Friday Fitness: Les Mills Body Pump

Afternoon all, hope this post finds you well, I'm very thankful to be at the end of the week, only 5 weeks until half term!

Today I thought I would bring you one of my favourite gym classes, Les Mills Body Pump.

Les Mills is a range of fitness classes which most fitness centres will run. They combine music with a range of routines, both cardio and resistance based. I have tried most of the classes, and I do many of them during the week. I have reviewed the Body Jam class here, and it is the class I most look forward to.


Of the other classes, Body Pump is a class that many people are put off by, because it is a weights based class which sounds scary if you have never tried weights before.


Body Pump consists of multiple routines, each one targeting a different muscle group. The music is often current chart music, and I often have to stop myself singing out loud.


On your first session, the instructor will check you have all your equipment, advising you on weight choices, as well as checking for any injuries.


You start with a light weight on the bar for the warm up which covers the whole body, and from there move onto the individual muscle groups. Through out the session the instructor is modelling what to do, and often moves about to check you have the correct position so as you dot injure yourself.


With each new track comes a new weight selection, the bigger the muscle group, the heavier the weights need to be. There is also the use of the step and the floor for some routines.


Pump is a class for everyone, young, old, male, female, infact the class I attend is mostly women!


At the end of the class, the cool down is very much deserved, and I defy anyone not to ache the next day, walking up and down stairs really hurts! As the weeks go on, you can add more weights to your bar for each routine, but be warned this does increase the pain the next day!


Body Pump offers a medium intensity work out that will burn calories during the class, an will rev up the metabolism and muscles to carry on burning calories after the class. Shaping up muscles, losing the layer of fat and adding definition is also a given from this class, but don't expect instant washboard stomach!


I really enjoy this class, and would encourage you to try it really! What do you think, are there any other classes you want to know about?!


Thanks for reading xx

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Les Mills - Body Jam

Afternoon lovelies, hope your having a good weekend. I'm just cooling down after my spinning class, in a world of unimaginable pain! I've really fallen in love with spinning, however I do get a bit bored and needed a new class to try.

I really love the Les Mill classes, I have tried every single one of them, and I will try to write a post about each class. So when I saw a new class on the list at the gym,I was intrigued. 

Body Jam is advertised as 'the cardio workout where you are free to enjoy the sensation of dance. An addictive fusion of the latest dance styles and hottest new sounds puts the emphasis as much on having fun as on breaking a sweat. Funky instructors teach you to move with attitude through this 55-minute class. So grab a friend, get front and center, and get high on the feeling of dance. Like all the LES MILLS™ programs, a new BODYJAM™ class is produced every three months with new music and choreography. Each new class will be a different dance experience depending on what’s current and hot.'


My first class


As it's a dance class, I dressed in light clothing and lightweight trainers. I knew it was going to be hot so packed lots of water and a towel. I arrived at the class and met the instructor, who was friendly and instantly put us all at ease ( it also helped that he was very good looking!) As soon as the music started, I knew I was going to enjoy it, loads of pop music, both current and old school (think N*Sync Bye Bye Bye!!)


About half way through I realised that I had not stopped smiling, and got a bit lost, but the instructor soon slowed the steps down for us, talking us through the steps, changing the view he gave us (not a bad view either!) We only did about 3 different routines in the hour class, but each one was really easy, and there were options for those new to dance and those who are more confident. To really enjoy it, you need to leave your insecurities at the door and just let your self go - everyone looks as red and sweaty as you! 


By the end of the class, I was ready for the cool down, I have honestly never sweated so much in my life! Talking to others, they were feeling nicely tired like me, as well as bubbling with adrenaline from the class. I'm already looking forward to my next class! 




Rating


Instructor: 9/10
Music: 8/10 ( would have loved some really old school pop!)
Calorie Burn: 8/10
Enjoyment: 10/10!!!




I would really recommend this class, it is really enjoyable and I smile every time I think about it! If your planning to go you will need:

• Water - lots of!
• Loose clothing - you need to be able to move freely
• Lightweight shoes - less tread on them

If you get the chance to try this class, let me know! Are there any other classes you would like to see a post on?