Death of Les Mills Bodypump pioneer Mike McSweeney

Australasian Leisure Management is sad to report the death of well known Les Mills Bodypump instructor Mike McSweeney.

A post on the global exercise group’s Facebook on Sunday night confirmed that McSweeney, who “presented, choreographed and educated trainers, presenters and instructors around the world for over a decade” had died at the age of 64.

The former Bodypump and RPM Programme Director for Les Mills International, McSweeney had, according to a public Facebook post by McSweeney’s brother Dennis, arrived in Auckland on Saturday night from Hong Kong and was hospitalised in the intensive care unit (ICU) before he passed away due to an unexplained illness.

On Sunday, Dennis confirmed McSweeney’s death in a separate Facebook post.

Friend and former colleague Tracy Minnoch posted a tribute to McSweeney on Facebook, saying he “made ‘authenticity’ a thing before it became a lesson, and it was his legacy that drew this out of many of the Les Mills trainers worldwide.

“If he yelled at you, told you to pull it together ... it's because he believed you could handle it and that you would rise to your own greatness, in your own way, and not as a carbon copy. Mike wasn't a copy of anyone - raw, grit, honest, iconic.”

Minnoch continued that McSweeney’s dedication to his family was “heartwarming”.

Sydney-based fitness club owner Amanda Bracks wrote on Facebook "RIP to one of the most inspirational international fitness leaders that ever stepped onto the stage. A leader, a powerhouse, a phenomenal motivator, and the best quads I have seen on a guy in the gym. You have left a legacy behind brother. Thank you, Mike for all that you have done while on this planet."

Les Mills wrote on Sunday that McSweeney, “made a huge impact within the Les Mills community, and we all owe a huge debt to him. Rest in peace, Mike.”

McSweeney featured on the cover of Australasian Leisure Management in 2003.

Funeral
Click here to access a link to Mike McSweeney's funeral service being held at 1pm New Zealand time on Thursday (22nd December).

Webcasts begin about 20 minutes before the start of the service.

Anyone planning to use this service is encouraged to log on early so they can test their computer and internet connection.

Lower image courtesy of Les Mills International.