The world of elite fitness training is about to get the reality treatment.
Global group fitness brand Les Mills has launched a new YouTube series, “Rise: Search for the Ultimate Trainers” where hopefuls compete for a spot on the Les Mills global filming team.
The six-episode series launched Monday on the Les Mills YouTube channel and takes viewers on a world tour as it focuses on eight aspiring trainers from China, New Zealand, Germany, France, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S.
A weekly companion vodcast, “Rise Reactions” hosted by Les Mills presenter Bas Hollander, features rotating guests from the series for an in-depth look at each episode.
“Fitness is the biggest participation sport in the world and trainers are the heart of it,” Les Mills managing director Phillip Mills said. “But very few people ever see what it takes to perform at the absolute top of the profession. This series shows what it really takes to earn your place at the top fitness table, and to keep it as thousands chase your tail.”
In coordination with the premiere, Les Mills is also making several of its workouts available for free on YouTube.
The series comes at a telling moment for the industry. Though AI is making inroads in fitness apps, body scanning technology and fitness equipment, Les Mills’ 2026 Global Fitness Report found that just 10% of consumers globally prefer AI workout guidance over a human coach — a good reminder that flesh-and-blood coaches still have value.
