Top 5 Tips for an Awesome BodyPump Class

Hi everyone!

Have you tried BodyPump yet? Or are you a BodyPump Pro?

BodyPump is the original barbell class created and choreographed by Les Mills.  The class is 55 minutes divided up into ten tracks- each one with a different muscle group focus (plus a warm-up and stretch).  For some great info about the class check out the Les Mills website:

http://w3.lesmills.com/global/en/classes/bodypump/about-bodypump/

BodyPump is a weight training workout that focuses on using light weights and lots of reps to build strength, tone and burn heaps of calories.  As a certified BodyPump instructor here are my top 5 tips for having an amazing class:

1. Listen to the music.  Well first up, the music is great and gets you motivated but also the work in BodyPump is all in the timing.  Feel the beat of the music as you move into 2/2, up quick down slow, super slows and singles.  It makes a difference to the workout.
2. It’s the range that makes the change. Make sure you are moving the weights through their full range of motion.  For example, a bicep curl is from touching the legs until just before your shoulders. Don’t cut yourself short!
3. Listen to the weight selection.  Even if you have been to BodyPump a million times listen to the weight selection for every track.  Not every squat track is created equal so why put on the exact same weight every time?  The instructor will give you a heads up whether to put on your normal weight or go bit more/less.
4. Up your weights.  If you are confident that you have the timing and the range completely mastered its time to up your weights.  Just a little!  Go for 1.25 kg a side.  If you are putting up your weights for a small muscle group (like biceps) you will feel that small increment more than if it was for a large muscle group (like legs).  So be patient!  My first time at BodyPump the instructor told me to just lift the bar, no weights!  I got those weights up eventually!
5. When class is over acknowledge how good you feel. At the end of the workout you are going to feel great.  Take a second at the end of class to feel your energy and a sense of accomplishment!