Thinking of going to a body pump class...

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...

Just suck it up and go.

It will be fine.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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 :-)

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!

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

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 :-)