Class goes on after man collapses at Les Mills gym

A man collapsed and lost consciousness during a BodyPump class at Les Mills. Photo / Thinkstock

An investigation is under way at one of New Zealand's largest gyms after an instructor continued with a group fitness class after a man collapsed and lost consciousness.

The incident, involving a 28-year-old man, happened during a BodyPump class at the Les Mills Victoria St West gym in Auckland on Wednesday morning.

According to the gym's website, BodyPump is a total-body workout involving repetitions using light to moderate weights.

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A woman, who did not give her name, was in the 9.10am class and said the man collapsed and lost consciousness shortly after it began.

The female instructor stopped the class and three other gym staff members came over to help, she said.

Another member of the class rang for an ambulance, while one of the staff members stayed with the man.

In the meantime, the instructor resumed the class, the woman said.

The class continued for about 25 minutes until the ambulance arrived and he was taken to hospital.

"I felt really bad for him. They totally should have finished the class," she said.

"It was a poor decision. Les Mills really handled this badly."

A spokesman for St John Ambulance confirmed that the man was taken to Auckland City Hospital.

Les Mills spokesman Guy Needham said the class should have been stopped completely.

"The health and safety process wasn't followed," Mr Needham said.

"We're obviously investigating with the people concerned and the appropriate action will be taken," he said.

The man was yesterday in a serious condition in hospital, he said.