
That's all changed with Les Mills’ BODYPUMP, which is the most productive one hour I’ve ever spent in a group fitness class. Using a specially designed Les Mills barbell and a ten inch platform, each student is guided through ten “tracks” of exercises, each choreographed to contemporary music and intended to fatigue essentially every muscle group. Even though I’ve been active, including weight training, cardiovascular training, and martial arts, among others, my first few BODYPUMP classes really wiped me out. Eventually, I got used to it.
While
I’d recommend Les Mills’ BODYPUMP to just about anyone, this particular fitness
class works very well for single dads. (I’ll bet you were wondering how I was
going to tie this into The Single
Father’s Guide, huh?) I have my reasons. BODYPUMP:
1)
Uses your time wisely. A total of two hours, one hour in class, a few minutes to drive to and
from the gym, and a few minutes to shower, gets it done.
2)
Is a great place to take a date. I firmly believe that two people who workout together, work out together.
3)
Burns more than 500 calories per class. Actually,
I think it’s quite a bit more than that for most guys.
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BODYPUMP's incredible, INSANE-ly awesome instructor, Fran, at Orange County Sports Club. |
4)
Updates its workouts regularly. It never gets dull. The Les
Mills franchiser releases a new “track” with new music and modified exercises every three or four months which both
keeps it interesting and challenging.
5)
Is a great place to “network.” If you’ve read any of The Single Father’s Guide Blog posts,
you already know about platonic female friends (PFF’s). For a single dad, PFF’s can be helpful in
numerous ways including childcare advice to image consulting to, if you
demonstrate that you’re a “solid citizen,” introducing you to their single girl friends. When you’re ready to get “out there,” PFF’s are great resources. Considering
60% to 90% of BODYPUMPERS are female, the class is a great place to meet PFF's. All of the ladies in the classes I attend are very cool and, obviously, make a healthy lifestyle a priority.
6)
Improves strength and endurance. When comparing notes with the
other regulars with whom I share a locker room, we agree that we feel stronger
than we ever have.
7)
Can be done by just about anyone. Since the weights are
adjustable; participants can use resistance ranging from eight to about 75
pounds, so just about anyone can play. Fellow BODYPUMPERS range in age from 14
year old young lady, who happened to be the Second Beautiful Daughter before
her most recent birthday, to an active retired guy who’s probably in his mid-60’s.
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Check out the oaf on the left side in the second row of the photo wearing the sweaty gray tee-shirt. He's the author of The Single Father's Guide Blog. |