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Original poster

Talk to me about Bodypump please

26 replies

CecilydeMarco · 22/01/2023 11:24

Has anyone had good results with bodypump? I have recently added a few BP sessions to my exercise regime. I quite enjoy it, but my PT hates it and tells me it’s a waste of time and a recipe for injuries. Am I wasting my time with these classes?
I know obviously BP is better than eating cakes on the sofa….

OP posts:
idril · 22/01/2023 11:31

I love bodypump but I lot of people don't agree with the low weight, high rep philosophy. I am a runner and I definitely gained strength from bodypump even though it's not supposed to be good for runners so it's far from a waste of time.

If you are looking for maximum strength gains then you'd probably be better sticking to low reps, high weights but the thing is that I hate normal strength training and I really enjoy bodypump. So I keep at bodypump because it's working even though it's probably not the best thing I could do.

The important thing in terms of injury is to watch your form. Presumabily if your PT is doing strength work with you, you are aware of correct form and as long as you keep to this during bodypump, I don't see why it's a recipe for injury.

Ohjustboreoff · 22/01/2023 11:31

I used to do BP when I was a member of a gym. I really liked it but to get results you need to add weight and keep pushing yourself. To stop injuries just make sure you don't go too fast even it if means getting out of sync with the others. The combination of the music and weight was great for me.
I don't go to the gym any longer but do home workout which work better for me.

Littlechickenhead · 22/01/2023 11:50

I do 2-3 body pump sessions a week and love it. As others have said, you do need to be careful of form. We have a couple of really good instructors who walk around the class and help people with form. If you’re unsure about a particular exercise, finding a YouTube video helps to see how you should be doing it too.

It’s definitely good for improving strength and stamina and it’s made me want to do more strength work.

I find using gloves helpful to stop my hands slipping on the bar and to get a good grip. My weights go something like this:

Warm up - 2 x 2.5kg plates
Squats - 2 x 2.5kg plus 2 x 5kg plates
Chest - 2 x 5kg plates OR 2 x 3.5kg
Back - 2 x 5kg plates
Biceps - 2 x 4kg hand weights
Triceps - 5kg plate for overhead extensions/kick backs
Lunges - depends on the release but either a 5kg plate in one hand or a bar with 2 x 3.5kg

Some people go heavier and some lighter, it’s very much how you feel about it.

DublinDoris2000 · 22/01/2023 12:10

I've done a fair amount of weightlifting and don't like body pump. For me, everything goes too fast for good form and finding the right weight. Depending on the class you might not get good supervision either. Bad form, fast plus lots of reps could get you injured.
Also beyond beginner gains, you'll probably need to squat more than 10kg to continue to build strength.
If you're paying for a PT, why don't you ask them what they do recommend?

Mumtothreeandadog · 22/01/2023 15:33

I used to do BP years ago, only thing that changed my shape. Possibly going to the gym would be better but the class structure suited me. Only reason I stopped going was gym closed down, local sports centre offers BP, thinking of going but I'm older and not as fit so slightly anxious about that

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 22/01/2023 15:35

Love it. As long as you have good form and know how to do the exercises properly then it's great.

WGACA · 22/01/2023 15:35

I love Bodypump!

megletthesecond · 22/01/2023 15:38

The music is usually awful, I find it utterly dull and zone out during class. But it does my body good so I tolerate it.

I started 20 years ago so am used to the changes and whatever routine they throw at us.

Hotchocfudgecake · 22/01/2023 15:42

In the nicest possible way, your PT who is a qualified exercise professional has said it’s not going to benefit you, why would you listen to random women on a forum over them?

FWIW…

I’m a PT, personally I would never bother with body pump myself as I like lifting heavy weight, want to gain muscle and strength and for me, the format of body pump isn’t going to help me reach my goals. However, if you wouldn’t go to the gym off your own back and the thought of body pump will get you there and moving, give it a go and see if you like it. If you’re careful and don’t go too heavy you should be fine.

Original poster
CecilydeMarco · 22/01/2023 17:35

@Littlechickenhead that’s impressive and much heavier than I can manage at the moment as the movements are just so fast.

@Hotchocfudgecake I just wanted to hear people’s experience with BP as my PT hates all classes and is really into lifting heavy and to failure which I find boring. He probably isn’t a good fit as PT for me and I might look for another one.

OP posts:
RayKray · 22/01/2023 18:06

Body pump isn't for me one bit as I don't like classes and music and I do like lifting heavy to failure.

However, having found the the thing I really enjoy after a lifetime of not being motivated to do exercise, the best thing is the thing you enjoy and so go and do. Regardless of whether it's 'optimal'. I'm excited to go every time which means I do it. Better that than avoiding the 'optimal' thing cos you don't like it. And I think you're right re finding a PT better aligned to your goals and priorities.

HermioneWeasley · 22/01/2023 19:58

It depends on your goals

body pump will tone you up and is fast enough to count as cardio as well (without a lot of jumping about which I hate)

it won’t make you incredibly ripped or build strength quickly.

Original poster
CecilydeMarco · 22/01/2023 20:05

I want to be slim and toned which ironically I was before I started with my PT. Since starting lifting heavy with him, I have put on weight though I am stronger. Definitely have more belly fat too. I think it’s because I eat more to oft heavy? When I only did cardio I was 10 kg lighter and really well defined. Not sure what’s goi by wrong other than I find it difficult to control my eating when I lift heavy…

OP posts:
RayKray · 22/01/2023 20:08

Yes lifting heavy makes me hungry. I haven't put on belly fat (have lost some) but I'm careful to eat protein to fill myself rather than just anything. I've put on muscle weight too.

Purpleavocado · 22/01/2023 20:17

When I was skinny body pump did great things for my body and put on much needed muscle. I moved on to other workouts. If I lift heavy now that I am a bit heavier I know I will bulk, I'm short and bulk easily.
Lower weight and higher reps suit me, which is pretty spot on for body pump.

RandomUsernameHere · 22/01/2023 20:29

Being a bit cynical but it's in the PT's interests to tell you that if you end up not going to BP and paying him instead!

PatientlyWaiting21 · 22/01/2023 20:39

I’m a runner it’s a big fat nope from me. Lifting weights that weigh the same as a fly over and over and over until the next song. Recipe for an injury. And pretty much everyone has bad form because the instructor isn’t paying attention

LakeFlyPie · 22/01/2023 20:48

I love BP and my PT is also my BP instructor so he is a BP advocate. He keeps an eye on the class and corrects poor form. It's definitely a cardio work out for me and I do recognise the need to increase the weight on my bar to keep the effect challenging.
I also recognise the need for some specific cardio work in the gym and am using PT sessions for some low rep, higher resistance work to build strength.
Love the group exercise vibe of BP though, even if the music is invariably terrible.
I tried Les Mills on demand during lock down for BP and couldn't stand it!

Panticus · 23/01/2023 04:08

I tried it for a while and found I didn't make any improvements in strength. I also found myself getting a bit bored - particularly as they always follow the same order of muscle groups (at least they do on the LM On Demand ones).

For me, Caroline Girvan has had a much bigger impact and her sessions are a million times more enjoyable and varied.

chatw0o0 · 23/01/2023 05:55

I used to enjoy it pre-COVID, went to a couple of sessions each week, with diligent/interested instructors. Have been back in the past six months or so, and the new instructor had no interest in our form (he was clearly in a world of his own most of the time) and that attitude really put me off. Would love for the old instructors to come back, but until then, I'm doing something else instead!

SillyTilly2 · 23/01/2023 08:01

The instructor is so important in BP. I go once a week. The instructor is really fun and entertaining though he doesn’t correct form. The movements are too fast for me so I am really careful even if it makes me out of sync with the rest of the class. There are some people who are obviously heavy lifters in my pump class and probably see it as a bit of a rest day. I don’t think you can really change your shape just by doing BP.

rookiemere · 23/01/2023 08:17

It depends what your aims are.

I do believe that for building muscle heavy reps at slow speed are best, but like you I get bored doing that. Bodypump is good for not losing muscle strength- which we do as we get older - and for general fitness as they deliberately add in an element of cardio.

I got great results with my PT, but the weight lifting regime was too intensive and once I stopped the expensive sessions I stopped making improvements as I was a bit scared to lift very heavy weights ( for me) without instruction, whereas I'll happily go to a few classes a week.

Littlechickenhead · 23/01/2023 11:04

@CecilydeMarco I’ve built up to those and that’s about what I feel comfortable with at the moment. The danger is with these kind of classes is that you don’t increase your weights so don’t progress.

When I first started, I was constantly scrambling to change weights between tracks but once you know the tracks and what weights you want for it, you can make sure you’re prepared and you can change very quickly.

I do mix body pump with spin and HIIT classes to to try and get a good range of exercises.

Hohofortherobbers · 23/01/2023 11:09

I've done it for years and love it. Keeps me very well toned, especially shoulders and arms, I also do a hiit class which I find very effective too.

MrsPepperpotsCat · 05/02/2025 22:55

I was advised to mix BP with body balance for core strength and flexibility.

I love pump and find it's enough weight for me to lift, in my fifties. But agree the instructors can't really ensure good form, especially in a busy class.