Les Mills "Body Pump" = Cardio Only?

muffintopminx
muffintopminx Posts: 541 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Is the Les Mills "Body Pump" gym class considered just cardio? Are there any strength/muscle benefits? It's a lifting class, but it's high reps at low weight and minimal breaks. It definitely feels like cardio but do the weights involved add any other benefits? Does it at least maintain muscle? I know you can't BUILD muscle at this level. Does it burn more fat than regular cardio?

I'm just wondering if I should stop wasting my time with this class as I prefer the Zumba class for my cardio. I somehow thought that with the weights I was getting more bang for my effort, but maybe not????

Regardless, I hope to add the "New Rules of Lifting for Women" heavy lifting program to my routine soon - just need to fully recover from a lower back injury first.

thanks!

Replies

  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    When I did it regularly - and lifted as heavy as I was able - I definitely noticed a difference in my muscles. I would have said it was primarily a strength class although it certainly has cardio benefits too.
  • muffintopminx
    muffintopminx Posts: 541 Member
    bump
  • Monisfit4life
    Monisfit4life Posts: 228 Member
    The background research on Body Pump says that it is weight training. It is done this way for people to build lean muscle quickly, but it is done at a pace that burns alot of calories as well.
  • OneFitDude16
    OneFitDude16 Posts: 169
    My mom did Les Mills PUMP and the weights definitely have a benefit. Step and Combat are the cardio workouts for PUMP. The rest are more on the weight lifting side although you could call it weighted cardio.
  • jenniferstanton
    jenniferstanton Posts: 132 Member
    I've been doing body pump for almost two years now, 3x a week pretty religiously. I noticed a change in my muscles after six months. I went from a size large to xtra small (top). My legs are also more cut. I would continue. I love how cut I am! So, years ago I dieted ( no weight training) I'm 10 pounds heavier now but fit into a smaller size. I think it's key to do it three times a week,

Categories