Is Body Pump real strenght training?

Lupercalia

I don't see body pump as being on the same plane as a solid compound lifting program. I view body pump as circuit training, as other people have said. I don't think that makes it any better or worse, just something entirely different from what you're asking about. Apples/oranges.

Yes, you can build endurance and change your body a bit with body pump, but your results and your strength gains will not be comparable to someone who is using a compound lifting program.

daphnemoon

I've been lifting heavy for nearly a year and I went into bodypump feeling pretty confident. Came out feeling SORE. It's a totally different kind of workout, but I don't think any worse or better. Doing 5 heavy squats is all very well if your goal is to put on muscle and lift the most amount you possibly can, one time. If you want general fitness, muscle endurance and cardio plays it's part too.

I think all big lifting guys should try it, just to see there can be other ways to challenge yourself in your lifting. But they are all about the GAINS and if there are no GAINS it is useless to them, haha.

Well said! And I don't see anyone actually mention that Body Pump is fun! I can't ever imagine having the same amount of fun doing few reps of compound lifts as I do in a Body Pump class. I've been doing Pump for several years now, and will never stop doing it because I ENJOY it.

By the way, take no notice of those studies which quoted the cals burned, it is ridiculous to try and pin point an average on cals in that class because there are so many variables, dependent on release type, how much weight you use, so saying you definitely won't burn more than xxx cals is pointless and wrong. I regularly burn in excess of 400 per class and have burned 550. And the direction Pump is going in is that there are a lot more plyometric/athletic moves which will increase calorie burns.

So whilst it might not be about building strength per se, Pump is a great class with overall fitness benefits and is highly enjoyable. And my biceps are looking pretty darn hot thanks to Body Pump. I don't do any other "strength" training.

I really don't understand why there is so much hatred on these forums for Body Pump, heavy lifters should just accept that not everyone wants to do what they do. I would be bored out of my brain.

jalloggio

If your training for strength only then the answer is no. Any strength gains made early on from body pump will be a neurological response for adapting to the weight. If you want to know about serious strength training look up the nsca or acsm guidelines for strength training.

nashai01

Thanks again, everyone