Local residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are invited to kickstart a more active 2026 by trying out a group exercise class for free.

Taking place at Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) on Sunday 11 January 2026, this fitness event ‘Les Mills™ Launch TM’ is organised, funded and delivered by local charity BH Live to encourage more people to get active for better health and wellbeing.

Classes will be led by BH Live Active’s expert instructors, showcasing the classes available across BH Live managed leisure centres in Bournemouth and East Dorset.

Participants can choose from a full-throttle line-up of Les Mills™ exercise class favourites. From the strength-building power of BodyPump™, the adrenaline rush of BodyCombat™, and the sculpting flow of Les Mills Shapes™. Whether you’re new to group exercise or a seasoned class regular, there’s something for every fitness level.

Brand-new to this year’s timetable is BodyPump™ Heavy, a tempo-based weightlifting class that draws on traditional lifting techniques. Suited to both new and more experienced strength trainers, this class is driven by iconic music and group energy, turning traditional weightlifting into a fun, social, and addictive experience.

Classes are open to people aged 14+ (BodyPump™, BodyPump™ Heavy and GRIT™ are 16+). Spaces are limited, and booking ahead is essential.

A full timetable is available online and spaces are bookable via the BH Live Active website or the BH Live Active app.

To brighten up the winter season, participants are encouraged to wear their most colourful workout gear. Face painters will be on hand for anyone wanting to add vibrant face paint to their look. Active Therapy will also be there, offering free advice and mini massages (first-come, first-served).

Car sharing and public transport is highly recommended for getting to the venue. Some parking will be available in the BIC multistory car park for attendees on a first first-come, first-served basis (tickets will need to be authenticated inside the venue).

Elevate Brasserie & Bar will also be open for meals, snacks and refreshment..

As a registered charity working in partnership with BCP Council, BH Live is committed to supporting community health and wellbeing through accessible physical activity and cultural opportunities.

Since 2016, the event has inspired thousands of people to discover the benefits of moving more and staying active all year round.

On behalf of BH Live, Rob Cunningham, Director of Leisure and Business Development, said:

“Our New Year Les Mills™ launch event is one of the most anticipated days in our community events calendar. They are always lots of fun, and an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the classes we offer as part of our regular group exercise timetable. More importantly, we get to inspire more people to try out a new way to stay active. It’s such an energetic way to kick start 2026!”

Local BH Live Active centres include Littledown, Stokewood, Pelhams, Sir David English Sports Centre, Queen’s Park and BH Live Active in Corfe Mullen.

More information about BH Live Active’s centres, facilities, and activity timetables is available online at bhliveactive.org.uk and the BH Live Active app which is free to download.

Visitors booking onto Les Mills Core™, Les Mills BodyBalance™, Les Mills Pilates™,and Les Mills Shapes™ MUST bring their own mat. Yoga mats will not be provided on the day.

There will be no showers or changing facilities available for the event. Visitors are asked to dress appropriately for the classes. Toilets are available.

There is no bag drop. Visitors may bring their possessions into the hall, but everything is left at their own risk.

Flashing lights will be in use throughout the event.