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Aiming to combine the latest sports conditioning and performance training techniques to combine the best of heavy compound lifting and functional strength training, the new Les Mills Functional Strength™ program is now available to help fitness operators meet member demands

Les Mills team members Erin Maw and Ben Main, the pair behind some of Les Mills’ most popular workouts, spent two years linking science-backed training fundamentals and working with a team of experts to deliver the new and exciting way for members to get strong.

In preparing the workout for released they then had it tested by the Auckland University of Technology where researchers enlisted 27 participants (16 female, 11 male) with previous strength training experience to take part in an 8-week program assessing the following criteria:

• Maximum strength performance
• Jump (power) performance
• ‘Core’ strength endurance (plank)
• Confidence and motivation for strength training.

As part of their testing, researchers also measured enjoyment levels. Assessments occurred at baseline and week eight and the findings revealed a strength program offering impressive gains across all variables. Improvements classified as ‘significant’ were achieved in Squat, Deadlift, Bench Press, Jump Height, and Core Endurance: representing meaningful and impactful changes for these individuals. Standout results included:

• Squat with loaded barbell: +20%
• Vertical jump height, as assessed from standing: +19%
• Bench press with loaded barbell: +13%.

The results from this innovative workout are achieved by super-setting heavy compound loading exercises with explosive functional movement patterns. Paired together, these movements deliver significant athletic gains.

Explaining the physiological benefits, Les Mills Head of Research, Bryce Hastings stated “functional strength has created an exciting new approach to strength training by balancing a slow eccentric heavy weight load with concentric (explosive) force using a lighter weight.

“It creates a really unique type of superset - generating muscle pressure and disruption through tension, followed by a contrasting more explosive contraction. By utilising specific focuses on the eccentric and concentric components, it maximises the disruption within the muscle unit, leading to the statistically significant results seen in the research.”

In addition to significant strength gains, researchers noted that enjoyment levels were maintained at 78% and confidence grew by an impressive 25%. Hastings says the findings are key to understanding how enjoyment can improve outcomes.

For those familiar with Les Mills strength training programs, Ryan Hogan, Chief Executive at Les Mills Asia Pacific, clarifies what sets Les Mills Functional Strength apart.

Hogan notes “looking at the Les Mills’ Signature strength training programs, Bodypump® focuses on strength endurance, while Les Mills Strength Development is all about hypertrophy/muscle growth. Les Mills Functional Strength is a unique hybrid of strength training and explosive power, but it’s not your traditional strength workout.”

les mills functional strength is one of four Limited Edition Collection workouts launched by Les Mills Asia Pacific, which are designed to meet the demands of members of all ages including Gen Z, who want highly motivating fitness experiences that bring results, strength and empowerment. Clubs can launch these Limited Edition Collection programs rapidly, thanks to quick and simple Instructor training (which centres around a five-hour online training session, as well as pre and postwork).

Clubs and fitness facilities wanting to learn more about how Les Mills Functional Strength and other Limited Edition Collection programs should contact their local Business Partnership Manager in Australia or Southeast Asia.

Click here to contact Les Mills Asia-Pacific via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

Images courtesy of Les Mills Asia Pacific.

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