I (Finally) Tried BODYPUMP

Back when I did a post listing Popular Workouts I’ve Never Tried, I got so many responses from people genuinely shocked I’d never taken a BODYPUMP class. It was as if I’d lost all credibility as a fitness blogger–you whaaaaat?!

This week I got the chance to work with Boston Sports Club to attend a class or personal training session and when I saw they offer BODYPUMP (from here on out written as BodyPump so it doesn’t look like I’m yelling at you) at their Prudential Center location … I mean I really had no choice. 😉

In addition to enhanced personal training and varying group fitness classes, many BSC locations also offer awesome extras like swimming pools, racquet sports, sauna/steam rooms, babysitting and kids programs. This was my first time visiting the Prudential Center location and I thought it was great. THE LOCATION. The Pru is convenient as is but is becoming even more so as the tower construction is completed. I loved that I could walk out of my BodyPump class and right down the next wing to grab a salad from Sweetgreen for dinner. Across from them is an organic smoothie and juice stand. And down the next wing is Lululemon. I mean c’mon. I also love how spacious the locker rooms are. Maybe an inconsequential detail for some, but I appreciate when I’m not packed shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of other sweaty people trying to fish my jacket out of a locker between a sea of other people’s limbs.

BodyPump

I went to the 6:30PM offering of BodyPump and it was PACKED. I get why–it’s a full-body workout using a combination of hand weights, barbell and various plates, a stepper and a mat. You focus on one muscle group each song and the movements go to the music, which makes it fun. You choose your weights and the instructor gives you some guidance about how heavy to go for each song, so it’s definitely something from which both newbies and advanced gym-goers can benefit. The pace of the movements are quick at times with higher rep numbers, so while you pick the weight, no one goes with crazzzzy heavy loads.

While a packed class is a good sign (usually telling of a great workout and instructor–both of which held true!), there actually ended up being a shortage of equipment in my class. It was only a bummer during the leg segments for me when I wished I had access to additional plates, but for the rest it was more than enough (the shoulder section killed me, light weights and all!).

Kristen taught my class and she was high-energy, encouraging and always on the beat! I really like that the tempo of exercises changes during the class–you might do a slow extension and fast contraction or evenly paced movement both ways.

Try a Class for Free

I think this is pretty cool–BSC lets you try a class for free if you’re a non-member so that you can get a feel not only for that particular group workout, but the facilities and entire gym space. Love that! You can search all their classes and reedem your freebie HERE (goes for NYC, Philly & DC clubs, too).

If you’re more interested in personal training, you can get more information HERE.

If you want to get all the advantages of a membership after you do your free class trial, BSC has a bunch of upcoming specials to ask about. Here’s the deal:

• 1/29 – 1/31 | Join for $0/Get January and February for Free
• 2/1 – 2/7 | Join for $0/ROTMF on all  Memberships

To follow along socially, BSC is on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

Big thanks to BSC for having me! Pumped that Pumps & Iron can finally cross BodyPump off the list! …

Couldn’t resist.

Have you tried a BodyPump class? What do you think?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Town Sports International. The opinions and text are all mine.