Legs Bums & Tums and Body Pump

[Theremustbemoretome]

Am I mad to do these classes when I’m unfit and overweight (size 16-18)? I’ve booked the classes at my gym and now I’m freaking out a bit that I’ll either make a fool of myself because I can’t keep up or do the exercises, or have to leave early.

I currently do Aquaerobics 3-5 times a week and some lane swimming (30 lengths, 20me goth pool, slow/medium pace). Also walk everywhere as I don’t drive.

I used to be very fit pre-baby..

I'm in that category and try to go to the gym every day. Legs, bums and tums and Body Pump are my absolute favourite classes. I think it's easier to do the muscle toning ones than aerobic exercise if you are overweight and body pump (according to my app) can burn up to 600 calories an hour.

Go for it! Take it easy and scale if you need to. It’s absolutely fine to use lighter weights, rest or adapt if you need to. Be prepared to ache afterwards but it will be really good for you.

You will love it, you will need to go for a few months so you have time to learn the exercises. Go for it! Everyone is concentrating on what they are doing.

I used to do Pump regularly in the gym (now do it at home) and there were people of all sizes there. It's good because you're not placing massive impact on your joints by jumping around. If you want a break during a set you just put your weight down. Nobody notices or cares. Or you change your weights down. Most people will just be concentrating on their own technique. :)

I'd love to go to a goth pool! Do they give you goggles do your eyeliner doesn't run?

Go for it, but pace yourself. For the first few classes just focus on learning all the moves, rather than bashing the cardio aspect.

Remember you can always scale it down a bit if its beyond your current level, so I tend to step things out rather than jumping.

And don't forget to bring a bottle of water.

You can condition yourself for these sessions by doing some additional strength-focused mini-workouts at home. Look up the following on YouTube - each one is only 10 minutes and perfectly targeted and super effective:

Lucy Wyndham Read: Thighs & Glutes
Rebecca Louise: Best Exercises for Lower Abs
Rebecca Louise: 10 Minutes Ageless Arms
Rebecca Louise: Total Body Stretch to Improve Flexibility
Bow flex: 3-Minute Plank

Even if you do only one or two of these a day, you'll soon notice the difference. I'm living proof - I'm in my 60s and these workouts improved my fitness to the extent that I'm now working out with Carolina Girvan!

Thanks everyone, that’s making me feel more positive!

@AlbertBridge that should have said length not goth!

Go for it!

As others have said, don't feel bad about scaling down the weights or taking a breath, the instructor will recognise a new face!

Best advice I got when I started was to give each class three goes before deciding not to go again. Enjoy it :)

I do both those classes regularly and I absolutely love them. With Pump you just use whatever weights you want for the movements and the instructor will let you know when to go heavier/lighter. These classes are really fun and everyone just focusses on what they're doing.

There are people of all sizes and fitness levels in my local classes and no one bats an eyelid.
I'm slim but terribly unfit and find a class is great for motivating me.
Enjoy!

With body pump you can do the whole class with the warm up weight or even hold a single plate. It's all about getting the technique right before you go whacking on extra weights.

It was the first class I ever went to and I still go 12 years later. Get there a wee bit early so you can set up your weights and your step (for lying on for the chest track). Pump always follows the same format although some tracks are missed out or there are combination tracks if you are doing a 45 minute class rather than a 1 hour one

I hope this comes across in the right way. I am a healthy weight/healthy BMI, and have done both. LBT killed me, I could barely walk for days! (Also have terrible coordination!) Body Pump a hard workout, also felt great and sore afterwards. Both really good fun!

It doesn't matter your size OP, you'll have a great time, you'll work your muscles, and I assure you, you can rest safe in the knowledge that when you're struggling to move the next day, so is everyone else, regardless of their weight or body shape!

Hope you enjoy (do lots of stretching after!)

I do still remember the aftermath of my first body pump class . Sitting on the toilet was particularly tricky. You will find muscles you didn't know existed.

P.s. I.am a size 20/22 and all shapes and sizes attend my gym classes

Oh yes, walking up the stairs—I remember that, the following day.

I’m a size 16 and do body pump - it’s the only class I do.

Start light and work on your technique - you’ll feel it even with just using body weight. The feeling of getting stronger is great

I’m a 16 and do body pump once a week. You do more exercise than me so you’ll be fine.
Don’t be afraid to take a break when you need to, no one is judging.