Thinking of going to a body pump class...

MrsSausage58

So, as I said, I'm thinking of going to a body pump class. It looks like exactly "my thing" but I'm not a big fan of going to new things on my own - I know it's always ok after the first couple of times but you know how it is....

Anyway, do you go to body pump, and if so what do you think?

Thanks for your help. Oh, and try to be nice. :bigsmile:

SarahLou1111

I am in exactly the same position! Joined the gym three weeks ago and loving RPM...did Vive for the first time last week and loved that too. Have tried Bodystep but a bit beyond my fitness level at the moment. Want to do Pump as I want to start doing some strength stuff as well as cardio but the people who do it at my gym are all really lean fit looking types who seem to be in pairs and threes before they go in...and it's one of those where you need to get a lot of stuff together before you start isn't it...

So I feel your indecision...may go to the one they are running on Bank Holiday Monday morning tho as hoping it might be quiet...

MrsSausage58

We're good aren't we.......can't make a decision between us! Haha. I'm with you on the people thing though. I have visions of lots of super fit people there and little (or big) old me turning up with not a clue where to be or what to do. Gah!

LoraF83

Just suck it up and go.

It will be fine.

thisgirlhere

We're good aren't we.......can't make a decision between us! Haha. I'm with you on the people thing though. I have visions of lots of super fit people there and little (or big) old me turning up with not a clue where to be or what to do. Gah!

Turn up early and speak to the instructor so that they have some time to show you correct posture. Body pump is my favourite class and I'm very much a beginner.

ms_leanne

Pump is awesome. Your instructor should be able to help you with technique to avoid injury.

I miss it since I cancelled my gym membership last year. Splurging out on boot camp instead though.

toxoplasmagondi

I've been doing Les Mills classes for almost two years. If you're first starting out with pump use the same weight for warm up throughout the entire class until you can learn the moves with good form. After that keep adding weight until you can no longer make it through the track. If you have any questions feel free to message me!

nicola1141

Body Pump is good. The first few seconds as you're kind of meandering around trying to copy what equipment everybody else is getting together is a little weird, but just ask the instructor and it'll be great.

ashleymcn01

My mom is 63 years old and has taught body pump classes for as long as I can remember. They are a blast, get up and go to one!!!

KtotheD78

This has been on my heart too!!! I REEEEALLY want to go! I think I will just show up early and hope an instructor doesn't mind helping me figure out which equipment I need. I like the idea of just starting out with the same weights until form and feel is achieved

uncbluci

I was the same way, chickened out a few times before I actually went into the class. It'll be fine, there are lots of 'veterans' in there who seem intimidating because they know what they're doing but they are always willing to help newbies, and there are always a few of those too. Pick a class at a time that won't be slammed, they tend to get packed out. Show up early so you can tell the instructor you're new and have plenty of time to set up your equipment. I had someone show me what I needed my first time. You can also go to the les mills website and watch videos to familiarize yourself with the moves you'll be doing.

Melissa22G

Just go.

And go to the front of the class to make sure you have a good view of their form and not the person infront of you that may be doing it incorrectly.

ladybird1771

Do it! They're fun!

karllundy

I started going as a way to do something different and I love it! Like everyone said, make sure to get some instruction on form and then go for it! It is fun and they change the routine/music every few months, so you don't plateau or get bored of the same music. Enjoy!

nightdragon70

I love body pump class... My favorite is body combat, but the pump is nice too. You will get a great workout in. Just don't worry about the weights.. Do what you can and make sure your form is right, then you can add more weight as you go. Relax, have fun, and you'll be back again

HopeDaleen930

Took my first class today and loved it. Do light weights and only do what you can. If you can't keep up stop and pick up when you can. I loved it! Can't wait to go back.

mrsburghart

Bodypump is amazing Definitely go! You won't regret it. Pick a spot in the back of the room and just go for it. There's nothing to lose. I agree that you need to show up a bit early so that you can get help setting up. Make sure you tell them you are new, and listen for their tips as they through the routine. They will show you how to do the moves properly. You're gonna love it!

ChristiSykes

LOVE Body Pump!!!!! I was nervous at first as well, but found out that everyone is very supportive and helpful to new comers. Just go

mollycob27

Body Pump is great ! another one to try also is body combat ! a real get fit feeling

As for the classes - i used HATE going on my own , the first time i went i could have cried if im honest , but thats all down to confidence

but take it from me , its very hard, BUT go to the class, go to the back ( then you can watch everyone else hehe)
Also yes there will be fighting fit people in there , but also there will be people just like you and me who want to ge to that point

so , the second time i went ( yes i had to push myself due to lack of confidnece ) but i stood at the back and saw the fit and slim rolling in , then as the class started i watched them and realised , that i too want to be like them - it since then has become a target for me ! it makes me go, it makes me keep going thrugh the class.
so the motto -
be stong and get amongst it and be greatful for these slim fitness freaks - as they actually can give you the motivation to keep going

try it - you might like it :-)

KarenJanine

Just remember that all those slim fit people you feel intimidated by you probably started out in the same place you are and were nervous about joining the class.

Just suck it up and go. In a few months you'll be one of the slim fit people and newbies will be feeling intimidated by you.

ChristiH4000

I've been wanting to try this class too. Looks like it's time to suck it up and just go!

run_way

I was nervous going into a body pump class for the first time, so I got there a little early and just asked a girl that already had all of her stuff set up - I told her I had never done the class before and asked her what I needed. She was super nice and helpful, and practically set up my stuff for me and showed me how to use the bars and how the weights clicked into them, etc.
If you aren't comfortable just going up to someone, then ask the instructor, it's their job to help new people.

iLoveMyPitbull1225

I dont personally do them, but a friend of mine has been doing them for many months and it still kicks her *kitten* every time.

ellycope

I agree with the people saying Body Pump is amazing - it's hard work but you get through it because of the energy of the instructor and the music.

I know it's hard to try new classes on your own but what I've found with the Les Mills classes is that the people who are going tend to be fans and they really won't mind talking to you about it (and raving about it!). I'd suggest picking someone who seems friendly and asking if they've been before and if so if they've got any advice (mine would be to make sure you have a full range of weights and a couple of some of them so you have the greatest flexibility in what weights you put on).

Definitely talk to the instructor beforehand so they can watch out for your form. I know some people are saying to find a place at the back but I'd say find a place at the front so you can really see what's going on and, if you have a moment (in Pump you might not!), take any opportunity to watch how the old hands are doing it!

I really hope you do go and enjoy it :-)

dewgirl321

Definitely do it! Get there early to have time to set up your station - I made the mistake of thinking the instructor set them up :blushing: oops! Someone was nice and helped me out.

Have a range of weights since you won't know how much you can do. Start low and work up if you can. It's a lot of reps so you get a lot of benefit with little weight.

Don't worry about not knowing the moves - it's easier than most classes and everyone understands what it's like to be new.

HokieMama4

Love it! Love it! Love it! I love all the Les Mills classes (well, except for cycle - hurts my butt too much). Since I started doing pump regularly, the weight is flying off! I didn't expect that. Not only that, but I like the way my arms look. WHAT?!?! Never thought I'd say that! I can definitely see my body changing shape. Can't say enough great things about Body Pump. DO IT!!! It's hard (and if you think it's not hard, you need to add more weight!), so mentally prepare yourself to work hard and don't quit! It's SOOOOO worth it! Best of luck to you!

missyrussell81

I'm always terrified of starting the classes. I hate not knowing anyone when everyone else seems to know each other. However, it is well worth the anxiety in the end. Body Pump has been my favorite for a while now, but Body Combat is quickly gaining! I say just go to class, set your station up in the middle so you can't walk out half way through, and keep your eyes on your instructor throughout the workout. Before you know it, you'll start opening up to others in the class!

mdn15

I did BP for a long time. It is great if you don't normally lift weights or are afraid to hit the weight room floor. But like anything else.. You eventually plateau.. There is only a limited number benefits from doing 800 reps in an hour. Over time, most people will never increase their barbell weight and will never get the true benefits (lean muscles).

One thing about body pump is that instructors never truely give you one to one instructions on how to do the moves. (According to instructors... they are not allowed to leave their post to personally instruct. They are not allowed to point out people to tell them they are doing the moves wrong). So learn how to do the moves. You can watch them on Youtube. Learn to perfect them otherwise you will injury yourself. Because no one will ever point out that you are doing it wrong if you are.

I used to to 3-4 BP classes a week for close to 2 years.


A shoulder injury took me out. I then hit the heavy weights and my body has changed for the better. I never returned to BP again... The only time I do so is if I'm tired and lazy and want an "easy" workout.

If you ultimately want to lose weight, gain muscle, and lose fat... hit the weight room and lift real weights.

If you look at fit models or professional atheletes, their workout usually do not incude BP but REAL weights. In the time, I took BP I met all the regulars. Most of them have not changed their bodies despite doing several BP classes in a week.

Good luck

Alexandra289

I went for the first time yesterday and it was great! Aching today though. One thing, just make sure you work at your own pace, doesn't matter if you're not working yourself as hard as you could be the first time because then you'll know what to do next time. I managed to hurt my knee a bit yesterday and I think I'd just not listened to my body and pushed myself a bit too far.

SarahLou1111

Thanks to all of you I am now booked on to my first Bodypump class this coming Monday morning...I may not be thanking you all then :-)

MrsSausage58

Just caught up on this post today - thanks for all the comments! I went last night and really enjoyed it. I asked someone for some help setting up (she was lovely) and the instructor was really helpful too. Unfortunately I can go only go once a week but I've already booked the next one and looking forward to it already - despite the aching legs today! :happy: