Looking for a new workout? Try BodyPump

The start of the New Year is a great time to start a new fitness routine. Maybe you aren’t in the habit of working out and want to get off the couch and get moving, but aren’t sure where to start. Or maybe you have a regular workout routine but are feeling a little bored, stuck in a fitness rut. No matter what your current exercise situation is, mixing things up with a new workout is a great way to challenge your body and reignite your fitness passion. If you are looking for a new workout to try, Les Mills Body Pump is a fantastic full body workout that will help you burn calories and tone your muscles for an all over improved physique.

What Is Les Mills Body Pump?
Les Mills Body Pump is a resistance training workout that utilizes barbells and body weight to challenge your body with a full body workout routine. According to the group that produces it, Les Mills International, Body Pump is “The original barbell workout that strengthens and tones your entire body.” Les Mills International choreographs these workouts, meaning that no matter where you take the class, it will be the same workout routine. This consistency is great for people who travel regularly--just find a gym that offers Les Mills Body Pump and you will know what to expect! The workout follows a routine set to ten tracks, or songs. The workout always follows this progression:

Warm-up
Squats
Chest
Back
Triceps
Biceps
Lunges
Shoulders
Abs/Core
Cool down

The entire workout is set to upbeat music to keep up your enthusiasm. Body Pump is always taught by a Les Mills-certified instructor who will lead the routine and ensure that everyone is using the weights correctly. Within each track, you will repeat a set sequence of moves for a total of roughly 800 repetitions. Sounds like a lot, and it is, but it will go by quickly. Body Pump classes last for 55 minutes unless they are specifically noted as an Express Body Pump class, which can last either 30 or 45 minutes.

What To Expect In A Body Pump Class
Plan to arrive a few minutes early to set up your workout space. All Body Pump classes use a barbell with weight plates, a bench with risers, and a mat. If you are new to Body Pump, or weight training in general, talk to the instructor beforehand about what you will need and how much weight you should choose. You can always change the weight during class if you need more or less of a challenge. If you are new, you can always use just the barbell or even just your body weight. The constant motion will still provide a great workout. The class will begin with a warm-up to get your muscles loose and your blood flowing, then will quickly segue into the ten tracks listed above. Common movements include dead lifts, dead rows, chest presses, squats, lunges, push-ups, and many more. But if weight training is new to you, don’t be intimidated by these terms. The great thing about Body Pump is that an instructor will be leading you the entire time. If you never learn the names, no problem! Just follow along and you will be fine.