It is no secret that I am not a weights girl. For years my idea of strength training was to wield two empty water bottles while doing the ‘weights’ section of an exercise DVD. And my arms were actually sore the next day. Please don’t mock me.
Anyway, when I had a super expensive gym membership I tried out almost every class. Body Combat – loved it, Body Attack – too hardcore for my knees, Body Balance – amazing. But I always avoided Body Pump.
Why? Because I was scared. I was embarrassed I wouldn’t know what to do, that I would stand in the room and be so clueless I would be asked to leave. I know I’m an idiot.
But I recently picked up a free four-day pass to Fitness First and decided to give it a go, figuring if it was horribly embarrassing I could just leave and never return.
So on Saturday I dragged myself out of bed and made it to the early morning class with around 10 other seasoned Body Pumpers.
It felt odd to do a class with no cardio and not get insanely sweaty if I’m honest but I really enjoyed being taught how to correctly do each lift. The instructor could not have been more fantastic and gave lots of pointers.
The class was an hour of lifts with a little cool down and stretch off – all to music. Some of the lifts felt harder than others and you could go at your own ability by adding or removing weights. For example, most people added weights for the squats but took it off for the moves that worked the back.
I actually stuck with the same 5kg on each side of the bar which isn’t the lightest weight by far and I managed every move. Some really, really hurt though and I was a little sore the next day.
The class was good fun and not scary at all – if you’re thinking about trying it then give it a go! I’m not sure it is something I would pay for on a subscription basis but I can see myself taking a class if I was in the right place at the right time.
I was still pretty chuffed after the class though!
* Have you tried Body Pump? Do you love it? How important are weights in your weekly workout routine? I’d love to know any tips for lifting motivation!
I absolutely love Body Pump and I loathe strength training alone – if it wasn’t for Body Pump I would not do an iota of the lifting I actually manage at the moment. I love Pump because the atmosphere is quite competitive, and it pushes you to lift more than you think you ever could. The music helps too, of course. I’d never run with other people but strength training? Hell yes.
Oh, and you WILL get sweaty/hot during the class once you add more weight to the bar, trust me
Ah I’m so glad you like doing it with others too, I much preferred it to me standing in the weights room looking clueless and awkward! I’m sure the burn would add up with the weight – there were lots of grunts around me!
i miss taking classes! I used to take sports aerobic in college which was awesome because we did weights and cardio. however when I go home my dad always takes me to body pump because he is a huge fan!
A class combining strength and cardio sounds awesome! I like Combat because there are lots of toning moves for the arms and legs, as well as cardio (and lots of it!). Your dad sounds amazin to take you along!
Niiice, I need to do more strength training (God I am such a broken record!), I think classes work well for me so will have to try something like this
You should try it Catherine, it’s quite readily available and enjoyable
I’m exactly the same as you though, strength training very rarely happens!
What a great day of eats! I love trying new fitness classes, even if I don’t end up liking them. That’s awesome that you gave it a try even though you don’t like weights! And that fruit and nut bar sounds amazing:)
Thanks! I agree, trying something new is great because if you don’t like it, never mind but if you do then you have something awesome to add to your routine. Thanks, it was!
I actually only tried body pump once, and I’m still not quite sure. I mean it was good, I’m just not sure something I’d do on a weekly basis if I had the option.
That’s exactly how I feel Jessie. I’d do it again if there was a class at a good price and good time but I wasn’t bowled over.
I’ve always wanted to try body pump, but it isn’t available at my gym!
I LOVE body pump! I think it is fab, but it took me a few weeks to get the hang of the moves and stuff. And, like Jess says, you will get sweaty once you have the proper sized weights on.
Yes, I have to say everyone else was struggling with heavier weight – probably should have pushed myself more!
Body Pump is an amazing class. So glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Jemma, can’t believe its taken me so long to try it!
I’ve never done body pump, sounds good though! I love strength training, I usually hit the weights 3-4 times a week, which works for me alongside my running.
It was good, esp for a weights newbie like me as they talk you through each exercise. I’m only just realising the importance of strength training for running, it is making a big difference.
I LOVE Body pump! I just love lifting in general and since I switched to more weight training instead of running I love it even more. I guess I just like feeling strong
Not sure if you have seen it but you won one of my giveaways 
I love the feeling of strength you get from lifting too, it is great (and I’m lifting so light at the moment!). Oo how exciting thanks for letting me know Laura!
I say whatever can kick my tail, I am on it! Nice work!
Haha thanks!
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