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!

Personal Training - Marketing Failure

I met a personal trainer today, working for one of the leading chain of gyms in the Country.  They wear T-shirts emblazoned with "PERSONAL TRAINER".  Just in case you had any doubt what they did for a living. 

He was walking back to the gym, and the following brief conversation took place:

Darryl: "Why are you eating a McDonald's lunch?"

Guy: "I can't find anything else to eat!"

Darryl: "On one of the busiest High St's in London?”

Guy: "No, this is more convenient"

Darryl: "Not the greatest advert for a healthy lifestyle though, is it?  What would your clients think?"

Guy: "My clients are my advertisement, and they are all in great shape!"

At that, he walks off taking another bite of his burger and slurps from his very large soft drink.

Movement!

Today I passed my REPS level 4 course on "The Management of Low Back Pain".  Very difficult course, and the physiology hard to grasp at times.  Just wasn't sure when or if it would sink in.

With up to 80% of adults suffering low back pain at some point in their lives, I know this will prove very valuable both for my clients and also for my own self diagnosis and treatment.

This field of corrective exercise focuses on passive movement based treatment.  Reducing the impact of musculoskeletal imbalances in the body through natural movement.  I look forward to discussing and sharing this with you all in the future.

To paraphrase a quote I heard from my lecturer:  "Do we get old because we stop moving?, or do we stop moving because we get old?"