Review
Described as a fitness industry power couple , there is no doubting the accolade. Between them, Phillip and Dr Jackie Mills have had the entrepreneurial nous to create the world s biggest, most successful and favorite exercise-to-music system. At the top of an empire that inspires five million people per week globally to exercise (Les Mills International), they definitely have the cred to share their knowledge and certainly prove they 'walk the talk' themselves.
However, this book is not just about exercise to music. The authors tie together an array of topics that all point to the same fact - it is up to us as individuals to make positive changes to put the brakes on this century's continuing damage to our environment. The authors achieve their mission of inspiring one to get moving through engaging dialogue, interesting personal anecdotes and most importantly - information and practical advice on how to change your life.
In perfect alignment with Fitness Life's mission to stimulate thought and action, and help all people to live better, this book outlines getting inspired to improve your health by making sport and fitness fun. It provides much insight to ensure you gain a deeper understanding and passion for health, nutrition and the environment.
For those of us whose lives are dedicated to the fitness industry, Fighting Globesity brings a sigh of relief. This power couple have put pen to paper and made the effort to articulate what many of us have been thinking (and a whole lot more), in a very succinct, entertaining and compelling format.
Our hope now is that the five million people moving to the beat of Phillip and Jackie's moves will read this book, share it around and take real steps to help the world live better. --Fitness Life magazine
You won't automatically link a diet and fitness book with the problem of global warming but Phillip and Jackie Mills have managed it in their new book Fighting Globesity. They believe sustainability starts with our own bodies.
So mixed in with lots of helpful advice on how to downsize yourself and be healthier are facts and figures about everything from the future of our fisheries to our water supply. As a book it's all a bit of a salad really but if you pick out the best bits, then it might be just what you need for a healthier you and a healthier planet. --Herald On Sunday
About the Author
Phillip Mills is one of the pioneers of the international fitness industry and a driving force behind the popularization of the modern group fitness experience.
A Commonwealth Games 400m hurdles finalist in the 1970s, Phillip won a track scholarship to the University of California, Los Angeles, where he graduated in philosophy.
On returning to New Zealand, he took an increasing role in the Les Mills fitness club business founded by his parents, Les and Colleen in 1968, and later took ownership of the business with his wife, Jackie.
There are now ten Les Mills clubs in New Zealand with 45,000 members.
In the 1980s Phillip developed the exercise-to-music system that would later evolve into the eight group fitness programs currently distributed by Les Mills International to more than 11,000 fitness clubs in over 70 countries, with an estimated 5 million participants a week.
Based on an assurance of quality achieved through pre-choreography and a revolutionary system for training instructors, the programs include the weight training with barbells program, BODYPUMP, that has become the world s biggest branded group fitness program.
In 2004 Phillip was named New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year by the professional services firm, Ernst & Young.
Dr Jackie Mills is a specialist in nutritional medicine, with multidisciplinary expertise in areas as diverse as obstetrics and yoga. She is a Creative Director for Les Mills International and Program Director for BODYBALANCE - Les Mills' yoga, tai chi and pilates program.
