mills+ (Les Mills On Demand) cost?

It’s $14.99 a month in the United States. No sign-up fee. Charged monthly. With various packages available, and you can even bundle it with equipment.

Les Mills instructors get a slight discount, and I believe Les Mills trainers and presenters may get an even bigger discount, or get it for free, but don’t quote me on that.

The good news is that there is a free trial period for everyone. In fact, Les Mills was kind enough to give me a referral link, so sign up with this link to start your trial and you can get 30 days for free (as opposed to the standard 10), and thanks for using my link!

The pros of Les Mills+ (Les Mills On Demand)

  • Variety: There are SO many types of workouts, from strength training, to high-intensity interval training, to dance, to cycling, to yoga — all available in one place. The programs include: BODYPUMP, BODYATTACK, BODYCOMBAT, BODYFLOW/BODYBALANCE, Les Mills Barre, Les Mills Yoga, CXWORX, Les Mills GRIT Series (Cardio, Strength and Plyo), Les Mills Dance (BODYJAM), Sh’Bam (another dance one), BODYSTEP, Born to Move, RPM, Les Mills Tone and Les Mills Sprint.
  • Short workouts: There are a bunch of 15 to 25 minute workouts to choose from, which is awesome. When you’re working out at home, and you’re very busy, time matters. I love that Les Mills On Demand packages up shorter workouts, so you can feel worked and accomplished in a short amount of time. This is where it’s different from what you’d find in a live setting, sometimes you’ll see an “Express” 30-minute Les Mills class, but Les Mills On Demand shortens the workouts even more, and that’s a major PRO! Yes, technically you could stop a workout class before it ends, but that doesn’t make you feel good. The fact that these programs are cut and pasted to be a complete short workout is a huge win for the service.
  • Combo workouts: Another huge benefit is the fact that Les Mills does the hard work for you and puts together pieces of work from DIFFERENT programs into combo classes. I LOVE this feature, because you get full-body or body-part focused workouts, in a short amount of time, combining different modalities. This is also unique to Les Mills On Demand and not often found in a live gym setting. You can find a Strength/Stretch 15-minute BODYATTACK session or even a BODYCOMBAT/Les Mills Yoga 1-hour session and much more. 
  • Quality music and instruction: Les Mills just does it better. The music is always good, the moves go to the beat, the instructors are top notch, the coaching is spot on, and the programs are just QUALITY. Because the classes on Les Mills On Demand are mostly the same ones that are being delivered in a live setting all over the world, they are safe (mostly), effective and enjoyable for people, even at home all alone.
  • Workout schedules: Now here’s something extra about this service — Les Mills put together workout calendars, under a tab called “Schedules” showing you sample plans for how to schedule your week. I like this a lot. I didn’t use them, but from a preview, they incorporate cardio, strength and stretching each week, which everyone should aim for. The plans start from very basic if you are just getting going with exercise, called “Learn the Basics” all the way to super advanced, called “Unleashed.” This is a big selling point for someone who needs help in this area.
  • Beginner workouts and tutorials: There are streaming videos where Les Mills trainers and program directors tell you exactly how to do moves that you will see in Les Mills workouts. This is something that live participants don’t have the chance to see, and it’s absolutely essential. This is a major win for the service.
  • Access: Les Mills+ (Les Mills On Demand) gives people access to the beauty of Les Mills workouts, even if they don’t go to a gym where Les Mills has live group fitness classes licensed. This is a big PRO. We want more people moving and enjoying their workouts.

Review of Les Mills On Demand by A Lady Goes West

The cons of Les Mills+ (Les Mills On Demand)

  • View-ability: If you like to do Les Mills On Demand workouts on the go and use the videos from your phone, as I did a few times at the gym, the picture is so small and you have to strain a bit to look at the screen while following along. This can compromise form and be dangerous, so I recommend using at least a tablet-size viewer or larger. In addition, never turn your head to look at the screen — try to use an elevated place to keep the screen, so your body stays in proper alignment for your workout. This is important for all streaming workout classes you follow. (Updated to add: You can now view Les Mills On Demand workouts on your smart TV. This is the BEST way!)
  • Missing the live element: Also, even though the instructors, music and moves are awesome — there’s NOTHING like the feeling and community of a live class. I love that Les Mills On Demand is a thing and is available so more people all over the world who don’t have access to a gym can try and see the quality of Les Mills programming. It’s life changing. Putting the moves to the beat of the music is the only way I like to work out now, having been a Les Mills lover for almost 10 years. I want everyone to feel this way. But I want to be clear that it’s NOT the same as being in a live class with a live world-class instructor. Truth. (Side note: I’m pretty sure some instructors were upset and/or worried when Les Mills On Demand debuted, thinking it would take away the specialness of being a real instructor — but I don’t think so. If anything, it adds to how awesome it is to be able to teach such a program to real-live bodies in a gym setting. It doesn’t replace the experience, it’s just a different and lesser avenue, which is worthy and valuable for a lot more people.)
  • Safety: There are some TOUGH moves in Les Mills workouts, particularly, BODYATTACK and Les Mills GRIT Series as well. If someone is newer to working out and going super hard at home without a coach around them to help, they could potentially injure themselves. This is always a concern with home workouts, so I have to list it in the con section here. 

Who can do these workouts?

Anyone! If your doctor has cleared you to work out, then you are good to go. From the newbie to the athlete. (However, see the last bullet of the con section below.)

A newbie to exercise would NOT want to start with the super intense Les Mills GRIT program. However, you could try out BODYFLOW or a portion of BODYCOMBAT or a dance program, and follow the beginner schedules provided by the service.

If you’re pregnant and you’re an experienced exerciser, I think you’d be okay doing some of the workouts, as long as you know how to modify them. If you’re pregnant and NOT an experienced exerciser, I’d talk to your doctor and consider some safer in-person classes instead. And if you need help, check out “How to modify a BODYPUMP class when you’re pregnant.”

The advanced and super-fit exerciser will have a LOT of fun with Les Mills On Demand with the combo workouts and the access to so many programs. But I mean, don’t go overboard! Even though it’s fun, too many workouts are not good for the body. I’ve been there and done that, and I’ve made it my mission to ensure that I don’t let anyone else over-exercise under my watch. ALWAYS take a full rest day off each week and do a few lighter days to balance out your tougher days.

What equipment do you need?

Some of the programs, like BODYATTACK, Yoga, BODYCOMBAT and the dance programs, do not require any equipment at all. You just need your viewing device, some space and yourself.

You’ll need a barbell with various weight plate options for BODYPUMP and GRIT Strength, and you’ll need a step with risers for BODYSTEP, as well as some small hand weights. You’ll also need a resistance tube for CXWORX (soon to be called Les Mills CORE). Oh, and don’t forget the spin bike for RPM and Les Mills Sprint.

I would recommend that you find a room with plenty of space, good sneakers and a yoga mat. If you can’t swing getting a whole barbell set up, you may be able to do some of the weighted classes with two sets of dumbbells — a set of heavier and a set of lighter — although the integrity and effectiveness of the workouts using barbells won’t be exactly the same. 

Also, Les Mills sells Smart Tech equipment, and it’s the best. You can read my review of the equipment and get a discount on it here.

Les Mills On Demand streaming service review by A Lady Goes West

Would I recommend using Les Mills+ (Les Mills On Demand)?

Yes. I think Les Mills On Demand is a SOLID at-home workout program, which you can also do while traveling or at the gym.

I think there are plenty of workouts to keep you busy for months upon months (it looks like new ones are added often and noted under a “Recently Added” section, as well as announced via an email from the service to subscribers), and you can continue to challenge yourself to try new programs.

However, Les Mills On Demand does NOT replace a periodized, individualized workout program that gets progressively harder for you. Although you can choose tougher workouts and add more weight to the bar and take more high options, that will be entirely up to you to decide when and if to do so.

Working with a personal trainer, if possible, is a great addition to Les Mills On Demand workouts, just to check your form, movement patterns and individual needs.

Continued in the next question …

If you go to a gym with Les Mills live group fitness classes, should you also do Les Mills+?

Yes. You don’t have to at all, but you could get some good things from it …

There are only a handful of live Les Mills group fitness programs at my gym. Because your gym has to pay for the individual license for each program, you probably don’t have all of them either. You may only have one or two. Ohhhh but there are MORE great workouts from Les Mills you are missing out on. And if you love Les Mills, you may love more of their programs.

I’ve enjoyed doing the Les Mills Barre and Les Mills Yoga workouts, which my gym does not have. I’ve got my eye on trying some of the dance programs and doing BODYSTEP too. I can’t get any of these workouts near me, so these fill that void. (And I mean, let’s be real, I like to do the dance programs at home alone, because it takes me a while to catch on hehehe.)

Also, because workout classes aren’t always at the times that you want, Les Mills On Demand lets you choose when you work out. 

I’ve taken my iPhone to the gym, found an empty cycle room and done several Les Mills GRIT Strength workouts. I can’t ever make it to the class times for this program, so have done a few on my own virtually. It’s WAY more motivating to do it with a live instructor, but it gets the job done.

When you travel, you may not have great classes around. But if you have a hotel room or a parent’s spare bedroom and your laptop, you can pop out a world-class virtual workout class with Les Mills On Demand, which I’ve done before!

I really like all of this about Les Mills On Demand.

Tips for using Les Mills+ (Les Mills On Demand)

  • Follow the “Learn the Basics” schedule and do the how-to videos, EVEN if you aren’t new to working out, just to cover your bases on form instruction. 
  • Wear the right sneakers. Unless you are doing yoga or barre, you need to wear comfy shoes and comfy workout clothes.
  • Safely clear the area where you will be working out. Nobody wants to trip over a couch pillow or dog while doing burpees or plyo lunges.
  • Position the screen so that you don’t have to strain your neck up or down to get a full picture of the instructors. If you can use a TV (via Apple TV or Roku), do that. It’s WAY better to have a bigger and better picture.
  • Turn up the volume, listen to the coaching and think about your body’s movement and form throughout every move that you do. Make changes. Focus on form. Focus on form.
  • Save the workouts that you do and like on your “Saved list” so you can go back to them. Do them a few times to make sure you learn the moves and can do them properly.
  • Shoot for variety, try to do at least a couple of different programs throughout the week, try new things and don’t forget to take a rest day. When in doubt, access the “Schedules” portion.
  • Pick up weights. Stretch. Always do the cool-down.
  • If you’re doing the harder Les Mills GRIT workouts, do some warming up on your own and stick around to do some stretching on your own afterward as well. These are essential elements not in the Les Mills GRIT program, because of the time allotted, but doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do them.
  • Drink LOTS of water before, during and after your workout.
  • Join the Les Mills On Demand group on Facebook and interact! Community is everything, and it’s fun to discuss how you’re feeling about the workouts you’re doing.
  • Have fun!
  • Get yourself to a live Les Mills group fitness class one day, if you haven’t done so yet. It’s the best.

Well, we’ve surpassed the 2,700 word count on this post, so I think we’ll call it from here.

Les Mills On Demand streaming service by A Lady Goes West

If you want to read more posts about Les Mills …

Thanks for reading this review of Les Mills On Demand, my friends! Have a most fabulous week! And you’ve got nothing to lose if you want to try out the service with a free trial here. Also, come say hi to me on Instagram to chat more about group fitness, wellness, mom life and more. 🙂

Questions of the day

Have you tried Les Mills On Demand?

Do you ever work out at home?

What’s your favorite way to work out?

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27 Comments

  1. Hi! Thank you for your posts about Les Mills. I am a huge fan of their classes, and have even managed to find a gym with their classes here in South America where we live now. I have managed to continue doing Body Pump through two of my three pregnancies—and your post about mofifying the class thru pregnancy was a big motivator and encourager. This last pregnancy I was able to continue going to class through my 38th week! (Totally not possible or advisable for all, but this was my little pocket of zen, and a welcome escape from my other two tiny kids!)

    On Demand is awesome, but when I was a subscriber the videos were only available in HD. This means that the videos will buffer or even refuse to play if you have a slow internet speed (as we do.) It was really disappointing. I wrote to Les Mills to explain this challenge and ask if non-HD options were or could be made available, but I never received a response. We cancelled the service.

    Now I try to make do by working out to uploaded Les Mills classes on YouTube. Getting to a gym is a no-go for me these days, as I’m still breastfeeding and do not have childcare. Instructor assessment videos aren’t ideal, and I definitely understand why Les Mills and Les Mills instructors discourage folks from using these uploaded videos instead of classes. But for those of us who can’t get to a physical location and have slow internet, there isn’t another option I’m aware of, and DVD versions aren’t available to students. I hope something more accommodating is in the works.

    Thanks again for posting about the realities of motherhood and excercise. It is really tough to find time for ourselves and to keep our goals realistic. Thanks for being a voice of reason! ?

    Reply

    1. Erin! First of all, congrats on three healthy babies — that is no small feat — so I’m already impressed with you! Second of all, I LOVE that you commenting and mentioned the HD speed, because I didn’t even think of that — the beauty of getting feedback — I have reasonable internet and never had a play issue or problem. Very interesting! I’d imagine they are all in HD. I’m sorry Les Mills didn’t get back to you, and that you had to cancel. I feel like they film in HD so probably don’t plan to put up any SD options. However, I do think you can DOWNLOAD some of the videos and play them back while you are subscribed, which may be an option for you if you want to ever try doing the service again — that may be something they added since you were a part of it. As far as the YouTube instructor videos hehehe – I can’t speak to those — but hey, you do what you want to do. Stay active, do lots of walks, snuggle your babes and keep up the awesome work! I appreciate you saying hi and weighing in!

      Reply

  2. I use LMOD all the time! I teach BODYPUMP, BODYSTEP and CXWORX but only sub these days because of my full time job. LMOD has allowed me to try classes that the gyms I teach in don’t carry like BODYATTACK, which I’ve totally fallen in love with. With the variety, the combo classes, the express classes and the convenience of being at home it’s pretty darn close to perfect for me.

    Reply

    1. Hi Lindsey! YESSS, and being an instructor who knows form and has a good handle on fitness, you are a GREAT candidate to do all the harder Les Mills On Demand options! I’m so happy you’ve fallen in love with BODYATTACK! And hey I hope you get back to a regular classload as an instructor one day when it makes sense. Me too! Subbing isn’t as fun for me hehehe! 🙂 Thanks for saying hi, lady!!!

      Reply

  3. Hey Ashley! I really like this post! I’ve been thinking about subscribing to LMOD because my options for classes are getting more and more limited as I get more preggo. I’m motivated to check it all out during the last month for sure 🙂

    Btw, if you ever need input on a post about modifying Attack during pregnancy, I have lots of experience now with that. It’s still my go to work out!

    Have a great week!

    Nicole

    Reply

    1. Hi Nicole! That’s so awesome you’re still loving BODYATTACK! I NEVER did it while pregnant, but it’s definitely one that can be good, with the right modifications. I think you’d get a lot out of Les Mills On Demand — like BODYFLOW and Barre and such and even the dance programs could be fun for you with a big belly (don’t do any major ab twisting though hhehe). Keep up the great work, momma! 🙂

      Reply

  4. Hi Ashley. Glad all is going well with you and the family.

    Of course, you know I love Les Mills programs. I have been doing On Demand for 2 years now. I love it. The gym I am at no longer offers CX so being able to do it at home is great. As well, my schedule doesn’t allow for me to take BodyStep and BodyFlow so those are my go to Sunday morning work outs. Love the flexibility but wish they would post more releases. We use a Roku so there is a LMOD app so I can watch it on my TV. It is way better than using my Mac for viewing.

    Take Care

    Reply

    1. Hi Dena! Good for you for knowing the important of CXWORX and BODYFLOW both! I think watching the Les Mills On Demand workouts on a big TV is ideal, so that’s great you’re doing it that way. Good to hear from you, lady! 🙂 Thanks for saying hi!

      Reply

  5. Hello there Ashley. Happy all is running admirably with you and the family.

    Obviously, you realize I cherish Les Mills programs. I have been doing On Demand for a long time now. I cherish it. The exercise center I am at never again offers CX so having the capacity to do it at home is incredible. Too, my calendar doesn’t take into account me to take BodyStep and BodyFlow so those are my go to Sunday morning exercises. Love the adaptability yet wish they would post more discharges. We utilize a Roku so there is a LMOD application so I can watch it on my TV. It is route superior to utilizing my Mac for review.

    Fare thee well

    Reply

    1. Hi Emily! Glad you get to watch LMOD on your TV — that’s the best way to do it. And yes, I think they are adding all the time, I imagine if you do the workouts frequently you want more! 🙂 Thanks for saying hi!

      Reply
  6. Pingback: Current faves: Fitness planners, fashion, food and weekly workouts | A Lady Goes West

  7. Thank you for the 30-day free trial code! I have a two-month-old so I haven’t been able to get to the gym and was missing body pump. I’ve been trying LMOD for the last two weeks, and it has worked out great. The only thing I miss is the music being the original tracks. I think they’re all covers of the songs in the videos. Other than that, this has been a great option for me. Thanks again!

    Reply

    1. Hi Katie! Actually, I think they use the same music on LMOD as they do on the in-person classes — or I haven’t been told otherwise — now I’m wondering hahaha — I didn’t notice a difference though. BODYPUMP uses covers sometimes, not as much as they used to though heheh! I’m SO glad you enjoyed it! Good work on getting moving, but take it easy as you are still VERY much recovering, momma! Congrats on your little one!

      Reply

      1. Les Mills on demand uses ALL cover music….it even states it. I personally do not like it. I am a former instructor myself and have the instructor copies and they sound similar but definitely NOT the same! They don’t use the original music due to licensing.

        Reply

        1. Hi Renee, I don’t believe that ALL the music is covered, because some of the songs are original. The reason a lot of songs are covered is because they have to be sped up or matched to the beat of the program or mixed to fit the length and needs of the track for exercise purposes. You’re totally entitled to your own opinion, but the music and moves still go together great — whether the song is from the original artist or not — it’s never bothered me — and when the songs are covers, they are good covers. 🙂

          Reply

        2. I couldnt agree more… I was so thrilled to register to LMOD to crunch the GRIT plyo classes i was training on (#20-27), and was extremly disapointed to discover the soundstracks were changed for the worse… They were making the trainings unique.
          Is there a way to get access the original trainings?

          Reply

          1. Hi Jeff! This is news to me, because I never noticed any replaced songs on any LMOD classes I’ve done. Sorry to hear you are disappointed. You can get the original music in live classes or if you become an instructor and get the videos. If I find out anything else about the music swaps, I’ll keep you posted! The good news is that the workouts are still great. 🙂

          2. I’ve noticed the same thing, most of the music are changed comparing to what is being offered at the gym,
            and it’s really disappointing…is there any way to access to the workouts with the original music?

          3. Hey MJ! The reason some of the songs are different is because when Les Mills originally licensed them, they weren’t able to get rights for online streaming. I don’t think it’s a huge deal — because the beat, and the moves are the same, and always go so well together. Unfortunately, you can’t access the originals, unless you are an instructor and have access to that release.

  8. Thanks for your review- was thinking about getting this, now I’m sold. They are the best workouts in the world & I work away in the week. The work gym has a few half hour classes … but I could use their equipment for rpm, body pump, combat. Xoxoxox

    Reply

  9. Hello, some updates – LMOD has also reached Asia – Singapore ?. Can’t contain my excitement to start the workouts. Any idea where I can get the Smartbar shipped to Asia? I’m currently using the old barbell set. I looked in the website but seems it ships only in US and Canada? Thanks in advance for any info!

    Reply

    1. Hi Adel, I’m sorry to say I can’t help you with equipment — perhaps try your local FB marketplace for a used Smartbar?? Good luck!!! So glad you have On Demand now!

      Reply

  10. Hi Erin, thank you for your article. I am thinking about getting ondemand but I would like to know if they have all the releases of bodycombat. I am a huge fan of the old BC releases.
    Thank you in advance.

    Reply

  11. Hi, I’m wondering is this still valid ? Can I still subscribe and get the 30 days free trial with the link you provided. ? Thank you

    Reply

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