I'm also new to MFP, but I've been doing body pump since May..3 months already. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that class. I feel stronger every week and I've upped my weight.

I went from using a medium plate (5kg), with or without 2 small donuts on either side.

But now, on each side

Squats: two (10 kg)
Chest: one (kg) and 2.5 donut
Back: one (10 kg) and a (5kg)
lunges...same as Chest.

I use the 10 kg dumb bells for kick backs.

I want to get stronger. I can't really do a push up yet...i do wimpy men push ups BUT HEY, that's a long way from only being able to do push ups from my knees. I will get there if I work hard enough. Body pump is an awesome way to get into strength training. I would like to move to the weight floor but I'll admit, it's intimidating to be a fat chick trying to lift heavy next to a bunch of men. I would like for women to own the weight room floor as well.