Body Pump!

I am loving Body Pump. I am in my 2nd week of taking the class, and already feeling the difference in my muscles. Why did it take me so long to take this class? I can feel the confidence building as I go along as well during the class, and love the challenge that it brings upon me. Now to just find the time to get it in more often!

I am still taking by other 2 classes, body combat and Zumba, and are enjoying them just as much. I do feel less of a challenge with them though, and am glad to have found a new level for my workouts. Also, my toe and foot pain has been pretty high lately, so I have not been doing any running between classes, and am hoping for that to level out soon so I can begin back on my running challenge of running a whole mile without stopping.

Body Pump Review

Yesterday I took, for the first time Body Pump, a 60-minute workout that works all major muscles groups by using weight room exercise like squats, presses, lifts and curls all instructed to music. The instructor that was scheduled to teach was out with a sore muscle, so I did not get the current Body Pump release for my first day. I think that was okay though for a beginner, seeing as the sub said he hadn’t taught in a year and was doing some easier routines. Overall my thoughts on the class were positive, but still intimidating.

As I walked in I did not recognize any of the people in the class, like I do in my other group classes. That first off was pretty intimidating, especially since none of them offered a hello or an encouraging or helpful word my way. I finally asked the instructor what to do, since everyone else seemed to have already set up their weights. Not being familiar with my skill level like many of the other trainers in the gym he set me up with 2.5 and 5 pound weights to start off with, gave me some general instruction on the class, and though I’ve taken a mini lesson on the class from another instructor I didn’t get the weight instructions very well. After the warm-up the daycare attendant came in to get me, because my lovely daughter needed a diaper change (don’t ask about this story, just gets worse). By the time I got back my head was unfocused and not in the class anymore. I had to go for the next 40 minutes wondering if Jon was picking up Julia on time, if she was crying because I left her again, and all the other complications that go along with having a child in daycare while you workout!! Needless to say I just didn’t get the whole experience from the class, but I kept on going with it anyways. By the time we’d done our 3rd set of squats my thighs were burning and my shoulders were screaming! I knew I had done the right thing by taking this class.

My plan to take the class once a week probably won’t be a good one, seeing as that gives my body to long to recover from the lifting, so I will be going back in on Thursday to get more torture done to my body. As for this morning my entire body is sore and tight, and I will need some serious stretching. On a side note, I was clumsy while walking during the evening around town with the family, and slightly fell off a curb. I ended up twisting my big toe that is already injured, so not only is my body sore, but my toe is bruised and doesn’t want me to put all my weight down onto it. Great!! I’ll just keep on keeping on though!

Experimenting in Group Exercising

So, I've found myself in a plateau with my weight lose and inches lost in my body. I workout like a mad women - 6 days a week, 90-120 minutes a day! I've also been battling with a knee problem, and should have it looked at one of these days. But, needless to say this isn't going to stop me. I have decided that I am not getting enough motivation to do my weight training on my own, and at the same time finding myself bored with the same routine. So, to keep myself from not sticking to this thought and not running with it I am declaring to you, my readers, that I am going to take a Body Pump Class next week.

So, what is Body Pump? Body pump is a barbell weight training class that strengthens your entire body. The class is a 60-minute workout that challenges all your major muscle groups by using the best weight-room exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls. The class is a lot like Body Combat with weights - a structured routine to music and motivating instructors. Now, I have been told time and again by the trainers at my gym that this is THE class to take for weight lose and weight training, but I've been scared to take it for numerous reasons.

My main fear is pain and inability to accomplish the class. I had the same fear when I began Body combat, and here I am conquering that class into the 2nd launch now. I've also been intimidated by the instructors, so after getting to know some of them and realize that they once were beginners too I'm feeling more confident in my abilities. The main problem though is the time of the class - Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 - 5:30 or Monday Wednesday at 6:30 - 7:30. Now, the first class is doable, except for I have to take Julia to the daycare (cost) and the second one is during Zumba, so Tuesday or Thursday it is!

My plan will have to change now though. I will have to change my workout schedule to fit my family needs. If I take a 4:30 class then I can't stay to workout after because 2 out of 3 of us are going to need dinner. If I take this class, I might not be able to do my 6:30 Body Combat class either. So, these are all concerns, but I'm going to go after this class and see what kind of results I see from it.

Workout Plan for Week of May 8 -
Sunday - Mother's Day - no workout
Monday - 6:00 - 8:00 - Calisthenics & Zumba
Tuesday - 4:30 - 5:30 - Body Pump & evening walk with family
Wednesday - 6:30 - 8:30 - Zumba & Abs
Thursday - 6:30 - 8:00 - Body Combat & Elliptical
Friday - 5:00 - 7:00 - Zumba & Calisthenics
Saturday - Long quick pace walk during the day