Basic Theory is a foundational course designed to complement the practical skills of Les Mills instructors. It provides essential theoretical knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and exercise science, helping you deliver safer and more effective classes.
EXCLUSIVE FOR ACTIVE LES MILLS NORDIC INSTRUCTORS
EQF Level 3 pathway
This pathway leads to EuropeActive EQF Level 3.
A clear step toward a stronger professional foundation.
1 year of EREPS included
One year of EREPS is included after course completion.
It strengthens your professional credibility as an instructor.
Official partnership with Les Mills Nordic
An official partnership between Les Mills Nordic and Improve Educations. Created to strengthen the instructor role.
STEP BY STEP TOWARDS YOUR EUROPEAN INSTRUCTOR LICENSE.
WHY INSTRUCTORS TAKE THE NEXT STEP.
EUROPEACTIVE EQF LEVEL 3
EQF Level 3 is the recognised European benchmark for professional group fitness instructors. It validates that your skills, knowledge and instructor role meet an international standard.
Ditte Sommer Weinreich
“Basic Theory is a valuable next step for instructors who want more than great presentation. It strengthens your credibility and helps you reach EQF Level 3.”
Simon Nilsson
“Great instruction is not only about delivery. Basic Theory gives more depth to the way you coach, and together with Initial Training it leads to EQF Level 3.”
Teresia Björkqvist
“If you want to keep developing after Initial Training, Basic Theory is the natural next step. It builds stronger knowledge and leads to the recognised standard of EQF Level 3.”
1 YEAR OF EREPS INCLUDED
EREPS is the European Register of Exercise Professionals. Being registered strengthens your professional credibility and shows that your competence is recognised within the fitness industry.
Adam Wadhwa
“Initial Training gives you the practical skills. Basic Theory adds the deeper knowledge that helps you qualify for EQF Level 3 and strengthen your role as an instructor.”
Hanna Lundh
“When practical coaching is combined with deeper knowledge, instructors grow in a different way. That is what makes Basic Theory such an important step toward EQF Level 3.”
Jimmy Tang
“Initial Training gives you the practical skills. Basic Theory adds the deeper knowledge that helps you qualify for EQF Level 3 and strengthen your role as an instructor.”
STEP BY STEP TOWARDS YOUR EUROPEAN INSTRUCTOR LICENSE.
LES MILLS - Initial Training
One part of the pathway to EQF Level 3 is completing any Les Mills Initial Training. This practical training prepares you to deliver world-class group fitness classes with confidence and impact. Initial Training gives you the tools to inspire participants and the foundation to grow as an instructor. Together with Basic Theory, it forms the full requirement for European recognition.
NOT A LES MILLS INSTRUCTOR YET?
Get Started
Your journey begins with Les Mills Initial Training. This is where you learn to teach a Les Mills program with confidence and energy.
Learn to Instruct
Initial Training gives you the practical skills to lead safe, motivating and professional classes.You learn how to coach movement, connect with music and bring the workout to life.
Build Your Foundation
Once you have completed Initial Training, Basic Theory becomes your next step. Together, they lead to EuropeActive EQF Level 3 and a stronger professional foundation.
BASIC THEORY
The second part is Basic Theory, an online education in anatomy, physiology and training science. It is the perfect complement to your Initial Training, providing the theoretical knowledge behind the moves you teach. Basic Theory is flexible, self-paced, and designed specifically for Les Mills instructors. When you combine it with Initial Training, you qualify for EuropeActive EQF Level 3.
WHAT YOU GET OUT OF BASIC THEORY.
Foundation
Basic Theory gives you the essential knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and training science – the solid base every instructor needs to feel confident and credible.
Confidence
Understanding how the body works makes you more secure in your role. You’ll be able to answer questions, explain movements, and gain the trust of your participants.
Quality
Les Mills sets the global standard for group fitness. With Basic Theory, your theoretical knowledge matches the same high level of quality as your classes.
Flexibility
The entire course is online and self-paced. Study when and where it suits you, with complete freedom to fit learning into your lifestyle
Certification
When you complete Basic Theory together with your Les Mills Initial Training, you achieve the EuropeActive EQF Level 3 – an international license recognised across Europe.
Growth
Investing in theory is investing in yourself. You don’t just become a better instructor – you grow into a true fitness professional.
MEET THE EDUCATORS BEHIND YOUR INSTRUCTOR JOURNEY.
Veronika Benešová
Veronika is a Les Mills Nordic trainer across both strength and mind-body programs. She brings a broad and balanced perspective to the instructor journey.
Matthew Griffiths
Matthew brings long experience from coaching, education and the fitness industry. He helps turn training science into practical knowledge for instructors.
Niklas Bohlin
Niklas is a Les Mills Nordic trainer across several high-energy programs. He brings strong practical insight into coaching, class experience and instructor development.
Helena Åkesson
Helena is part of the teaching team behind Basic Theory. She helps create a clear and structured learning experience throughout the course
Seth Ronland
Seth is responsible for the educational content behind Basic Theory. His work helps turn evidence-based knowledge into practical learning for instructors.
Elin Äng
Elin is a Les Mills Nordic trainer in BODYATTACK, LES MILLS CORE and STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT. She brings a strong focus on movement quality, coaching and confidence
Mary-Lou Richards
Mary-Lou brings specialist expertise in women’s health and pelvic health.She adds valuable perspective on how training can be adapted with greater precision.
Earn EQF Level 3
EuropeActive sets the official European standards for fitness education. EQF Level 3 is the benchmark for professional group fitness instructors across Europe. By completing both your Les Mills Initial Training and Improve Educations’ Basic Theory, you meet and exceed these standards. With EQF Level 3, your professionalism is validated and recognised internationally.
Already completed both?
If you have already completed both a Les Mills Initial Training and Basic Theory, you are ready for the final step. Simply contact us, and we will help you become part of EREPS – the European Register of Exercise Professionals. Registration with EREPS shows that you are officially recognised as a qualified instructor. It also connects you to a professional community across Europe.
LOGIN OR CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT HERE
FAQ - Basic Theory
Why should Les Mills instructors take Basic Theory?
As a Les Mills instructor, you already have exceptional practical skills. Basic Theory strengthens your role by adding a deeper understanding of how the body works, enabling you to adapt exercises and better support your participants.
In what languages is the course available?
The course is available in both English and Swedish, making it accessible to Les Mills instructors across different countries.
Basic Theory is an on-demand course, allowing you to study at your own pace. The content includes interactive videos, 3D animations, and quizzes to test your knowledge as you progress.
How long does it take to complete the course?
Most participants complete the course in about 2–4 weeks if studying part-time. However, the flexible structure allows you to take as much time as you need.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes, once you successfully complete the course, you’ll receive a certificate confirming your theoretical competence.
Can I access the course material after completion?
Absolutely! Once you purchase the course, you have lifetime access to all materials, allowing you to revisit them anytime.
Is Basic Theory specific to Les Mills instructors?
While the course is tailored to complement Les Mills programs, it is also suitable for any group fitness instructor looking to strengthen their theoretical foundation.
Why is theoretical knowledge important for group fitness instructors?
Theoretical knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and exercise science helps group fitness instructors understand how different exercises impact the body and how to best coach participants to avoid injuries and maximize results.
Do I need any prior knowledge?
No prior knowledge is required to take this course. Basic Theory is designed to guide you step-by-step, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced instructors looking to strengthen their theoretical foundation.
How do I enroll in Basic Theory?
Simply create an account on our platform, purchase the course, and start studying immediately.
FAQ - Les Mills Initial Training
What is Les Mills Initial Training?
It is the entry-level training to become a certified Les Mills instructor in a specific program.
Which programs offer Initial Training?
All Les Mills programs have Initial Training, including BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, BODYATTACK, BODYCOMBAT and more.
Do I need Initial Training to get EQF Level 3?
Yes, you must complete at least one Initial Training in any Les Mills program together with Basic Theory.
What will I learn in Initial Training?
You’ll learn the choreography, coaching techniques, and delivery skills needed to inspire participants and teach your first classes.
Typically 2 days (live), focusing on technique, coaching, and practice.
Can I choose which program I start with?
Yes, you can choose any Les Mills program for your Initial Training – all are valid for EQF Level 3.
What’s the difference between Initial Training and Advanced Training?
Initial Training certifies you to start teaching. Advanced Training develops your coaching further once you have experience.
What do I need to pass Initial Training?
You must demonstrate safe technique, correct execution, and the ability to coach participants effectively.
How much does Initial Training cost?
Prices vary per country and program, but Les Mills offers transparent pricing and support through its trainers.
How do I enroll in Les Mills Initial Training?
Simply go to https://www.lesmills.com/nordic/instructors/ to get started.
FAQ - Why get Europe Active's EQF Level 3 Certificate
Why do I need both Basic Theory and Initial Training?
Because together they give you the perfect balance of practice and theory – how to teach and the knowledge behind why it works.
Doesn’t Initial Training already prepare me to teach?
Yes, Initial Training prepares you to deliver great classes. But Basic Theory adds the scientific foundation that makes you more confident and credible.
What does Basic Theory add to Initial Training?
It gives you a deeper understanding of anatomy, physiology and training science, so you can coach with more knowledge and authority.
How does the combination make me a better instructor?
You’ll inspire participants with great delivery and be able to explain the why behind the moves, which builds trust and professionalism.
Isn’t experience enough to become a good instructor?
Experience is valuable, but combining theory and practice ensures that your teaching is safe, effective and aligned with international standards.
Why is theory so important for group fitness?
Because group fitness isn’t just about leading a workout – it’s about understanding how the body moves, adapts, and stays healthy over time.
What value does EQF Level 3 certification add to my career?
It shows that you are not just a class leader, but a recognised professional who meets European standards.
How does this benefit my participants?
They get safer, more effective and more inspiring classes – and an instructor they can trust.
How does this benefit my club or employer?
It demonstrates that the club invests in professional, internationally recognised instructors – raising the overall quality of their team.
What’s the real advantage of doing both?
It takes you from being “just an instructor” to being a qualified fitness professional, ready for long-term success in the industry.
Contact us, and we’ll respond within 24 hours.
PRESS RELEASE
Les Mills Nordic and Improve Educations are proud to announce a ground breaking collaboration that elevates the standard of group fitness education across all 13 Les Mills Nordic countries.
Through this partnership, every Les Mills instructor in the region now has the opportunity to achieve the EuropeActive EQF Level 3 certification – the official European benchmark for fitness professionals.