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.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
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.
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues. Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council, Croydon Council, and Southampton City Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Bournemouth International Centre
Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Opened in 1984 the venue is set in the heart of Bournemouth, with panoramic views across the bay. It is the south coast’s premier conference, exhibition, entertainment, and hospitality venue, with licensed capacity for up to 10,000 visitors. Four main halls and a variety of smaller meeting and hospitality areas can be scaled to host events such as multi-hall conferences, exhibitions, meetings, music concerts, dance and comedy performances.
- Buy tickets online at bic.co.uk
- Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
- In person from box offices at Bournemouth International Centre
For call charges, opening times and more visit bic.co.uk.
Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthInternationalCentre