Group fitness provided and training company Les Mills has launched its Ultimate Studio Search campaign.

Launched last month, the initiative will "scour the world for the most inspirational group fitness studios" with the aim of raising standards across the industry.

Two members of staff from the facilities deemed best in the judges' eyes will win a seven-day trip for two to Les Mills head office in Auckland, New Zealand, including a tour and use of the Les Mills World of Fitness facilities, and a vineyard tour.

Nominations are open now from club managers or owners, instructors or members.

"The unfortunate status quo is that most of us couldn't design worse studios if we tried," says Les Mills Chief Executive Phillip Mills. "Group exercise is one of the most powerful potential ways for us to grow membership, but it needs to be presented in a fun, social space.

"For some bizarre reason, the industry standard feels more like an operating theatre or a medical lab."

He hopes this search will highlight facilities the rest should aspire to.

The contest closes in on April 15 and every group fitness studio on the world is eligible to win, regardless of whether the facility uses Les Mills programming.