By Patti Zarling
News-Chronicle
For people looking for a new way to lift weights and sculpt their bodies, the Bodypump class could be the answer.
Bodypump is a group class that uses barbells to challenge every muscle group in the body, from legs, to chest to triceps and biceps. People use the weights to music, and the workout is choreographed.
Bodypump is a registered trademark class offered by the Les Mills Co. And while Bodypump classes are fairly common in places like Madison and Milwaukee, it's a new concept in Green Bay.
Fitness America, 790 Hansen Road in Ashwaubenon, began offering the class last month, and it's proving popular, according to fitness instructor Carolyn Heindel.
The music changes every three months, and instructors are sent to training sessions to learn the new moves.
"That way you don't get bored," Heindel said. "This is a world-renowned class and we're excited to have it in Green Bay. "This is the fastest way to get in shape. There's a lot of toning."
Typically, participants will work out a body part for at least one song.
The trainers will gear the amount of weights people use to their level of fitness. They also can suggest different positions for people who are new to pumping iron.
"We suggest they do it two or three days, with at least one day of resting in between," she said. "It really is a class for everybody. "When I first started, my legs would start shaking. That just tells you you're not using those muscles as much."
During the class, participants will use weight benches and take the weights off the barbells to use them for some excercises such as flyes or tricep lifts.
While the program does offer some cardiovascular beneifts, Heindel said instructors don't think of it as an aerobics class and do recommend people do some cardio work.
"But this exercise does get your blood moving, which helps lower your blood pressure and strengthen your heart," she said. "It also helps build bone density."
She said it can offer a nice change of pace to people who weight-train regularily.
"It's a good break from the normal routine," she said. "Maybe they'll feel it more in their legs and realize they weren't working those muscles as much.
"They don't need to do it all the time, but they may want to throw it in to get out of the regular, tedious workout.
"You can do it in place of your regular routine, if you're used to lifting a lot of weight, you can just use heavier weights ... the music is a lot of fun, and there's lots of hooting and hollering to get you through."
She said the program stresses high repetitions with lighter weights rather than the heavier resistance training in the weight room. Classes typically last 45 minutes to an hour, she said.
Classes at Fitness America are open to members and nonmembers. People who don't belong to the club can get a free pass to try the class, or can sign up for a free, 10-day trial at the gym, which would include the kickboxing and Bodypump classes.
Cost is $7 a class for nonmembers and free with membership.
The club may open more classes as the concept catches on, Heindel said. Each class has room for about 20 participants, so people are encouraged to sign up ahead of time, she said.
Classes run at noon Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m. Saturdays. For information about the Bodypump class, call Fitness America at 499-9191.
Customized news 
