Discover the Shocking Secrets Behind Les Mills' Hunt for the World’s Top 10 Fitness Trainers – You Won't Believe What They Found!

RISE: Search for the Ultimate Trainers is more than just a docuseries; it’s a window into the demanding world of elite fitness as it follows trainers vying for a coveted place on the Les Mills global filming team. The series, launching on April 13, 2026, on the Les Mills YouTube channel, offers unprecedented access to the pressures, passions, and personal sacrifices of those who aspire to reach the pinnacle of their profession.

Produced by leading fitness brand Les Mills, the six-episode series spans two years and travels the globe—from New Zealand to major cities including London, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Berlin—showcasing high-stakes performances before thousands of fitness enthusiasts. With a competitive pool of over 100,000 certified Les Mills instructors worldwide, the quest for stardom in this arena is fierce.

The journey culminates in New Zealand, where finalists will contend for a spot among trainers who produce workouts that engage approximately 7 million participants weekly across 23,000 gyms worldwide. The stakes are high, as these trainers not only aim to demonstrate their exceptional skills but also to maintain the rigorous standards of excellence necessary in an industry characterized by relentless competition.

But RISE goes beyond showcasing flashy performances. It delves deep into the realities these athletes face: the demands of constant travel, the pressure to perform at the highest level, and the necessity of balancing personal lives with their professional commitments. As Phillip Mills, Managing Director of Les Mills, notes, “Fitness is the biggest participation sport in the world, and trainers are the heart of it. But very few people ever see what it takes to perform at the absolute top of the profession.”

Among the eight aspiring trainers featured in the series are:

• Maggie Cheng (China)
• Vili Fifita (New Zealand)
• Sebastian Jaramillo (Germany)
• Charlotte Ranque (France)
• Lula Slaughter (U.S.)
• Kenshin Tani (Japan)
• Bronté Terrell (U.K.)
• Marlon Woods (U.S.)

The docuseries emphasizes that while achieving a place on the filming team is a significant milestone, it’s the commitment and passion for their craft that truly drives these trainers. Kylie Gates, a Senior Creative with a long history in the Les Mills filming team, reflects on this sentiment, stating, “Behind every great trainer is a desire to make people fall in love with fitness.”

The series also includes a companion vodcast titled RISE Reactions, hosted by Bas Hollander, a Les Mills presenter. This weekly series will provide audiences with deeper insights and analyses of the performances and personalities featured in RISE.

As Bas Hollander articulates, “RISE isn’t just about who makes the team; it’s what people are willing to commit to something they believe in.” The emotional journey captured in the series reveals the pride, pressure, and relationships that define the lives of these dedicated trainers, illustrating the human side of fitness that often remains unseen.

To celebrate the launch of RISE, Les Mills will also offer complimentary access to a variety of its legendary workouts on YouTube, allowing millions to embark on their own fitness journeys. With so many people looking to improve their health and well-being, this initiative could inspire a new wave of fitness enthusiasts to discover the joy of group workouts.

Mark your calendars for April 13, 2026, to watch the first episode of RISE at 4:45 PM EST on the Les Mills YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@lesmills. As the world of elite fitness unfolds, viewers will witness not just competition, but the very essence of commitment and passion that defines these trainers’ lives.