I finally tried BodyPump at my gym today. It is so good! It's basically weight lifting set to music. You don't have to be really coordinated, the movements are simple and easy to pick up, and I found everything do-able but could have sat some things out (like the planking) if I didn't feel up to it yet. You choose how much weight is on your barbell or whether you just use the bar empty at first. I will be adding one BodyPump class a week to get in some weight training. Much more fun than doing it solo. And I am sure I will be sore tomorrow!

I like Body Pump but couldn't do it because of shoulder issues, it's a great class though and a great workout. As far as planks, just start somewhere. Do it for a few seconds instead of the whole time or modify by resting weight on your knees instead of your toes. Just keep that line along your back and legs straight.

Lynda

I have been doing body pump and it FEELS like a great class. I was doing a little googling though and don't see alot of rave reviews about people really changing their bodies due to it. Not sure what I think... but it is really fun!

Well I am sore today! I can't imagine it won't make a difference. Especially when I add more weight.

I have heard it is a lot of fun-- and even tried it a few times... until my chiropractor told me he basically could pay off med school just from the patients he saw sustaining injury from that class alone (YIKES!). So, my suggestion is go slow, and really listen to your body!

Blah. I love body pump. Never had injury though I have DOMS occasionally.

Increase weights weekly to challenge yourself. You will see a difference in inches more than pounds.

Looks fun, but the weights look on the light side. Also, based on a you tube video I watched, the instructors are not paying the close to body form of individuals as they lift. Flat back, shoulders pulled back, that sort of thing. However, this looks like a good approach for someone new to lifting and wanting toning benefits without the cost of a personal trainer or the confusion of a free weights area in the gym. I am curious though. What kind of weights are they expected to lift in these classes. In the video, it looked like 35# or something around that. It would be hard to build strength or change your body composition with that load.

Looks fun, but the weights look on the light side. Also, based on a you tube video I watched, the instructors are not paying the close to body form of individuals as they lift. Flat back, shoulders pulled back, that sort of thing. However, this looks like a good approach for someone new to lifting and wanting toning benefits without the cost of a personal trainer or the confusion of a free weights area in the gym. I am curious though. What kind of weights are they expected to lift in these classes. In the video, it looked like 35# or something around that. It would be hard to build strength or change your body composition with that load.

You can put on as much weight as you want. You can change it between muscle groups. Also my instructor definitely corrected form problems. We don't need to all lift more than our body weight.

Looks fun, but the weights look on the light side. Also, based on a you tube video I watched, the instructors are not paying the close to body form of individuals as they lift. Flat back, shoulders pulled back, that sort of thing. However, this looks like a good approach for someone new to lifting and wanting toning benefits without the cost of a personal trainer or the confusion of a free weights area in the gym. I am curious though. What kind of weights are they expected to lift in these classes. In the video, it looked like 35# or something around that. It would be hard to build strength or change your body composition with that load.

Agreed that it's important to have a good instructor. You can use more weight if you'd like, but in addition to the weighted bar, the class uses exercises including planks, lunges, and squats that can change body composition without any additional weight. I really loved my class, taught by a friend of mine, but I can't hold the weighted bar over my shoulders. I seriously considered taking the class even without the weighted bar, but the final nail for he is that my friend only teaches evening and I have to exercise early in the day or I just won't do it.

You don't need to lift weights to change body composition. You should see the muscles on some people in the Dailey method class I'm taking!

Lynda

You both are right and my comments are not backed by enough research (only one you tube video). Keep up the great work.

So, I think Body Pump builds muscle endurance more than mass. To me it is very complimentary to other types of strength training. I have gone I think 4 times now - started out so easy on myself I didn't even break a sweat. I keep adding a bit of weight and really do hit muscular failure due to the high reps. The best class is the one that is probably 2/3 bodypump combined with a mega intense core workout... that core workout is almost too hard for me.

I really get happy seeing people on here live what they're doing to move their bodies and be well! Congratulations you guys. Bring it on!!!

I really get happy seeing people on here live what they're doing to move their bodies and be well! Congratulations you guys. Bring it on!!!

ditto!