Bump and Body Pump: the perfect beginner weight training class
By Abbey Weltman
November 19, 2020
Image Credit: Abbey Weltman for The Campus Trainer
In light of the pandemic, I was curious to see how fitness classes would be able to adapt to the new reality and still provide an inclusive environment for participants. To see what things were like on campus, I looked at the different classes students could take at our gyms. Eppley Fitness Center was offering a variety of classes, although most of the classes had few participants. The Body Pump class, however, only had one spot left; this peaked my interest so I signed up.
I was skeptical about attending for multiple reasons. For one, I typically do not workout at night and the class started at 7:30 p.m.. Also, as an avid runner who focuses her fitness on core and cardio, weightlifting was not my area of expertise. I was worried I would not be able to keep up with the more experienced weightlifters.
When I arrived at Eppley, I controlled my nerves and headed to ERC West Gym. The room had filled with 25 participants who all maintained social distancing on spaced out dots. The instructors told us how to set up our stations and gave us thorough directions on selecting weights. I chose 10 pound plates for the bar and five pound dumbbells. They then started playing fun, recent music that went well with the sets.
Throughout the workout we were given directions to accommodate all levels of lifters. We did legs, shoulders, biceps, triceps and ended with core and a cool down. All the sets started easy and transitioned into longer reps and more advanced moves. We were able to master the moves and then put our muscles to the test with the gradual increase of intensity. At first, I was skeptical if the 5 pound dumbbells were going to challenge me, but shortly after some repetition of the movements my arms were burning. The moves were easy to follow but also really effective. All my muscles felt toned and engaged throughout the class and it helped me break a good sweat.
I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to get into weightlifting or simply change up their workout routine. As someone who has never lifted, these moves were not difficult and could even be incorporated into future workouts. Most people have the misconception that weight lifting is minimal reps toned to individual strength. When I used to think of lifting weights, I only thought of huge gym rats bench pressing hundreds of pounds. This class provides the exact opposite with inclusive, repetitive movements and manageable weights. This workout was a fun experience that you could even share with friends. I encourage more people to try something new and try out the Body Pump class. It tailors to all lifters in an enjoyable way that will leave you feeling empowered and sore the next day.
I was skeptical about attending for multiple reasons. For one, I typically do not workout at night and the class started at 7:30 p.m.. Also, as an avid runner who focuses her fitness on core and cardio, weightlifting was not my area of expertise. I was worried I would not be able to keep up with the more experienced weightlifters.
When I arrived at Eppley, I controlled my nerves and headed to ERC West Gym. The room had filled with 25 participants who all maintained social distancing on spaced out dots. The instructors told us how to set up our stations and gave us thorough directions on selecting weights. I chose 10 pound plates for the bar and five pound dumbbells. They then started playing fun, recent music that went well with the sets.
Throughout the workout we were given directions to accommodate all levels of lifters. We did legs, shoulders, biceps, triceps and ended with core and a cool down. All the sets started easy and transitioned into longer reps and more advanced moves. We were able to master the moves and then put our muscles to the test with the gradual increase of intensity. At first, I was skeptical if the 5 pound dumbbells were going to challenge me, but shortly after some repetition of the movements my arms were burning. The moves were easy to follow but also really effective. All my muscles felt toned and engaged throughout the class and it helped me break a good sweat.
I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to get into weightlifting or simply change up their workout routine. As someone who has never lifted, these moves were not difficult and could even be incorporated into future workouts. Most people have the misconception that weight lifting is minimal reps toned to individual strength. When I used to think of lifting weights, I only thought of huge gym rats bench pressing hundreds of pounds. This class provides the exact opposite with inclusive, repetitive movements and manageable weights. This workout was a fun experience that you could even share with friends. I encourage more people to try something new and try out the Body Pump class. It tailors to all lifters in an enjoyable way that will leave you feeling empowered and sore the next day.