Pop Pilates - wow!

In the month of August (2018), I tried Pop Pilates. And wow!.. did I get a great core workout inspired by the dance of ballet!!!  (At least that was my first impression of this trademarked fitness program.)

As I researched Pop Pilates at the website www.poppilateslife.com, I read its description: "Pop Pilates is a total body, equipment-free workout that sculpts a rock solid core and a lean dancer's body like nothing else can." All I would recommend is a comfortable yoga mat.

Aha! My first impression was right. Definitely a ballet dance inspired workout choreographed to upbeat music. There are no official dance moves like Zumba has. But it includes plie with the feet. My favorite foot movement that somewhat requires balance is called "Around the World." This is done by putting the hands on the hips, applying weight on one foot while 1) placing the other foot in front of your body slightly lifting it off the ground 2) moving it to the side 3) moving it back 4) lifting the knee up. Then you do it in reverse - back, side, front, lift. Repeat 5 to 10 times and proceed to do the same amount of repetitions on the opposite side. And you can bet you are getting some leg strength! But also, very important as you get older is the balancing portion of this can actually prevent you from future falls. Consider it payment for insurance against hip breaks and other complications associated with aging. And this is just a fraction of what happens in each 55 minute class session.

Another similarity to ballet is arm positions and how the instructor calls it out. First position: arms in front like your holding a giant ball; second position: arms laterally; third position: right arm laterally while opposite arm is held above the head; fourth position: left arm laterally while right arm is held above the head (so..the opposite of third position); fifth position: both arms held above the head (just like a ballerina!). Having never learned ballet, I didn't know any of this prior to my classes until I did some ballet research. (See where trying new things takes you?!)

From the website, I learned that certification training is $299 with 155 off if purchased more than 2 weeks prior to a scheduled training. An i=International program is available online for those that live outside of the United States for the same cost in US dollars. But a drawback to training if you want to use the Pop Pilates trademark is the $12.99 per month membership plus an unknown cost  (maybe it's free? I couldn't find additional information on this.) for quarterly brand new exclusive choreography. CECs are available to those needing it to renew certifications for certified personal training, etc. If you have the  need, check to see if your agency accepts Pop Pilates. I don't see myself ever becoming an instructor. But I do see myself attending classes as often as my schedule will allow!

It was fun and actually inspiring

Waiting for my first ever class to start. Pop Paradise - lei  provided!

 Instructor Jessica on the right. A gem of positive energy!

Les Mills Body Combat

On Monday, August 6, 2018, I participated in Les Mill's Body Combat class for the first time. It was a very popular class with many students.

Right from the start it was high intensity.

To warm up, we did shadow boxing with  one two punches. Then other things were added such as squat punches.

The full hour workout was a combination of many martial arts incorporating various punches: straight, jab, hook, upper cut. There were back kick and punch combinations. There were front kick, squat, and punch combinations. There were side kick and punch combinations.

A background in basic martial arts would be beneficial because there is no instruction on how to do these things. You just watch and follow along if you have never done it before. I feel that it could be intimidating for first timers with no martial arts background. But it is a fun and super active, calorie burning workout!

I definitely plan to return.

Les Mills Body Pump class

Today

I attended the 0830 class of Les Mills Body Pump 55 minute class held at 24 Hour Fitness on Madison Avenue in Riverside, California. The instructor was Taryn. Before I describe what the class involved, I must say that I like Taryn's teaching style. She has, not only words of encouragement to keep you going even when you might want to stop, but knowledge of why we are doing what we are doing. She said how great it is that we chose to be here early in class on a Saturday morning when we could have been somewhere else. So...on with the description of Body Pump!

This class is designed to increase strength and tone the muscles. The equipment pictured above includes a black platform that can be placed on top of those red roundish pieces to be used as a weight bench in the workout. Then you have a metal bar with plastic ends that adjustable weights in cylindrical form can be added on. The adjustable weights also have an empty middle with a bar going across that are used as handles for free weight sessions.

The class starts with a simple 5 minute warmup with the bar consisting of squats, dead lifts, arm curls, etc. Just something light to get the heart rate up and the muscles ready for what is ahead.

The workout uses the bar with or without weights at the ends, the "weight bench" for free weight movements, and many free weight movements as well. From taking this class, I see that the possibilities of workouts are endless! And all while getting your body stronger! I will be a repeat class attender.

I can't wait to try Les Mills Body Combat class!

Who knows where this will take me?! I might even pursue certification and become an instructor!