I’ve been fortunate enough to find all kinds of interesting and unique workouts at thrift stores and used books stores, and today’s workout is a great example of that. On more than one occasion, I’ve been able to purchase Body Pump instructor workouts on VHS. I’ve never been to a group fitness class, nor do I have much interest in participating in one, but I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about Body Pump. I was thrilled to find these workouts to try at home, and though I don’t use them often, I really enjoy them when I do. The fun music and great energy in these workouts can’t be beat. On Thursday, I chose Body Pump 44. This is an older release, as the copyright on the sleeve says it’s from 2002. For more information on Body Pump, and other group fitness classes, check out the Les Mills website.

This workout is led by three instructors, who take turns leading each track. I didn’t catch all of their names, but each of them cued well, had great spirit, and were fun to watch and work with. The workout clocks in at just under an hour, and has 10 tracks that are about 5 minutes each, including warm up and cool down. Each track has it’s own lively song, and contains exercises for different body parts. I found it be a pretty thorough workout, though the abs work felt a bit short. The majority of the workout is done with a weighted barbell, though weight plates or dumbbells are used for the unilateral shoulder work. I also used dumbbells for the last half of the lunges, just to change things up.

I would have liked to see some chest flyes added to the workout, but otherwise I thought this workout pretty great! The music and instructors are very motivating, and the energy is quite infectious! I had a lot of fun with this workout, and may have to try a few more of these workouts in the near future. I also did some machine cardio this week – elliptical intervals on Tuesday, treadmill hills and abs on Wednesday – so it’s been a good week, all around. Hopefully I’ll fit a bike ride in, but I might get rained out, so we’ll see.

And the breakdown of the songs & exercises:

• If Tomorrow Never Comes – Ronan Keating:
  Warm Up
  
• Don’t You Want Me – Alcazar:
  Barbell Squats
  
• Smooth Criminal – Alien Ant Farm:
  Barbell Chest Press
  
• Heaven – DJ Sammy & Yanou:
  Barbell Deadlifts, Barbell Rows, Clean & Press
• Runaway – Piece Suite:
  Barbell triceps press, Skull Crushers, Triceps Push Ups
  
• Nod Ya Head – Will Smith:
  Barbell Biceps Curls
  
• Something – Lasgo:
  Barbell Stationary Lunges
  
• The Hitman – A.B. Logic:
  Push Ups, Delt Raise, Barbell Front Raise, Lateral Raise, Shoulder Press
  
• Just A Little – Liberty X:
  Crunches, Leg Overs, Oblique Crunches
  
• Caruso – Russell Watson:
  Cool Down/Stretch