A new way to lift weights at Her Active Life

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A new way to lift weights

Posted June 29, 2008 at 12:00 AM by Martinique Haller

Section: Her Fitness, Her Motivation

ENTER IMAGE NAME BETWEEN QUOTES - USE ENGLISH NOT FILE NAMING STRUCTURE I visited my sister this weekend and it’s not unusual for us to do some sort of workout or exercise when visiting one another. Yes, we’re occasionally ‘those people’ that work out on vacations. This time, she chose the poison, which was a new workout class called Body Pump. She was very excited for the class. I was more inclined to sleep in, but she’s my big sister, so how could I refuse? What is Body Pump, you’re wondering? From the official website:

BODYPUMP™ is the original barbell class that strengthens your entire body. This 60-minute workout challenges all your major muscle groups by using the best weight-room exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls. Great music, awesome instructors and your choice of weight inspire you to get the results you came for – and fast!

That says it perfectly. It takes the best elements of a group exercise class; good music, motivating instructor, and camaraderie that is familiar in Cardio Kickboxing or Step Aerobics and applies those great factors to weight lifting.

I’ve always enjoyed lifting weights. I often find it to be a more satisfying indoor workout than running on a treadmill. I relish in the moments that require me to summon extra energy to demand my muscles to crank out the last few reps of my set. However, I’ll admit that it can get a little dull at times. I do the same machines and can never really decide what kind of music I need for motivation - surely not the fast-paced motivation music I run to and not the sleepy music I love to relax to either. Body Pump has got all these glitches covered. Instead of the solitary quiet of lifting weights, you’re urged on by the instructor and the other people in the class. Instead of the music dilemma, you’re given a motivating soundtrack already chosen to suit the workout. And perhaps best of all, they take care of the boredom and indecision.

Sleeping in on a Saturday when I’m out of town sounds awfully nice. But working out in the morning before hitting the family baby shower in the morning and barbecue in the afternoon was a great way to start the day.