Lost 20lbs. need to tone arms, abs. Whats body pump like?

[Anonymous]

Looking to take a rec class

[Anonymous]

I really like bodypump as a general, overall strength training workout. It is divided in to "tracks" that focus on specific muscle groups, and each track is roughly 4-5 minutes long. It's broken down into: warmup, squats, chest, back, triceps, biceps, lunges, shoulders, abs, stretching.

If you're completely new to strength training, use VERY light weights for your first class (not more than 5lbs on each side of the bar, or 10 total) so that you can focus on getting your form and movements right. Proper technique for deadlifts, squats, lunges, clean & presses, etc. Never swing your weights and use control. If you swing them, they're too heavy.

After a couple classes, it will take a little time to find the right weight for each muscle group, enough to challenge you but keep good form.

If you can take it 1-2x a week, I think it's a great, well balanced strength training workout. Please pay attention to form, and the instructor will shout out suggestions throughout class.

[Anonymous]

I like Bodypump, too. I need the direction and motivation that the class provides. Also, at the two different gyms I've taken it, I've found a mix of abilities/fitness levels in the class and felt very comfortable with it.

[Anonymous]

75% of the people I see in body pump classes are using terrible form, and doing reps upon reps of said terrible form. Instructors are getting their workout while they teach, half the time flat on their back "pumping" away without seeing you.

If you have experience with lifting you might be okay, if a novice I would look into small group training first to focus on good form.

[Anonymous]

I do Bodypump, like and think it's effective but I agree with pp that a lot of people who take it don't know what they're doing and won't learn how to do it correctly because in Bodypump the instructor (per the licensing regs/training cert) is supposed to remain at the front of the room and not walk around doing individual corrections. My instructor does verbal corrections and says often, If I'm still saying it I'm probably talking to you. I see tons of regulars who don't know what they're doing/have bad form. It is easy to zone out/not pay attention. I think if you really have no experience weight lifting I would try other body condition classes and tell the instructor before class that you are new and looking for input.

[Anonymous]

14:07 here, it depends a lot on the gym and the instructor. The instructors at my gym are really good about reminding people about form, often go around correcting people. I've been to other gyms where they just lead class.

You have to be willing to really pay attention to form - and also don't let pride get the best of you if you need to drop or reduce weights. That's MUCH better than trying to push through with bad form and technique.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone. The class I was looking at only has a few people enrolled, perhaps the instructor can give me tips!

[Anonymous]

I like body pump but [solidcore] is better

[Anonymous]

Body pump got me into more serious exercise. It is great for giving you confidence that you can lift weights and not get bulky. I finally had a defined butt in my late 30s from doing it. It made me see what exercise could do. I now do Crossfit and compete. I think if I had tried Crossfit before doing pump for a few years I would have been in shock!

[Anonymous]

I like Body Pump, too. I'd suggest definitely giving it a try.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do Bodypump, like and think it's effective but I agree with pp that a lot of people who take it don't know what they're doing and won't learn how to do it correctly because in Bodypump the instructor (per the licensing regs/training cert) is supposed to remain at the front of the room and not walk around doing individual corrections. My instructor does verbal corrections and says often, If I'm still saying it I'm probably talking to you. I see tons of regulars who don't know what they're doing/have bad form. It is easy to zone out/not pay attention. I think if you really have no experience weight lifting I would try other body condition classes and tell the instructor before class that you are new and looking for input.

Yes, this is my experience as well. I've been doing Bodypump regularly for years and see so many people using bad form OR not using enough weight.

I had no idea that the instructor is supposed to remain at the front of the room, and always wondered why (s)he did not walk around making corrections. Why is that?