Fitness classes... Anyone do them? BODY PUMP AND ATTACK

dxc92
dxc92 Posts: 138 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey, I've just started taking up Body Pump classes again which i used to do in the summer, and i love them. I have also took up Body Attack classes which i also LOVE. So much fun.

Im just wandering if anyone else does them or anyone who has tried them and what they think about the classes? Personally i think i get a much better workout than just hitting the gym on my own, I need someone to shout at me and tell me to keep going!!! If anyone has tried these classes before, do you know roughly how much calories they are burning per class? Ive had a quick look in the net and just put in a rough estimate on my log ins but unsure how accurate they are.

Also never tried Metafit but would like to attend a class, this weekend - i have heard it is very intense!!!!

Danielle x

Replies

  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    It depends on how you measure "getting a better workout." When you lift on your own, are you following a set program? Or did you make up your own? I've done both of those classes and they're definitely tailored for people who are cardio-centric. There's nothing in Bodypump that constitutes actual strength training, and I saw better results following a Stronglifts-style progressive program with jump rope for cardio whenever I felt like it.

    At the end of the day, if you're getting better results from "lifting on your own" I can only say your lifting program was incorrectly put together.
  • dxc92
    dxc92 Posts: 138 Member
    It depends on how you measure "getting a better workout." When you lift on your own, are you following a set program? Or did you make up your own? I've done both of those classes and they're definitely tailored for people who are cardio-centric. There's nothing in Bodypump that constitutes actual strength training, and I saw better results following a Stronglifts-style progressive program with jump rope for cardio whenever I felt like it.

    At the end of the day, if you're getting better results from "lifting on your own" I can only say your lifting program was incorrectly put together.

    Aw I didn't say that I "lift on my own" or had a lifting program, I was just sorta speaking about fitness classes in general really and the different types. When I go to the gym - I do a lot of cardio - treadmill, stepper, cross trainer, bike. Then I will go use the rope for my arms. Then if I want to, I do some weights - but not often. Id rather use my kettlebell at home for strength and stick to bodypump - which is lifting weights, squats and lunges with weights etc which personally i think does help.

    I just wanted other peoples opinions on different fitness classes and calories burnt etc that is all. But thanks anyway :)

    ****in case i have confused everyone (which i am very good at), this is not a question about lifting.***
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    I agree, it's not "low rep, heavy weight" but it IS strength training of a sort.

    I've done BP with a HRM and it said I burned about 400. I was around 5'4", 135 lbs.
  • Grumbers
    Grumbers Posts: 111 Member
    I've not done body pump or attack yet, but have done Metafit. Going again tonight. It's intense, hurts like hell at the time, but you feel great afterwards if not a little achey. I'd highly recommend, followed by a quick set of weights afterwards.

    I used to do boxercise which was great. However my partner was a black belt in kung fu and did iron man, so I certainly had some motivation.

    I think with any such classes, it's down to how hard the instructor pushes you and how hard you'll push yourself. If I'm not ringing my top out afterwards, I'm not sweating enough and thus not working hard enough!!!!

    Have you tried spinning? That's a recommended for me.

    Finally, really girly, skipping! Great CV choice if you're short on time.

    Good luck!
  • mkop84
    mkop84 Posts: 21 Member
    I do Body Pump, Boot Camp, and Zumba. Love them all. I think just being in a class with others who are so pumped up and want to be there makes all the difference and keeps me coming back for more- that and oviously weight loss, but the energy you get from a class setting is awesome. I highly recommend trying out a class or two.
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    If that's the case, I've done both.

    The calorie burn during BodyPump is not significant and because of how frequently they have you taking rests and the way your heart rate tends to spike a HRM can not accurately be used to measure calorie burns. However I found estimates on websites that say 250-350 for most people. I can believe that it's very low because a lot of the class is focused on isolation exercises which burn virtually no calories.

    For Body Attack, the calorie burn is on par with traditional aerobics. So whatever MFP lists for "aerobics, vigorous" should be about right. However in order to ensure accuracy (because of the way MFP can overstimate) cut off the time spent on warmup, cooldown, and breaks (roughly 15 minutes, maybe 20, depending on instructor).

    In regards to WalkingAlong, that depends on whether you take "strength training" literally. No, it is not "training to build strength" if that's what you mean. Seeing significant strength gains requires a different format. So it is resistance training, just done in a format that makes it more cardio than strength training. It is not a replacement for actual strength training, which unfortunately is not conducted in a class setting at any gym.
  • lisakay0x
    lisakay0x Posts: 46 Member
    I started doing Body Pump and realized what a weaaaaaaaakling I am. Looking forward to getting stronger & the benefits that come with that :)

    Calories burnt depends on your size and what not. I checked the website when I first started and it said these classes burn anywhere from 500-900 calories. Maybe. I just give myself 200 for a Body Pump Class and call it a day.
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    I started doing Body Pump and realized what a weaaaaaaaakling I am. Looking forward to getting stronger & the benefits that come with that :)

    Calories burnt depends on your size and what not. I checked the website when I first started and it said these classes burn anywhere from 500-900 calories. Maybe. I just give myself 200 for a Body Pump Class and call it a day.

    Trust me, that website estimate is waaay overblown =)
  • edack72
    edack72 Posts: 173 Member
    I am the same way I need that motivation and with those two classed inparticular you are getting a total body workout. When I did those classes sometimes I'd burn up to 700 calories in a pump class and around 500 in the Attack class in attack I had to do lower options because of a knee thing but those programs are great. My new gym uses a different program and I do miss some of the Les Mills classes. Keep up the good work!!!! Body Attack is a killer
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I started doing Body Pump and realized what a weaaaaaaaakling I am. Looking forward to getting stronger & the benefits that come with that :)

    Calories burnt depends on your size and what not. I checked the website when I first started and it said these classes burn anywhere from 500-900 calories. Maybe. I just give myself 200 for a Body Pump Class and call it a day.

    maybe- but not necessarily.

    If I took a body pump class I'd be in a world of hurt.

    And I'm fairly strong. Because it's not about strength- it's about cardio.

    You are going to gain muscle endurance- but you aren't going to get 'stronger' in the truest sense of the word.

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