Updates to Your Strength Classes at Northern Arena

We have some exciting updates coming to our strength-based group fitness classes in the new year. Les Mills is globally evolving their programming, to move away from strict weekly progressions and offer more flexible, evidence-based training, formats.

What’s Changing?

As part of that evolution, two of our current classes, Strength Development and Functional Strength are blending into one refreshed, upgraded, strength-training experience.

You will notice the classes will feel a little different than before, and that’s by design. These changes have been introduced by Les Mills International to better align with current training science and global trends.

The New Strength Development:

• You can expect workouts with a more functional feel

• Training will sit largely in the hypertrophy strength space, designed to help you build strength and lean muscle

• Each class will stand alone, meaning you can jump into any release at any time

• Just like our other Les Mills programs, this class will now have new releases every quarter, refreshing the content and keeping your training experience varied, exciting and effective.

Introducing BODYPUMP Heavy

To add to our strength-training options, we’ll be trialing all new BODYPUMP Heavy (more info to come in the new year)! This is a more traditional, pure strength format class that we are excited to unleash on you. We’ll use your feedback to decide if it will be a permanently fixture on our timetable.

Our instructors will guide you through these changes, answer your questions, and help you get the most out of the new programme when they go live. As always, your training experience is our priority, and we’re excited for you to try what’s coming.

FAQ's

1. Why are Strength Development and Functional Strength combining?

Les Mills is evolving their programs globally to reflect current training science. Combining these two classes creates one streamlined, functional, hypertrophy-focused strength training option that’s easier to follow and more flexible for all levels.

2. What will the new class feel like?

Expect a more functional strength feel, with workouts designed to build strength and muscle using hypertrophy-based movements. Classes won’t follow strict periodisation anymore (e.g., hypertrophy → strength → power cycles), but will still be challenging, effective, and coached by your favourite instructors.

3. Will I still see progress if the classes aren’t sequential?

Yes! Quarterly releases allow more flexibility for instructors to choose sessions that suit the group while still delivering a high-quality training stimulus. Members can continue progressing with consistency and good effort, just as in other Les Mills programs.

4. Why are releases moving to quarterly?

This update aligns the program with the global Les Mills release schedule. Quarterly releases allow:

· More structured refreshes

· Better long-term content quality

· Easier class planning for both members and instructors

5. I liked the previous Strength Development progression—why change it?

The shift is happening worldwide, not just at Northern Arena. Les Mills is moving away from strict week-to-week progressions and toward flexible, modern strength formats that better fit today’s training trends and member expectations.

6. Will my favourite instructors still teach these classes?

Yes! Your current instructors will continue teaching the updated program and are being supported through the transition.

7. What is BODYPUMP Heavy?

BODYPUMP Heavy is a pure strength-training format using heavier loads and fewer repetitions. We will trial pop-up and taster sessions through January and February. Your feedback will guide whether it becomes a regular timetable class.

8. I’m worried the class will feel too different—what should I expect at first?

It may feel slightly different initially, but still very familiar in structure and coaching style. You’ll get:

· Strength-focused training

· Functional movement patterns

· A supportive, coached experience

· Music-led sessions with the same Les Mills quality

Your instructor will guide you through any changes in the workout style.

9. Does this affect LES MILLS Shapes?

Yes, it will also be affecting LES MILLS Shapes as it is also moving to a quarterly release model. This is part of the wider global update to simplify and modernise program delivery.

10. Who can I talk to if I have questions?

Chat with any of our instructors or our Group Fitness team. We’re here to help you feel confident and excited about the new program!