Review: BODYPUMP™

Photo by: LocalFitness.com.au

I have been seriously slacking on my exercise for months. Various obligations and prior commitments have made it virtually impossible for me to work out on a regular basis. Now that things have gotten back to normal for the most part, I'm ready to get in tip top shape. Now why I chose BODYPUMP™ to start everything off, I don't know. I probably should have gone with power walking. My ultimate goal is to tone and build muscle, and a friend recommended I try this class. Started in 1991 by Phillip Mills of the Lester Mills International, it is a group class that focuses on free weights and toning. The choreography and music is standard in all classes and changes every three months.

The class is offered at my local YMCA so it is very convenient. Yesterday morning I arrived only about five minutes before class started and couldn't really figure out which weights to use so I chose one 2.5 pound and two 5 pound. There is also an aerobic step involved. I took my place in the back and got ready. After a short warm-up we went right into it. Each song works a specific muscle group and I literally worked every part of my body. Biceps, triceps, quads, glutes, abs, you name it, it was worked. We also did squats and push-ups and after an hour I sure did feel it, but that was nothing compared to how I felt this morning. It was so bad that as soon as I woke up, which was early since I could barely sleep, I went straight for a soak in an epsom salt filled bath. My legs or sore but I can barely move my arms. I hope and pray I didn't strain a muscle I haven't really used in months or didn't even know existed.

Overall I loved the class. I hate being sore but I love the feeling of actually getting a work-out. I have heard really good testimonials from others who have taken the classes and seeing real changes in their bodies. As soon as I recover from my soreness I'm going right back. I'm really excited about seeing results.