About five years ago, I remember my Dad saying I should try Bodyattack at our gym. At the time I had already been taking the other classes, which I was comfortable with, but I always had a feeling that Bodyattack was too much, or I was not fit enough to take it. As soon as I took the class, I remember that it was intense, but because I had already been used to my other classes, it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. I’m glad that my Dad encouraged me to take the class with him that day, otherwise I would not be writing about one of my favorite gym classes today!
What Is Bodyattack?
Photo By: Andrew Frank
Why walk around the boring track, when you can take one of the best fitness classes offered?
Bodyattack is a Les Mills class that is centered around a sports inspired workout. The class uses total body movements focused on three dimensions of the class: aerobics, cardio & strength. The goal is to perform high impact exercises, which can be catered to any physical needs. For example, some moves that are common are jumping jacks, running, burpees and much more. The instructor on stage will be able to show you all the options necessary for class. He or she can explain to you everything you need to know.
The class is choreographed to great music that will get everyone excited and in good spirits. I always think that the music is the best aspect of the class, because when you hear your favorite song being played, it always makes you feel energized. You can find some of the previous releases that have been used in class here, unfortunately it doesn’t list some of the more recent releases, but here they have more current track lists. Some of my favorite releases are the older ones because those are the songs that I was used to when I first started. As the program progresses, each new release features new music and moves, so you can expect a new variety of a workout every three months.
What Can I Expect During Class?
For this class, no equipment is necessary, as you are just using your body weight for the exercises. You can use a mat for any floor work as well, but that is optional. A mat is only needed for the conditioning track or the strength track.
The class starts with a warm up, consisting of simple aerobic moves and patterns to warm up the body such as jogs, knee lifts squats. In more recent releases, floor work such as planks and pushups, have became more common in the warm up. The next track is called mixed impact, as we are still in the warm up phase, but the moves are gradually increased to increase the heart rate. This track may has a little bit of extra running incorporated as well. Track three is the aerobic track, where the moves become even more intensified. The next track is plyometrics, which focuses on propulsion based moves and jumping, such as lunges, burpees, high knees, to maximize the heart rate. Some of these moves may seem intimidating, but there are videos on the homepage that break these down for you.
After the cardio block is finished, the next track is the athletic strength track. It focuses on upper body and lower body conditioning, so there are lots of pushups, static lunges and squats. After this, the running track is next. This is my personal favorite, because you get to run around the room in a big circle! Even though the track is mostly running, there are other moves incorporated such as burpees, lunges and other simple moves. Then the agility track is next, where the class splits in to two sides, kind of like a sports game. The focus is using quick feet movements to increase coordination and stability. Then the interval track follows, as the heart rate begins to increase again. There are moves such as kicks, side flicks and knee lifts that is usually choreographed to a big uplifting song!
The power track is the last big cardio song, where the goal is to maximize the heart rate using explosive moves such as jumping jacks, running, high knees to make sure you are left breathless at the end. After this explosive track, the focus is now centered on core conditioning. There are your typical floor work moves, like crunches and planks. After this is done, the cool down track will allow you to stretch out the muscles and relax your body.
A Few Tips
Every now and then, there are multiple instructors on stage to teach the class. There is usually at least one instructor demonstrating low impact options at all times. I recommend if you are new to the class, follow the instructor with the options so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Its always important to listen to your body, so if you need to take a break, drink water or leave early, its your choice! I hope you learned more about the class, and know that there are always plenty of choices when it comes to your workout. As always, I hope to see you at the gym!
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