Body pump class

lisajames925

Would body pump class be classed as weight training or would weights in the gym be better on machines for toning

1BlueAurora

I've only taken three Body Pump classes, but it seems like a good combo of cardio and weight training. Perhaps you can log in the exercise here by trying to break down the components (for some reason MFP doesn't give you a calorie value for Body Pump). I think you'd get a benefit with toning your muscles with any of the methods you've mentioned. I'd vote for whichever method you enjoy the most, because that's the one that you'll keep doing.

hungrywombat

There is an entry for Les Mills BodyPump in the Cardio section of MFP. BodyPump isn't for everyone but I really like it. I need the class element to keep me focused for the entire workout; otherwise I would tend to get bored halfway through if I'm just working out on my own. I've had great success with it going 3 times a week fairly consistently for 3 years (combined with a calorie deficit of course) - over time I've seen about a 14cm reduction in my waist and 30cm around my hips/butt, and my upper body is much more balanced and defined. There's reasonable scope for progressing with the weights used - nothing like some of the impressive heavy lifters here, but decent enough to keep challenging yourself.

It's worth trying to do a technique class first if your gym offers them and you're new to strength training so you learn the right form. Instructors can be pretty hit or miss as to whether they notice/correct bad form.

ceiswyn

You can tone just fine with BodyPump. You won't build as much muscle as you would in the gym, and it'll be slower, but some people (eg me) find solo gym work tedious and demotivating, and prefer the class atmosphere and not having to keep track of anything.

Seconded on it being worth learning correct form before you go, though. I've mostly had good instructors, but even so in a class of people poor form only tends to get corrected if what you're doing is outright dangerous, or if a lot of people are making the same mistake.

I've been going two or three times a week for two years, and the changes are visible; I have very defined shoulders now, and my thigh muscles and abs are detectable even though that's where I carry all my remaining fat and loose skin!

Admittedly I still have weak arms, but I don't think that's BodyPump's fault. Given that I've gone from squatting 7 kg to 22 kg and I'm on 15 kg for chest and back, but I'm still on less-than-starting for biceps and triceps and I'm struggling to increase my other weights purely because my arms give out, I think it's just that my spirit animal is the T. rex...

fitoverfortymom

I log it as cardio. Les Mills Body Bump has an entry in the cardio database. When I log it on my Garmin watch, I select cardio.

It's not an ultra high calorie burn, but it's SO MUCH FUN.

I subscribe to Les Mills on Demand and do BP (and other LM programs) at home several times a week.

hungrywombat

@fitoverfortymom how do you like Les Mills on Demand? My mum doesn't have a decent gym near her and was asking if I knew anything about the at home program.

erickirb

Body pump, though resistance training, would be more cardio based program than strength based. Resisted cardio, you will have some benefits of weight training, but depending on your goal may be right for you or not

cwolfman13

lisajames925 wrote: »

Would body pump class be classed as weight training or would weights in the gym be better on machines for toning

Really depends on what your fitness goals are. It's primarily cardio with resistance. You will get some of the benefits of resistance training, but you're primarily working cardio and muscular endurance. So, for example, if your goal is to gain more strength, this program wouldn't really be optimal for that as it is focused more on muscular endurance...actual strength gains would be pretty slow.

hesn92

Sounds like a combination of both to me.

fitoverfortymom

hungrywombat wrote: »

@fitoverfortymom how do you like Les Mills on Demand? My mum doesn't have a decent gym near her and was asking if I knew anything about the at home program.

I absolutely love it. There's a great Facebook group that is very active and supportive, too.

hopelessdreamer12

My body pump class doesn’t do any cardio. We use weights the entire class, so I log it under circuit training.

erickirb

hopelessdreamer12 wrote: »

My body pump class doesn’t do any cardio. We use weights the entire class, so I log it under circuit training.

But becasue you lift light for so many reps itbis more cardio than strength trainig. Resisted cardio

ninerbuff

lisajames925 wrote: »

Would body pump class be classed as weight training or would weights in the gym be better on machines for toning

"Toning" is a made up word in the fitness industry and has NO CONSISTENT definition. If you want to look longer and leaner, you ensure that your calorie deficit is moderate and consistent and that the exercise regimen is one that helps you to retain the muscle you already have. Normally that's going to be a full body workout with very moderate resistance. Bodypump is a "muscle conditioning" class which is not the same a lifting weights in the gym unless you're doing circuit training. May want to get a couple of session with a trainer to figure out what may work best for you.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

ninerbuff

hopelessdreamer12 wrote: »

My body pump class doesn’t do any cardio. We use weights the entire class, so I log it under circuit training.

It's more cardio based because the weights aren't that heavy and the amount of reps per exercise are well past that of one where you're just trying to achieve strength or hypertrophy.


A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

lisajames925

Thank you I think I will get some advice from a trainer I want to tone up more now rather than weight loss.

Muscleflex79

lisajames925 wrote: »

Thank you I think I will get some advice from a trainer I want to tone up more now rather than weight loss.

did you read ninerbuff's post above? "toning" is not a thing.

lisajames925

Yes I did but it’s the word I use for being leaner and the doctor also uses it, as well as other gym instructors so doesn’t really matter what it’s called just want to look slimmer.

DancingMoosie

So you want to be leaner without losing weight? Look into recomp. I would recommend heavier lifting for that. Progressive overload...

lisajames925

Would like to lose half a stone but it’s not really going down for last month think it’s telling me that I m a weight I should be

sijomial

lisajames925 wrote: »

Would like to lose half a stone but it’s not really going down for last month think it’s telling me that I m a weight I should be

If by "toning" or "look slimmer" you mean get leaner (fat loss) then you have to make a decision on how you are going to achieve that.

Option 1.
Eat less, your body doesn't decide what weight you should be - that's your choice. Eat less/move more to shift your calorie balance into deficit and lose that half a stone.

Option 2.
Stay the same weight and gain muscle / lose fat. BodyPump is far from optimal choice for that. If you put enjoyment ahead of results then carry on but set your expectations accordingly.

lisajames925

I m doing body pump twice a week, daily walk, combat once a week and have added a swim once a week.

spraytanninghelens

lisajames925 wrote: »

I m doing body pump twice a week, daily walk, combat once a week and have added a swim once a week.

Lisa I enjoy bodypump too, I found it a great base & also for learning lots of techniques and moves.
I was doing pump once, maybe twice a week, spin and a running, but when I started focusing mainly on just lifting free weights and pushing myself, for me, that’s when I really noticed a change.

lisajames925

Ok I might try get an appointment in gym as not really sure about weights too much . Wouldn’t know where to start , only used dumbbells