BODYPUMP

Taught by the ever-energetic and encouraging Sandy, BODYPUMP guarantees 700 burned calories by the end of the hour. However, losing the 700 calories is not a walk in the park.

For a first-timer, BODYPUMP was certainly demanding, but not deadly. Sandy noted that one’s first few BODYPUMP sessions would be the most physically exhausting, but after around three sessions, the body would noticeably get stronger and more accustomed to the heavy lifting and burning sensations. What helped through the pain were two key factors: the music and Sandy. Songs by Lady Gaga, 3OH!3 and even Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb,” annoying as it is, was surprisingly inspirational and parallel to the climb we were facing in the workout kept the beat and rhythm of the workouts. Each song also represented a new workout, and it was fun anticipating what song would come on next and to what training it would correspond. But it was definitely Sandy, not Miley, who was the key to my not dropping my weight when my arms started to feel like they were falling off. She was encouraging and motivational, letting people use the amount of weights they were most comfortable with.

In addition to the diversity of exercises and high fun level of BODYPUMP, the general atmosphere was jovial and friendly. For the amount of working out we were doing, I was impressed to see a large number of smiling faces and to hear much laughter in response to Sandy’s occasional comical quip. From my first-timer experience, the only possible downsides of BODYPUMP are the quick pace of exercises and the incidental lack of visibility of Sandy. However, these criticisms can easily be resolved by getting acquainted with the routine after attending several sessions.

To lose 700 calories, have fun, listen to great music and meet friendly people, or not to? It is a tough decision, but I can assure you that BODYPUMP is worth it. Take an hour break from studying, eating or sleeping on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. to do BODYPUMP with Sandy. And if you are looking for me those days at those times, you know where to find me.