Body pump

An intense aerobic workout that seamlessly incorporates strength training with high-speed choreography Discuss this article

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What is it?
An intense aerobic workout that seamlessly incorporates strength training with high-speed choreography.

Where?
Fitness First.

How it promises to transform your body
Touted as ‘the fastest way to shape up and lose body fat’, Body Pump promises to tone and condition muscles while raising metabolic rate for rapid fat burning of up to 600 calories per class.

So what happens?
A 60-minute group class targets all your major muscle groups via a series of rigorous exercises, including squats, presses, curls, lunges, crunches and lifts sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down session. At the beginning of the class, you’re equipped with a step platform, an exercise mat and a bar with free weights. Between each routine there is a short interval to allow for stretching and a change of weights. Although you are free to adjust the weights according to what you are comfortable with, be warned that the intensity of the workout means it’s not for those new to strength training. While it’s often difficult to shift attention from your aching muscles, each gruelling set is made fun by sprightly instructors and loud music, which eliminate any element of tedium. The session ends with a short cool-down session involving stretching.

The verdict
If ever a fitness regime epitomised the cliché ‘no pain, no gain’, Body Pump would be it. Just 15 minutes into the workout, your heart is racing, your muscles burning and the sweat streaming from every pore. And if you think that’s bad, wait until you wake up the next morning. On the upside, after just two sessions I am more energised than I’ve been in a long while, and my muscles feel a little bit tauter than usual. A few more hours of this and I may even be able to see a ripple, however faint, when I flex my biceps.
Fitness First, Level 3, Bahrain World Trade Centre (13 322 200). Open Sat-Thu 6am-11pm, Fri 7am-9pm. Body Pump classes are open to members only. Call Fitness First for a consultation and pricing.