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BODYCOMBAT is a high intensity, mixed martial arts-inspired group-fitness program, created and distributed globally by Les Mills International. Created in 1999 by Phillip Mills, it is now found in more than 8,500 health clubs and gyms across 80 countries worldwide.

The first BODYCOMBAT classes started in 1999 in Auckland, New Zealand.

BODYCOMBAT classes are 55 minutes long, and contain 10 separate songs or “tracks” with an opening warm up track and closing, “cool down” track. It draws on a wide array of disciplines such as Karate, Boxing, Tae Kwon Do,  Tai Chi and Muay Thai.

The classes are performed using nothing but the participants’ body weight with a focus on speed, power and endurance.

Class structure
As is the case with other Les Mills programs, class structure is identical between releases. For BODYCOMBAT the full class consists of 10 tracks.

The BODYCOMBAT class format has been proven to deliver an athletic workout with a Martial Arts feel.

Tracks vary between combat training, power training, a Muay Thai track, and one strength and conditioning track. For the 55 minute format, the class is arranged to the 10 tracks on a CD produced by the company.

The overall objective of a BODYCOMBAT class is to improve cardiovascular fitness, coordination and burn calories using safe, Martial Arts-based moves.

Instructors are assessed for certification after attending a training module. The class is designed to be taught in an energetic, powerful, motivating and inspirational way. Safety features (such as music speed, exercises, movement sequencing and active rest periods), are built into the choreography.

Internal testing by Les Mills International has shown that experienced participants burn an average of 740 calories per class with some participants burning over 900 calories in one class.

A new BODYCOMBAT release, with new music and choreography is developed and released to health clubs and instructors every three months. Instructors can choose to work with one release, or mix tracks from multiple releases to target strength endurance gains for their particular class. Instructors and trainers are provided with guidance from Les Mills International regarding the mixing of tracks for classes. The pre-choreographed class meets the Les Mills methodology that students will find a more consistent experience when attending a BODYCOMBAT™ class in any location around the world.

In October 2012 Les Mills International announced a partnership with Beachbody in the release of a direct to consumer version of BODYCOMBAT™ called LES MILLS COMBAT. The first infomercials are scheduled to air in early 2013. This followed the launch in October 2011 of the first Les Mills and Beachbody partnership product, a version of BODYPUMP™ called LES MILLS PUMP.