(Editor's Note: This story is part of Club Industry's series on diversity, equity and inclusion. To see more articles in this series, go here.)
The events of 2020 have forced us all to change how we live our daily lives. Although often unpredictable and confronting, these challenging times have brought opportunity to create positive change. We are currently experiencing a global historic movement for racial justice, equity and representation. This movement has reignited the demand for urgent change and made everyone, including the fitness industry, examine their lack of diversity, equity and inclusion. Les Mills has acknowledged its part of the problem within a problematic industry and is taking every opportunity to be part of the solution.
To start the process of creating a fair and inclusive environment, the global group fitness company identified key areas to enact change. This was led with internal and external education to grow understanding and create open conversations and awareness. The company has also committed to increasing the team’s diversity, equal and fair representation within the business and brand, and reviewing the company’s values and business practices.
Les Mills’ education initiative focuses on learning from Black team members, thought leaders and experts in this area. To raise awareness, Les Mills created the Change Series, consisting of educational videos that aim to create an open conversation and lead to meaningful change. A monthly Candid Conversations series has been running in the company’s instructor Facebook group, providing the opportunity to elevate diverse voices, with focuses on the LGBTQIA+, Latinx, Black, and Asian and Pacific communities, as well as conversations about navigating racial tension and cultural diversity in fitness. The purpose is to provide knowledge and awareness to instructors and empower them to lead change in their communities.
“Being a black fitness professional is constantly second guessing whether you’re good enough, or whether you belong,” said Nichola Smiles, Les Mills U.S. trainer.
To work toward change on a greater scale within the industry, Les Mills has joined forces with Pound and Piloxing to form the Group X Alliance. On Oct. 28, the Alliance held its first joint virtual event “Together We Rise: Uniting for Racial Equity in Fitness.” Fitness professionals from around the world came together for a day of education, meaningful discussions and moving together.
Along with workouts throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to learn about important topics such as Equity in Fitness; Anti-Racism Tools for Leaders, Educators and Entrepreneurs; and The Black Fitness Experience. The event closed with an inspiring panel of industry organization representatives, sharing what allyship means to them and their commitments to driving change.
Together We Rise brought together a powerhouse collective of brands and individuals, such as WIFA, IDEA, Club Industry, Struct Club, Dynasti Hunt, Kellie Wagner, Ariel Belgrave, Percell Dugger, Katrina Pilkington and more. With more than 150 attendees, the event raised more than $2,000 in donations for Fit For Us and Pretty Girls Sweat.
Looking to the future, Les Mills is deeply committed to taking action against racial inequality. This is just the start of an ongoing conversation about how the industry can make positive long-term change.
“As a company, we are deeply committed to creating a fitter planet, and we will not achieve this without first creating a space that is safe and unbiased for every human on this planet,” said Diana Archer Mills, creative director of Les Mills.