Run with Rachael Newsham was my first real experience with Les Mills Run, and it immediately exceeded my expectations. What I thought would be a simple running workout turned out to be an energizing, structured, and surprisingly motivating session that pushed me more than I expected. Set within a real midweek fitness routine built on planning, consistency, and small habits that support progress, this workout felt like a genuinely enjoyable way to build endurance at home. If you have been curious about training with Rachael Newsham or wondering whether Les Mills Run is worth trying, this post shares my honest first impression.

Quick Verdict

• Intensity (1 to 10): 7

• Good for: beginners starting a running routine, people who want guided motivation, anyone looking for a fun cardio session at home, Les Mills fans who enjoy strong instructor energy, and those who need structure to stay consistent

• My after class mood: tired but proud, energized, accomplished, and genuinely surprised by how fun the session felt

What I’d use for this kind of workout:

• Running shoes
• Water bottle
• Fitness watch
• Comfortable workout outfit

Class Snapshot

• Duration: short guided running session

• Format: a coached cardio workout built around walking, jogging, running, and short bursts of effort, with Rachael Newsham guiding the pace, mindset, and energy throughout

• Equipment: running shoes, comfortable workout clothes, water bottle, and either outdoor space or a treadmill depending on how you choose to do the session

• Instructor style: Rachael is motivating, direct, and full of energy. She makes the session feel accessible while still pushing you to give more than you thought you had

• My focus today: keep going, handle the effort better than before, and stay present instead of overthinking the harder moments

• Beginner notes: very approachable as a first experience, especially if you want running guidance without feeling like you are doing it alone

Instructor Notes

Rachael Newsham brings the kind of energy that makes you want to keep going, even when your legs are questioning every life choice. She is upbeat, motivating, and incredibly easy to follow, which makes this first Les Mills Run experience feel exciting rather than intimidating. From the start, she creates the feeling that you are being coached by someone who genuinely knows how to push people forward without making the session feel overwhelming.

What stood out most to me was how naturally she combines encouragement with challenge. She keeps the energy high, gives the workout personality, and turns running into something that feels more playful and accessible. That matters, especially if you are still building confidence with cardio or trying to make running feel less like a chore.

If you enjoy instructors who bring strong presence, clear motivation, and a fun atmosphere to cardio training, Rachael Newsham is a big part of what makes Les Mills Run worth trying.

Running with Rachael Newsham… This Is How You Start Strong!

This month, I decided to take running seriously and started looking for a program that could be both effective and genuinely fun. That is when, to my surprise and delight, I discovered Les Mills Run. Honestly, is there anything Les Mills does not have?

And the best part? My very first session was with Rachael Newsham. How cool is that? Rach as my personal trainer? What a privilege. 👌🏾

She starts by calling it “that thing called running”, and right there I knew this was going to be fun. I intentionally listened carefully to the audio while running for the first time, and wow… I was in for a surprise. The music was perfect for the energy of the session and really kept me going.

Rachael is brilliant at describing the movements and the effort in a way that keeps you engaged. She says things like “that kind of walk you do when you have got somewhere to be”, and it instantly makes the session feel more dynamic, more playful, and much easier to connect with. It genuinely feels like she is right there running beside you.

I was expecting some light running for a first session, but oh boy… you walk, you jog, you run, and then suddenly you burst. And honestly, I almost felt emotional by the end, because I gave it everything and finished feeling truly proud.

She kept pushing us forward and had us repeating the word “SUCCESS.” And honestly, it really was. My RPE was a solid 10, and by the end I genuinely felt finished.

Rach, the music, the running, that rush of pushing past what felt comfortable… what an absolutely fantastic combination.

Now I am beyond excited, because there is a whole lineup of Les Mills star instructors ready to personally train me in this thing called running.

Music: “Transportation” by Audionautix
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

What Surprised Me Most About Les Mills Run

What surprised me most about Les Mills Run was how fun it felt. I expected something useful, but I did not expect it to be this energizing, this engaging, and this easy to get into mentally. The session had enough structure to keep me focused, enough personality to keep me interested, and enough challenge to make it feel rewarding by the end.

Another thing that surprised me was how much the coaching style changed the experience. Running can sometimes feel repetitive or mentally heavy, especially when you are doing it on your own. Here, the guidance from Rachael made the workout feel lighter, more dynamic, and much easier to enjoy. That alone made a big difference.

If you enjoy this kind of guided cardio, you may also like my Outdoor Cardio Workout for Weight Loss: Les Mills Run, Jump Rope and Stair Climbing.

How I Felt After Session

Right after: tired, sweaty, and genuinely proud. It was the kind of workout that leaves you breathing hard but also feeling accomplished, because you know you gave more than you expected. I finished the session feeling challenged in a good way, with that satisfying sense that I had really worked.

Later that day: energized and encouraged. What stayed with me most was not just the physical effort, but the feeling that running had become more approachable and more enjoyable than I had imagined. The session gave me a real sense of momentum, which matters a lot when you are trying to build consistency with cardio.

Next day: I could still feel that I had worked, but in a motivating way. It felt less like exhaustion and more like proof that I had pushed myself properly. More than anything, I was left wanting to keep going and see how much better I could get with more sessions like this.

Why I’d Recommend This Workout

I would recommend this workout to anyone who wants to make running feel more approachable, more guided, and more enjoyable. It is a strong choice for beginners, for people trying to be more consistent with cardio, and for anyone who needs a coach-like presence to stay engaged.

I would also recommend it to people who already like Les Mills and want a different kind of home workout without losing that familiar high-energy instructor style. For me, this session worked because it combined challenge, structure, and motivation in a way that made me want to come back for more. That is always a very good sign.

My Running Essentials for Workouts Like This

• Running shoes
• Water bottle
• Fitness watch
• Comfortable workout outfit

And if running feels like too much on some days, my post 30-Minute Walk When You’re Exhausted: How It Felt and Why It Still Counts is a good reminder that movement still counts.

Final Thoughts

My first Les Mills Run session with Rachael Newsham was far more fun, challenging, and motivating than I expected. It did not feel like just another cardio workout. It felt guided, energizing, and genuinely enjoyable, which is exactly what made such a difference for me.

What I liked most was that it pushed me while still making the experience feel accessible. As a first session, it gave me that strong mix of effort, structure, and encouragement that makes you want to come back and do it again, even after a hard workout.

If you want a running workout that feels motivating, well coached, and beginner-friendly without being too easy, Les Mills Run is absolutely worth trying. And if your first session happens to be with Rachael Newsham, even better.