Gym Challenge: BodyPump vs The Fitness Explorer

I was in the gym doing one of my workouts.  After I finished I was approached by one of the Personal Trainers.  It went something like this:

Anon: "Why don't you try a proper workout with me?"

Darryl: "What do you mean by a 'proper workout'?"

Anon: "Well, try my BodyPump* class"

Darryl: "BodyPump??”

Anon: "Yes BodyPump.  Do a 1 hour class with me and this will test your fitness."

Darryl: "BodyPump classes may be difficult I am sure, but surely there are better methods to challenge one's all-round fitness?"

Anon: "This is it.  You should mix it up a bit."

Reluctantly I agreed to doing it.  But then again I'm up for a challenge!  So I then countered.

Darryl: "You should take part in one of my sessions for 60 minutes to seal the deal, ok?"

Anon: "Agreed".

I will let you know how we both get on.  Wish me luck!

Update on Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:09 by Darryl Edwards

The PT has scheduled a 45 minute class, and I've been told I have to match the weights he'll be using.  This should take place next Wednesday 18 August.  

I will schedule a 45 minute workout of my own for him to participate in, and will make sure it's fun.

Will keep you posted.

Update on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 15:32 by Darryl Edwards

I completed a 45 minute session today of BodyPump.  It was better than expected covering moves such as deadlifts, upright rows, shoulder presses, cleans, etc.  There was some isolation work namely bicep curls, and very little rest throughout.

Most of the emphasis was keeping time to the music and using light weights, i.e. squats were 20-25kg.  But very high rep ranges and lots of partial range of motion.  Not something I am likely to repeat, but it was well instructed and challenging for many in the class.  

I would rate it at averaging 4-5 out of 10 with occasional peaks at 7-8 in terms of difficulty.  But I managed to match the instructor's weights throughout which was the main thing.

The good news is that I was able to take part in the session and complete all the tasks without too much effort.

This Friday I will return the favour!

Update on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 16:08 by Darryl Edwards

Today I completed a modified Crossfit workout with the PT mentioned above called Filthy Fifty.

This was a very challenging workout for both of us, with lots of sweat and hardened resolved.  I managed to complete the workout in 23 minutes, but I was smoked.  The challenger completed this in 32 minutes.  

Good work all round!

Comments

[Patrick]

So hope you survive it and show him the primal way of fitness! :)

[Darryl Edwards]

It's going to be interesting that's for certain. Hopefully today we will set the date/time. Will keep you updated Patrick.

[Mitch]

I wanna see the result of this one, I might take a body pump class to see what its about.

[Keshani]

Get them on the medicine balls of death followed by treadmill drivers :-)

[Iain]

Keshani, there really is no need for such horrors to be inflicted on an innocent being.