Sometimes you need a good kick in the pants to kickstart your workout routine and that’s exactly what I did back in April when I joined my neighborhood gym. Working out at home was becoming stale and needed a change.
Already familiar with the Les Mills brand of fitness classes from my YMCA in New Jersey, I was happy to see that my French gym’s offerings included BODYCOMBAT, a high-energy, cardio-based kickboxing class that has enough choreographed punches and kicks to keep you entertained and having fun, not to mention soaked by the end.
I’ve been taking Body Combat twice a week for several months and love it (aside from the lack of air conditioning in the summer). The 55-minute workout goes by quickly, makes you listen to some great songs, burns calories, and forces you to work hard.
If you are thinking about trying a Les Mills BODYCOMBAT class and wondering if Body Combat is difficult or if you are already an experienced participant, here are some truths about the kick-butt class.
BODYCOMBAT Reviews: Why I Love It
I first encountered Les Mills classes about eight years ago at my YMCA. I started with BODYPUMP, the only Les Mills class they offered at the time, and enjoyed the camaraderie, the fact that it took the guesswork out of lifting weights, and the efficiency of training.
A few years ago when I moved to France, I was pleasantly surprised to see my old friend Les Mills at the local gym. One class that I especially liked is BODYCOMBAT.
These days I take it through the Les Mills On Demand app and you can get a FREE 30 DAY TRIAL with my link here >>
Here’s why I love Les Mills Body Combat:
Both beginners and seasoned professionals can enjoy a BODYCOMBAT class.
One of the best things about Les Mills classes is that participants of all ages and fitness levels can take the same class together and get a great workout. The instructor will ask if there are beginners in the class and will review technique and show modifications for all high-impact movements.
How difficult is body combat? It totally depends on you. You set the intensity level of your class and if you don’t want to kick as hard, jump as high or hit with as much power, that’s 100% under your control. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro!
Are you curious about the Les Mills app? I check it here >>
The sense of community is empowering.
By community, I mean the people in the class with you, as well as everyone else practicing BODYCOMBAT around the world. Each pitch is released at the same time around the world, so no matter what country you’re in and what language you speak, you’ll be punching and kicking exactly like any other participant. I’m happy to say that everyone in the class with me is welcoming and although we have different fitness levels, we all support each other.
Even if you don’t have a gym nearby where you can take BODYCOMBAT classes in person (or you prefer to work out at home), don’t worry because the Les Mills app has you covered. Try it FREE for 30 days.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.com/gmarc
You do not need to have martial arts experience to enjoy the class.
The idea of taking a kickboxing class can be intimidating, especially if you are not very coordinated. While BODYCOMBAT choreography is based on martial arts moves, this is a fun cardio class that requires no prior experience. You definitely don’t need to be a martial arts master! The movements are easy to follow and execute and you don’t need to be overly coordinated to enjoy.
All classes offer modifications to make the class accessible to everyone. That’s something I love about Les Mills. They make classes doable.
The music changes every quarter so it doesn’t get boring.
Like all Les Mills classes, the songs that accompany the training change each quarter along with the choreography. Once you’ve mastered each version and start craving something new, it’s time for the new version, so there’s no time for the training to become stale. You’ll be punching and kicking to new tunes that will energize and refresh your workout.
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You can still get a great workout if you choose low-impact options.
Sometimes I just don’t want to jump. Maybe my legs hurt or I’m tired or I wore the wrong sports bra. BODYCOMBAT instructors will show you modifications for all intense, high-impact movements so people of any fitness level can participate and still get an effective workout. They’re just as effective as high-impact moves and may be just what you need to finish class strong and proud.
In reality, it gets harder the better you do.
Sometimes an exercise class is too small for you. Once you’ve mastered the moves, certain classes may become easier and you’ll reach a plateau. They may still be fun, but you won’t find yourself working as hard. That is not the case with BODYCOMBAT. For me, training gets more difficult as time goes on. I don’t mean in terms of cardiovascular fitness, but as you perfect your technique, you will find that you hit harder and with more precision, kick higher, jump with more power and go deeper.
As you learn the choreography, you’ll jump right in instead of staring at the instructor for a few counts until you learn it yourself. Once you are confident in your technique and have mastered the throwing motions, you can let go and hit hard. And I do it.
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Does it sound fun? If you are considering a BODYCOMBAT class and are reading several Les Mills body combat reviews, I recommend you do it! I currently take my Les Mills classes online through their app. Get 30 DAYS FREE with my link.
Do you want to have an even more intense cardiovascular experience? See what I love and hate about BODYATTACK here.
