Pump it up!

So it really is me in front of the class...?

2007-05-04T08:13:00.000+03:00

I passed the BodyPump training last weekend. It was so much easier than BodyCombat training which was mentally very tiring experience - everything was so new, new place, new people. But the hardest part was to believe I can do it - I was like in the Idols competition and afraid to only get embarrased. "What if I think I'm good, but in reality I totally suck". But it was a competition
only between me vs. me.

Well, some people are attending to my BC classes week after week so I can't be a 100% failure... So I had more trust in myself this time in BP training. It was physically easier as well - I did BP classes on Monday and Wednesday to get my muscles really familiar with the moves so they wouldn't hurt after the training weekend. And they didn't. Much.

The point is - my biggest obstacle on my way to achieving my every single dream is in my head. I can do it. Dammit. I can.

I've already had few BP classes this week and I'm so excited. Can't believe I love it so much. BodyPump, my first love with Les Mills... When I started this blog I had absolutely no idea I would actually be there in front of the class - and nobody would shout "hey what are you doing there, we're waiting for the REAL instructor".

This is truely a dream come true. Every time I push "play" in the class to start a new track, every time I tell people to fight like there's no tomorrow, every time I go home after a class or two. Even when I do something wrong, forget the choreography or say something stupid, I feel blessed to be there, being able to be only a human making mistakes, but getting better, trying to make people happy and strong.

I have not achieved a lot in my life. Well, I do study to become a nurse and it's really what I want to study - but sometimes I feel it's an endless journey. I do appreciate my relationships a lot and I give my all to people I care about. There is a huge amount of work behind my relationship with my boyfriend after some serious problems we have had to cope with. But becoming an instructor and growing as one - it's something I do on my own, but with a help of everyone who even talk with me about excercising or Les Mills or instructing or BodyPump or BodyCombat and so on. Or reads my blog and shares a comment. Please do.

After some really tough times in my life I got depressed - maybe that's why I haven't been updating this blog. I'm better now and instructing is one thing that gives me a feeling of some kind of satisfaction. Instructing is something I'm proud of. I wanted it and I got it. If only I would believe I can get anything I want. If only I didn't put any more obstacles in my head to make my life more miserable and push my dreams further and further.

I'm trying to update more often from now on. At the moment I have so much to think about, there is propably more to share with you as an instructor than as a participant. Instructing is really a challenge for me, as I try to become better and better and make my classes enjoyable. I'm fresh, new instructor, so there is so much to learn. Well, isn't that what life is about - you live, you learn?

New releases are here in Oulu, Finland, in 20.5. My first workshop as last time I just ordered the BodyCombat 31 DVD because there was no workshop in Oulu that time. So, I'm really excited! Meeting all those people, fellow instructors, and being a part of that... that's just great.

I wish you sunny May and happy days with laughter and sweat!

Swiss army knife?

2007-02-24T17:21:00.000+02:00

Read some thoughts about BodyCombat 31. I still haven't done it, and I'm still waiting for the DVD to arrive. I have the music already, CD was sent to the gym earlier. At least I like the music a lot.

Dream Coming True

2007-01-29T10:14:00.000+02:00

I passed the basic training to become BodyCombat Instructor few weeks ago and I've had some classes since then. Participants already gave me some very motivating feedback and I feel very natural in front of the class and really enjoy instructing and giving my best. My next classes are in this week on Saturday and Sunday. I don't have a regular class of my own - yet.

I'm very excited and looking forward to learn the new release BC31 when I get the DVD in the beginning of March. Sadly Les Mills doesn't have training for that release in the city where I live in and it's more than 300 km to the nearest training. I'm a student and can't afford travelling all day for few hours training - I don't have the time or the money. Some instructors are going by their own car but they are leaving so early in the morning and I have to be at school... which is my number one priority right now.

I have to tell you that being able to instruct the whole class through has given me a lot more self-confidence in life. Fortunately the answer for my question "do I have what it takes?" is very likely YES. If this is actually happening, maybe there are others dreams achievable as well.

BodyPump 61 tracklist

2007-01-16T13:38:00.001+02:00

BODYPUMP 61
Track List
01. Love Changes (Everything) (Original Radio Edit) - Musikk feat John Rock
02. Walk On Water (Flip & Fill Remix) - Milk Inc
03. I'm Not Dead - Pink
04. Miracle (Extended Mix) - Cascada
05. Sexyback (Clean Version) - Justin Timberlake
06. Audioslave - Original Fire
07. Somebody's Watching Me (Hi_Tack Radio Edit) - BeatFreakz
08. Uprocking Beats - Bomfunk MCs
09. Déjà vu - Beyonce feat Jay Z
10. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol

BodyCombat 31 tracklist

2007-01-16T09:40:00.000+02:00

BODYCOMBAT 31

01. Ready 2 Go (Stagediverz Restarted Radio Mix) - Stagediverz
02. Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now) - Bob Sinclar
03. Save Your Life! (Warp Brothers Radio Edit) - Black Spider
04. 2 Dream - Pistolet
05. You Give Love A Bad Name - Group X
06. Bad Reputation - OneZeroOne
07. U + Ur Hand (Clean Version) - Pink
08. We Rock - Group X
09. Back In The UK - Scooter
10. Bite The Dust - The Pussycat Dolls
11. Hero - Chad Kroeger feat Josey Scott

source: http://www.fitpro.com/bts/latest_release.cfm?program=BODYCOMBAT

BodyCombat Sizzler 31

2007-01-13T21:42:00.001+02:00

Team spirit comes to the fore in this great new class that instructors will find easy to learn and teach and members will love for its martial arts focus and authenticity. Team teaching will bring out the best of the class where two or more instructors can work together - they can inspire huge group energy when they dress alike and showcase the unique skills that each member of the team has to offer. A single instructor can also inspire team spirit with appropriate cueing that keeps everyone working together.

BODYCOMBAT 31 starts off to the powerhouse start, so fighters beware! You need to work easy through the scissors and keep the Decoys low to avoid peaking too soon, then let the drums in Rock This Party drive the rhythm of the strikes in the lower body warmup.

The first combat track is all about firing your best-ever Roundhouse Kick and working with Black Spider's hugely powerful Save your Life!

Then it's time 2 Dream about the ultimate boxing workout in Power Training 1 - heart and lungs will beg for mercy before you're finished.

Capoeira, Jump Kicks and Evasive Side Kicks are back in the house at Track 4, with Jabs, Uppercuts and Speedballs to follow when training resumes to the high-intensity Bad Reputation, from OneZeroOne.

Foot position is key in the new Muay Thai track - it'll allow you to create and use maximum momentum in the strikes.

Next up is an ultra-long training track to test and build your endurance.

Fighters focus on timing perfect pushups to the Pussycat Dolls' Bite the Dust and wind up another awesome class with Katas and Chad Kroeger's inspirational Hero.

BP 60 + BB 35 + BC 30 tracklists

2006-12-02T13:46:00.000+02:00

BODYPUMP™ 60 (December 2006)
1 Invincible - Carola
2 What’s Up - Zander feaet Alexis Hart
3 Have a Nice Day - Bon Jovi
4 Africa - E-Type
5 Who Knew - Pink
6 Flaunt It - TV Rock
7 Angel - B*P*M, 2004
8 One Night In Bangkok - Vinylshakerz
9 Hips Don’t Lie - Shakira
10 So Far Away - Amici Forever
11 Cherry Pie - Warrant

BODYBALANCE™ 35 (December 2006)
1 Winter In July - Bomb The Bass
2 Wild Butterfly - Balligomingo
3 The River - Live
4 Breathe Me - Sia
5 No Worries - Simon Webbe
6 Release The Pressure - Leftfield
7 You Got The Love - The Source feat. Candi Station
8 Nobody Knows - Pink
9 Bathe In The River - The Mt Raskil Preservation Society feat. Hollie Smith
10 Protected By Angels - Stephen Rhodes
11 Timeless Nature - Stuart Jones

BODYCOMBAT® 30 (December 2006)
1 Apache Rocks The Bottom! - Scooter
Somebody Told Me - The Killers
2 We're Not Gonna Take It - Group X
3 Shooting Star - ColorBox
4 Rock Me Amadeus - Zen Dog
5 Shock To The System - Billy Idol
6 Bring The Noise - Double Dutch
7 We Will Rock You - Nick Skitz Remix
8 Paradise - Hixxy & Re-Con
9 Paradise City - Guns N' Roses
10 Because We Believe - Andrea Bocelli & Marco Borsato

BodyStep 65 tracklist

2006-09-04T15:36:00.000+03:00

...from Spanish BTS forum.

BodyStep 65

01 - When Will I Be Famous - Rhythm Twins
02 - Watching You (Original Radio Edit) - Rogue Traders
03 - Just What I Needed - KopyKatz
04 - Round And Round - OneZeroOne
05 - Run It - Colorbox
06 - Be Good Johnny - Southern Light
07 - Dirrty - Reliable
08 - 25 Miles - Dynamix
09 - BreakThru - Maximum
10 - Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pure Essence
11 - Come Rain Come Shine (A & L Original Extended Mix) - Jenn Cunetta
12 - No Worries - Simon Webbe

BodyBalance 34 tracklist

2006-09-04T15:34:00.000+03:00

...from Spanish BTS forum.

BodyBalance 34

01. Anything But Strong - Eurythmics
02. Goodnight Moon - Shivaree
03. God's Top Ten - INXS
04. I Belong To You (Il Ritmo Della Passione) - Eros Ramazzotti & Anastacia
05. Sunday Morning - Maroon 5
06. Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
07. We're Running Out Of Time - LeAnn Rimes
08. Hearts - Sugababes
09. Fix You - Coldplay
10. Crystal Clear - Daniel Otsuka
11. Heaven's Awake - Stephen Rhodes

BodyCombat 29 tracklist

2006-09-04T15:33:00.000+03:00

...from Spanish BTS forum.

Body Combat 29

01 - Thank You - Fexter / Smells Like Teen Spirit - The Warp Brothers
02 - Action - Def Leppard
03 - Fly Away - Maximum
04 - Blade - Warp Brothers feat Red Monkey
05 - Wasabi - Lee Harding
06 - Vogue - Paffendorf
07 - The Trooper - Group X
08 - Heartbeatz - Styles & Breeze feat Karen Danzig
09 - Bounce, Shake, Move, Stop! - M.V.P
10 - Broken - Seether feat Amy Lee

BodyPump 59 tracklist

2006-09-04T15:30:00.000+03:00

...from Spanish BTS forum!

Body Pump 59

01 - I Surrender - Nick French
02 - Simply Irresistable - Robert Palmer
03 - Pump Up The Jam - Technotronic
04 - Paradise - E-Type feat Na Na
05 - A To The B - Infernal
06 - Time 2 Move (Kortezman Vocal Version) - Porno Vs Hannah Jones
07 - Like The Sun (Radio Edit) - Trinity
08 - Pretty Vegas - INXS
09 - Sweet Home Al - B.A.M.A
10 - I Belong To You (Il Ritmo Della Passione)- Eros Ramazzotti feat Anastacia

BP 58 & BS 64 tracklists!

2006-06-05T21:20:00.000+03:00

BODYPUMP 58

1. I'll Be Your Light - Kristine W
2. Drop Dead Gorgeous - Republica
3. Love Shack - The B-52's
4. Riding On The Wings (Motiv8 Airplay Extended Mix) - Motiv8
5. Let's Get Down - Supafly vs Fishbowl
6. Stand By Me (Original Mix) - Mr. Timothy feat. Inaya Day
7. Breathe - One More Angel
8. Round And Round - BodyRockers
9. Intuition - Jewel
10. You Raise Me Up - Josh Gorban

BODYSTEP 64

1. Start Me Up - Dj Denzi
2. Love Is A Crime (Thunderpuss Club Mix) - Anastacia
3. Life Is A Highway - Rhythm Twins
4. Gloria - KopyKatz
5. Slam Dunk (Da Funk) - Maximum
6. Let's Go - Pure Essence
7. Crazy Chick (Kardinal Beats Krazy Club Remix) - Charlotte Church
8. Dance Dance (The Mexican) Hex Hector Club Mix - Thalia
9. Great Gosh A'mighty - Southern Light
10. This Is How A Heart Breaks (Ford Club Mix) - Rob Thomas
11. Something (Buzz Kitchen Mix) - Silosonic
12. Stickwitu - The Pussycat Dolls

Coming soon - BP 58

2006-05-15T18:05:00.000+03:00

In Oulu, Finland, the next release date is 27.5. when all new Les Mills-programmes arrive.

From http://www.lesmills.com.au/home/everyone/revolution/revolution-200604.pdf

Continuous improvement has been a constant hallmark of BODYPUMP and this new class is no exception. It's packed with great new songs and more ways to get the most out of this incredible weights-based workout. A special focus on shoulder alignment will help people engage their muscles more effectively and develop better posture - both during the class and in daily life. A new move combining frontal and lateral raises is fun to do and delivers the goods in shoulder conditioning. Pumpers warm up to upbeat I'll Be Your Light from Kristine W and start to feel the load with Republica's Drop Dead Gorgeous in the squats. Love Shack is an awesome tune for the chest work and Motiv8 do just that with Riding on the Wings in the back track. Great sounds from Pink, Breathe and BodyRockers make the workout fly past, with You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban delivering a well-earned final stretch. This class comes with a strong emphasis on correct technical instruction - providing participants with the guidance they have sought in their feedback - and with plenty of Les Mills' trademark "exertainment" appeal.

Where has all the pain gone?

2006-04-16T14:27:00.000+03:00

Remember the pain you had the next morning after the first class of BP? And maybe few times after it? All muscles, as sore as they possibly could ever get. And now that you've been doing it regularly, there's nothing, not a thing.

Muscles get used to the routine. How can you possibly keep your exercise challenging?

The BP class was full yesterday so I had to go to the gym to do my "routine" which I have done only couple of times before (a long time ago...). It felt like a piece of cake and was done in about an hour, but today my back hurts, my biceps hurt... in a way they have not hurt in a long time. I was affected by the outcome - I wasn't actually trying that much, but it sure feels like something happened.

Everytime I try something new I feel afterwards like "oh yes, I have done something". Like when I started running. Oh my legs... but now I can easily jog (I don't actually run like wind...) from 30 minutes up to an hour and no pain afterwards.

I want to give my body something it can feel!

Less is more, or is it?

2006-03-12T16:50:00.000+02:00

Usually I use all the weights I can carry - and not any less. Today I dropped few plates to see how it changes my technique, with some tracks. It really had some effect on squat- and chest-tracks. It actually helped me to understand some details of the moves little better. Of course I didn't sweat as much, get as tired and now my muscles are not as sore as usual, but maybe next time my technique is more beautiful. And with smaller plates, it doesn't actually feel LESS, it just feels different.

I also used different technique with lunges. I have been doing the track for a long time without any weights, recently I started to use the barrel on my shoulders, now I put it between my legs (it's pretty complicated, because I have so short arms, it must be the reason why it feels so weird). It really feels different. I think everyone should try different things to wake up muscles. It teaches something about the tecnique as well - where do you actually should feel the burning?

BodyPump 57 - first impression

2006-03-03T11:52:00.000+02:00

So, the new release is here, got it tested yesterday. Now some first impressions...

Warm Up: Come To Me - Tina Cousins

Simple, logical, enough time to make the moves. The song (one of these "girly songs" again) didn't move me, but propably I'll learn the lyrics and sing along as the time goes by.

Squats: Paris to Berlin (Extended Version) - Infernal

Like we haven't heard this song too many times before... Well, actually it worked alright. The chorus part was different than usually - not only singles, but different rhythm - 2-2-1-1-1-1, or how did it go...

Chest: Push It - Garbage

OMG! I knew the chest track is usually my favorite, but (OMG...) what feelings I got yesterday with this one. The song is perfect for this. Garbage rules!

Back & Hamstrings: Everytime we Touch (Original Mix) - Cascada

Nice cover song, easy to sing along and follow the routine. There are so many dead rows you don't want to count them (well, you have to count to seven few times...). Well, there are breaks here and there - just what you need. Not that bad after all, breaks really help you out in the middle of deadrow horror.

Triceps: Take Your Mama - Mig Vs. Rizzo Mix - Scissor Sisters

Really fresh song. I'm glad there are songs like this in releases, because nobody wants to here only the techno shit or "girly sings" all the time. The rhythm and the voice of the singer reminded me of George Michael's song "Freedom". Push ups in the end are really frustrating (I suck!).

Biceps: Pump It - Black Eyed Peas

HELL YEAH! Great choreography. Great song. Really challenging. I've been listening to this song for some time now, but it still make me wanna jam! Yeah! Pump it - louder!!! The curl in the chorus part is not full - it really takes energy to do it right. The technique must be perfect.

Lunges: I Want You - Paris Avenue Feat. Robin One - (Denis The Menace & Jerry Ropero Bangin Remix)

I recently started using weights in track seven. Oh the pain the very next day! The routine is similar to the old tracks, but now there's a new trick in the dynamic lunges in the end of the track. Great!

Shoulders: Rock Star (Clean Edit) - N.E.R.D

Cool, aggressive song. New moves, that's cool.

Abs: Don't Cha - Pussycat Dolls

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the new moves. My abs were screaming for mercy. Cool song, but unfortunately I've heard this one damn too many times before. It still gave me kicks to tortune myself a bit more.

Cool Down : Unbreak my Heart- IL Divo

WTF, I can't sing along (translated version of Toni Braxton's hit)... Well, I managed the "Sweetest Poison" and German, so propably I'll handle this as well. I just wish they would have picked Toni Braxton's original instead. Well, in the end of the song there's enough power to end the workout with dignity and pride. WE DID IT! WE SURE DID IT!

Finally: this is propably the best release I know, I've been doing BP since March 2004.

BP 57 tracklist

2006-02-18T14:35:00.000+02:00

From bodypumpnew.blogspot.com.

Track Number - Artist - CD Information

01. Come To Me - Tina Cousins - Come to Me (2005) (Australia)
02. Paris to Berlin (Extended Version) - Infernal - Paris to Berlin (International Edition)
03. Push It - Garbage - Garbage Version 2.0
04. Everytime we Touch (Original Mix) - Cascada - Everytime we Touch (Original Mix) [CD SINGLE]
05. Take Your Mama - Mig Vs. Rizzo Mix - Scissor Sisters - [CD 12" Single]
06. Pump It - Black Eyed Peas - Monkey Business
07 I Want You - Paris Avenue Feat. Robin One - (Denis The Menace & Jerry Ropero Bangin Remix)
08. Rock Star (Clean Edit) - N.E.R.D - In Search of - (Advise Parental Guidance.)
09. Don't Cha - Pussycat Dolls - Now Music Volume 20
10. Unbreak my Heart- IL Divo - IL Divo

BodyPump 57 - Pump it!

2006-02-08T19:50:00.000+02:00

So, this is what I know about the tracklist so far... well, my only source is this BP-blog. So, BP 57 is only few days away, at least in Australia. Here in Finland we have to wait longer. Here in Oulu "the day" is 26.2.

I'll update the tracklist as soon as it's released. I will have the time to learn the lyrics before the release gets here. So, the instructors are propably a bit surprised when I start to sing along from the bery beginning...

Compared to BP 56 the new release is fresh, aggressive release with songs that make you move! All right!

01. Come To Me - Tina Cousins
02. Paris to Berlin - Infernal
03. Push It -
04. - Cascada
05. - Scissor Sisters
06. Pump It - Black Eyed Peas
07. -
08. Rock Star - N.E.R.D
09. Don't Cha - Pussycat Dolls
10. - Il Divo

I just fell in love with "Pump It" by Black Eyed Peas as I heard it in the last BodyCombat release. I can say that's how I "found" Black Eyed Peas and listen to their album "Monkey Business" almost every day till I get enough.

Tough decisions in life ;)

2006-02-03T15:41:00.000+02:00

Now, if there's someone out there, I need your help. And yes, this is very much BodyPump-related!

I recently broke up with my boyfriend and I'm moving out in a month (this is still BP-related, just wait...). The distance between home and gym will increase - from 1,7 km to almost 3,5 km. Doesn't sound like a long and winding road, BUT. Also the distance between home and school will be much longer.

SO, what I'm trying to say is I'm going to spend more time walking/riding a bike from place to place. And it makes me wonder if it's worth it. I have my dog (yeah, I'm going to be a single mom) at home waiting for me while I'm travelling from place to place. And the time travelling is also away from the time studying at home...

And I HAVE to go to school, even though BodyPump is more fun. Shit.

I'm SO addicted to BodyPump. And BodyCombat, BodyBalance... and other awsome classes I'm used to having in my schedule. I know I'll be doing other stuff if I end up leaving the club I'm a member of - I love running, water aerobics, and I would love to get back to my old hobby with horses. And I would also be able to start a new hobby with my dog (two with one stone!) - dog agility.

Feels like killing a friend by even thinking about not having BodyPump three times a week. In Oulu it's too darn expensive to go to BP classes without membership. Is this the end of an era? Do I get something new and better or just lose what I love? Will I end up with fat ass?

You, addicts, should know how I feel... ;)

The Sound of Music

2006-01-30T22:46:00.000+02:00

In my opinion, the latest release of BodyPump, BP56, is full of songs that are just begging to be played LOUD. The instructor of today's class didn't agree. I asked her to turn the volume up, but still, she didn't turn it enough, not even close.

I get so much more energy and electricity to the moves if the music is going through my body so I can actually feel the beat - not just hear it. There's a HUGE difference between "...baby, baby, baby... you are my voodoo child, my voodoo child..." and "!!!BABY BABY BABY!!! YOU ARE MY VOODOO CHILD, MY VOODOO CHILD!"

Well. There's a chance I might choose the class by the volume in the future. On the other hand, some aerobic instructors play the music too loud, but usually those are some other classes than BP, can't really tell why. I know the volume won't make the song any better, but you all know the difference, don't you? You can't really get the feeling that the artist is trying to give you if you can't hear the damn song - and the talking/yelling instructor is not making it any easier to concentrate, or sing along.

When the last moves of the song are about to tortuse my muscles that are crying for mercy, I really need the aggressive kick from the music to make it happen and not to give up. PUSH ME, PUSH ME!

Falling in love

2005-12-30T20:50:00.000+02:00

It's strange: when I listened to the tracks of BodyPump 56 for the first time, I thought "ok, the next three months I'm doing something else, there are plenty of other classes...". I thought there was no way I was going to like that music - ever. "Who braindead grandpa picked up these songs??" Some old shit or what ever... but I gave it a chance.

And I got hooked. It's weird. I like all the songs, some of them I listen to at home as well. Actually, I sing along. And those songs really motivate me, "I like the way I move!", oh yes. I'm not even close to getting bored with BP 56.

I've been thinking how big part the exercice itself plays in the process of getting used to some song. When I hear "She Drives Me Crazy", it always reminds me of those bench presses that feel soooo sweet and cruel, and I can almost feel the pressure and the burning in the muscle. They give me a certain feeling, an attitude. My theory is, what ever the song, as long as you exercise to it, you'll learn to like it. The endorphin will make it happen. Magic!

Good vibes

2005-12-13T09:09:00.000+02:00

It's been a while... I'm sorry, but thanks for reminding me. I'm not sure if anybody's reading my blog so that kind of affects my motivation on updating.

BP 56 was released this week in Finland. I have been listening to the songs for a long time, but now I can see the "big picture", doing the moves and going forward track by track. The first time I listened to the songs I didn't know what to think about it, all that old crap... wtf..? But I totally fell in love with this release! I have done it few time so there's not much I can say about it, I will write a complete review about it later.

I read from Tami's and Craig's blog that Mike's quitting. Well, I think maybe few people in Finland know who the "Pumpfrog" is anyway. And I wouldn't know either if I didn't surf around in web so much - I don't know if people are so fanatic as I am, BodyPump is my salt and pepper. But who knows what we are going to miss if Mike's really leaving the building, are the releases going to get better or worse or what?

I hope my favorite BodyCombat instructor has got her material by next week. This week I'm too damn busy to get to her wonderful classes anyway. Interesting to see what new the new BC release can give us.

I have finally fell in love with BodyBalance, so much that I did it four times last week... can't get enough! The new release is so good, the music is so unbelievably sweet and my favorite BB instructor loves to do her job - that makes us love BB too.

BODYPUMP 56 TRACKLIST

2005-11-10T08:01:00.000+02:00

BODYPUMP 56 TRACKLIST
from http://bodypump_tracks.blogspot.com/

01.I Believe (Give a Little Bit) - Joana Zimmer - My Innermost
02. Voodoo Child - Rogue Traders - Voodoo Child Maxi CD Single
03. She Drives Me Crazy - Fine Young Cannibals - The Finest
04. Why - DJ Sammy - Ministry Of Sound: Clubbers Guide Summer 2005 [CD 2] or The Rise
05. Satisfaction - Benny Benassi - Hypnotica [IMPORT]
06. Gonna Make You Sweat (Steve Anderson & Dakeyne mix) - C& C Music Factory - Greatest Hits
07. Wonderful Life (Dance Version) - Tina Cousins - Mastermind (2005).
08. I Like The Way You Move - Bodyrockers - Now 61 [CD 1] additional source original CD single release.
09. Do you really want to Hurt Me - Blue Lagoon - Club Lagoon
10. Angels - Robbie Williams - Angels

Bonus Track (Christmas Present.)

11. Spirit in the Sky - Gareth Gates - Go Your Own Way

No use for overdose

2005-10-22T07:36:00.000+03:00

I study to become a nurse. I've learned that it's very important to be sure it's the right medicine, for the right patient, in the right amount, in the right way, at the right time.

Bodypump is a good medicine for most of the people. Most of the people I know don't have any medical reason why they should not exercise and why BP class would not be suitable for them. But the amount is not and the time is not that simple issue.

I've read you can get result by doing Bodypump 2-3 a week, having at least 48 hours between the classes. Costumers at the class should be informed about this more often. I've seen people coming to BP class saying "yesterday's BP class was so hard, my legs are so sore".

And about the weights. Some people really think the bigger is better. Is it the instructor's job to make sure the class is safe for everyone, also for those who eagerly want to hurt themselves by having too heavy weights? What if someone is simply training too much?

Can you blame the medicine if you take it the wrong way? It's not the fault of Bodypump if you're doing it the wrong way, too much or too hard, and then get hurt.

Bodypump and heart rate

2005-10-22T07:25:00.000+03:00

I tested my new heart rate monitor Polar F11 yesterday. The statistics were surprising: the monitor said I spent 500 kcal in 50 minutes (I stopped the watch before cool-down). Max heart rate was 180, average heart rate 147. Maybe it's because the breaks between the songs were really short so the pulse stayed high the whole class.

I never thought BP was so effective aerobic training form. Is this true or is my new heart rate monitor not working?

Mirror, mirror on the wall

2005-10-17T16:16:00.000+03:00

Yesterday I visited a Bodypump class of another gym, SATS, to see if it's any different. Of course the Bodypump is always Bodypump, but it's interesting how much the room itself can change the class. The sound system was simply better - you could turn the volume louder but still not break everyone's ears. The bass was in some way deeper and stronger - and that was just fine with me when Sweetest Poison started to run through my ears!

One remarkable difference was the mirrors on every side. At my gym there's only one in front and one in the back, and there are windows on the both sides of the room. It was totally cool to see myself doing dead-rows and dead-lifts, and really secure I was having the correct technique. I really enjoyed the class in a totally new way.

I don't think Bodypump should be teached at all in a room without mirrors. You can't possibly feel the correct technique the way you can see it. You might think you are doing it right, but the mirror never lies. And the motivation - have a sharp look into your eyes and force your body to work out!

You might be a BodyPump'er if...

2005-10-12T23:46:00.000+03:00

...you can visualize the choreography of popular songs when they come on the radio.
...you automatically assume the set position when you're standing around.
...you can "hear the beat" in popular songs.
...you hear cool songs and try to visualize their usage in a future BP release.
...you have a pet named Les Mills
...when you sit in the toilet, you pull your hips back, pull out you chest and check that your knees don't go beyond your toe line.
...when you pass by a construction site you start yelling things like: good work, let's take it home, watch your back when lifting that steel post or squeeze your glutes on your way up!!!
...when you go to the disco, on your first song, you move every major muscle group to properly warm up.
...whenever a pump song comes on the radio you start going through all the moves in your head.
...degrees has nothing to do with the temperature but everything to do with the angles of knees, hips and toes.
...you automatically calculate weight totals when you set out the dinner plates.
...clean and press no longer applies to doing the laundry.
...you prefer to eat donuts with your thumb in the hole!
...when you order a drink at the club, you check to see if the bar is nipple height.
...all your best clothes are BP and LM gear.
...you know twenty ways to cue 2 x 2.
...you know what the Haka is.
...you know the difference between a deadlift and a deadrow.
...you catch yourself talking in sync with the cadence of a song.
...you're from the US and you actually know how to convert lbs. to Kg.
...you're not from the US and you know that a push-up is a press-up.
...you do quick spinal rotations at random intervals throughout your day.
...your favorite passtime is surfing the BP web forum.
...you use a small child to practice the clean and press.
...you sit down in a chair just as if you were starting a 4 x 4 squat movement.
...you've never been back to the weight room since you started BP!
...the traditional weight-lifting wisdom of 3 sets of 12 repetitions simply isn't satisfying enough.
...you can't lift weights without the music!
...you count down the days to each launch ( and here in the US - each BTS Super).
...you think a song sounds better in BP class, than it does on the radio.
...you make sure your wrists are straight as you are driving your car.
...you have your abs switched on while at the office, watching TV, etc.
...you feel an urge to do a lunge while walking down the road.
...you like to stand using a split stance for greater stability.
...you know all of the tracks from the last 20 releases.
...you hand out free BP class passes to the unconverted masses.
...you understand of all the items in this list.
...your favorite colors are red and black.
...you wanna be like Mike!
...your motto is "Become Some Body"
...the Les Mills website is your home page.
...your vacation destination is based on a BodyPump location.
...you're hoping for the release of a Mike McSweeney action figure.

OMG. I didn't think I was so deep in this. But. Too. Many. Of. These. Are. TRUE. EEK!

originally from http://www.joedom.com/joedom.com/humor5.htm

My personal preview of BP 55

2005-10-12T22:27:00.000+03:00

We all know what BP55 is about, we've done it over and over again. It's going to take some time before we get the new release, so it's not too late to write my own preview of current one and also leave this here to remind me later what fun we had.

1. Warm Up - Back To Basics - Shapeshifters

At first I didn’t get any kicks from this one. There’s no feeling of explosive, aggressive “here we go, are you ready, people?!” But it’s okay. I’m getting used to this one. The moves are simple and especially great for beginners. My mom just started new hobby with BodyPump, so I'm glad the first song didn't scare her away.

2. Squats : You are all of That – Danzel

This song was a disappointed after Danzel’s “Pump it up”, of which I madly love! But I’m getting used to this one, just like the previous one... And the song gets better every time. I had a chance to put some extra plates, finally. So, I got new challenge that way.

3. Chest : Sweetest Poison - Nu Pagadi

I love this song. It’s just sad that I have to stop singing in exstacy and get on the floor to do some push-ups. This song with my favourite move of the class gets me high! I'm trying to learn the lyrics, but I guess I have to settle for the chorus...
Are you surprised if I tell you that Nu Pagadi is actually Germany’s Popstars-winner of the 2004? You can watch their video for this sexy song on their website. I would marry the other male singer (Pat) any time, any where. Oh, Pat, I’m waiting!

4. Back & Hamstrings : Olympia - E-Type
Like we haven’t got enough E-type yet... Well, this is the same song as always. And it works. After some listening this is just fine. After chest-track back-track is my second favorite, so enjoyable moves make up for the E-typish song. I love dead-rows and dead-lifts.

5. Triceps : California - C.O. Club Oriented
I hate tricep presses. Because I suck. I don’t know how to do them right and any instructor in the world wouldn’t have the skills to teach me how to do them properly. I like the kick-backs and the one move, where you hold one plate above your head and… but this sucks. The whole song before those party-poopers is okay. O.C. just started in Finland before BP55 release, so I’ve heard this song on the radio too many times before.

6. Biceps : Galvanize - The Chemical Brothers
And time for my second favourite! I always find some new favourite songs from new BP releases. I listen to the BP tracklists at home too (as long as downloading mp3's in peer-to-peer-network is possible...), and some of the songs will stay at my playlist forever. I love the slow moves (four up-four down... oh yes...) and the fast stops when counting to three, it gives my biceps some time to think what they did wrong to get punished so badly. The whole routine is fun and new and very fresh.

7. Lunges : As the Rush – Motorcycle
Very beautiful, dreamy song. Simple and effective. And biceps get their well-earned rest. I'm trying different ways to use the barbell or a single plate, but I still prefer having the barbell on the side giving balance.

8. Shoulders : I Get Up - INXS
Yes, I like this one. Some rock'n roll. Nice to have some cool songs that are not burnt already from the beginning. There's not a single move I don't like in shoulder-track.

9. Abs : Karma - Alicia Keys
I’ glad they decided to keep the same move like the in the previous release, the one with the plate. It’s my favourite ab-killing move. Oh yes! Sometimes ab-tracks are maybe a bit lazy, but with this move you can get the good-kind-of-pain to the abs.

10. Cool Down : Liberatio - Krypteria
I wish there was more time, it always runs out… And the song is a bit boring. Maybe because lyrics are so weird I will never learn them.

Music is a matter of taste. I may not like all the songs as much, but this is still one great release and I'm loving every second of it.

Comeback

2005-10-12T19:22:00.000+03:00

So, my few weeks without Bodypump are finally behind. Today I decided I'd recovered from flu and it was time to get back on track. I used the lightest weights my nature let me put to the barbell (yeah, I'm a fool who's always trying to break her limits, but now I had to start carefully. Don't worry, I know that "the gains you achieve in a BodyPump class clearly come from something other than slinging around heavy weights - and that something is called form", as Tami and Craig said!).

It felt like a new start - literally, I felt like all of my strength had dropped to the level it was a year ago. I know that's not true, I know. Soon I will be what I was just few weeks ago. And getting stronger!

I just have to take good care of myself, because I can't afford terrible breaks like this. Whole week lying on the couch watching TV was horrible and made me feel like lazy, fat bastard, even though I know it was not my fault I got sick and my part was to give my body a permission and time to heal and get better.

Hopefully the next class on Friday will be easier. Now I need a good night sleep and let my body think about what we've been doing today... I'm SO not going to give up, tomorrow I'm going to be "stronger than yesterday"... ;)

You don't know what you've got till it's gone.

2005-10-05T11:06:00.000+03:00

I've been totally sick for two days. This is my third day with this terrible flu. And of course I'm not gonna get any exercise for a long, long time. I can easily see how all healthy habits support each other - I have been eating junk food, explaining "I have to get more energy to make my body recover". Yeah, right. Like oat meal wouldn't do the same.

Today I must get out and face the world with my red nose, because I have some classes at school I just can't miss if I want to pass the course.

Oh, I miss Bodypump! I miss Bodycombat! I miss running and I miss the sweat! I miss the tired but happy feeling after some serious workout.

Getting sick is really a terrible thing to happen to a person who enjoys using his/her body as much as I do. I've been tied to my computer and TV, but hopefully this is going to be over soon and I can be seen at the gym with more energy than ever.

You don't know when it hits you, so take care of yourself. You may not remember it now, but this really sucks. So guys, appreciate your health when you have it! That's my message for today!

My kind of BP instructor

2005-10-04T12:20:00.000+03:00

I've become more and more critical about BP instructors along the way. It's sad because it keeps me from enjoying the class 100%. I truly admire good instructors who give me their best while I go to their classes. All respect to those people, they are stars of my life.

At first I need to tell you that all the instructors are female at my gym. I'd be excited to visit some class where there would be a male instructor, just to see if it's somehow different.

And now... The technique can be ok, but the instructor doesn't know the song that well. It really bothers me, because I like the idea of getting the same workout every time. It's something that is not about the instructors personality. Of course there are differences between instructors -thank God, they're not clones- BUT the choreography should be the same every time. I think most of people recognize when the chorus-part of the song begins. Usually the counting of the moves changes that ,moment. It's frustrating when the instructor is always "late". My dream instructor always knows where the song is going and what's coming next and gives the right instructions at the right time.

There are instructors who don't care to learn the new programs. Some seem to think the BP 55's biceps-song, "Galvanize" by The Chemical Brothers, is too darn difficult and they just switch it to some old song and either get more time to learn the new song or just kill time and wait for the new program.

Those instructors are ladies, who have been teaching Bodypump for too long. They are not that enthusiastic anymore, maybe they have their busy life with their family and normal full-time-job. They probably know that nobody's going to take their license away from them anyway.

My dream instructor would have the new program as soon as it's released (meaning: she/he should learn it quickly but still well) and then later, after few months, play something the class wants to have. Is it normal elsewhere to start the new program bit by bit, not having the whole program at once, but slowly changing the songs to new ones? Because here most of the instructors do that. That way they have more time to practice, but I think, maybe it would better to have the whole program at once but just later.

There should be more testing for instructors. Some time ago there was an instructor whose technique was terrible, and I just couldn't concentrate at all while watching her doing her terrible moves and all the people following her mistakes. But there's no way of telling the instructor that her technique sucks, is there? I mean, if I could tell precisely what she's doing wrong, I didn't have the guts to go there and say it aloud to a so-called professional.

Some instructors won't mind if you're doing your workout totally wrong, probably hurting your back or shoulders. They are having their own show in front of the class, and not having much interaction with the group. I think it would be a great idea to have lessons with two instructors, one doing the workout in front of the class and other moving in the crowd and correcting the moves.

People like different things. I like an instructor who doesn't shout all the time, but gives instructions with a gentle voice so that I can hear the song and get it's rhythm. If the instructor yells something to the mic, I usually can't get any sense of what she's saying -it just hurts me ears.

It really shows if the person in front of the room loves the workout and the songs and the moves... you can tell it by looking at her face. It says "we're having this great workout together" and "I really hope you guys love this as much as I do". That makes me feel I'm not the only person who appreciates the great program. If the instructor believes we can get both results and good vibes from it, I just have to agree with her.

I really wish I could be someday the instructor who gives great moments to people, not the one people like me are writing and complaining about. It's really demanding to have that kind of a job, being vulnerable and open to all critic from people who don't even know what it's like to be there teaching Bodypump and giving your all for that.

Welcome to my new blog

2005-10-04T00:02:00.000+03:00

Hi!

This is my new blog where I share my thoughts about fitness, workout and healthy lifestyle. I'm trying to find good links to other sites and then share them with you. The reason for writing in English is simple - that way I can communicate with people who love the same things I do, all over the world. I'd be glad to reach you in some way, get new friends and fresh ideas on what's going on and what's HOT in fitness right now where you live.

English is not my native language, feel free to correct my spelling mistakes and bad choises of words, hopefully it doesn't irritate you too much and stop you from reading my blog. I'll try my best!

I started going to Les Mills BTS classes 1.3.2004, the very day when I joined a club, Beauty center (sorry, the site is in Finnish), which is a fitness club only for women. I fell in love with Bodybalance, Bodypump and Bodystep. Sometimes, but not regularly, I enjoy RPM. The newest class is Bodycombat, of which just started at my gym. I love it, I love it, I love it! I also do some other excercise, like pace workout, and I recently started having a 30-60 minutes of jogging twice a week. I'm a Bodypump fanatic and hopefully someday I'll be teaching it myself.

I hope you all fitnesslovers find this blog and we'll get some conversation started. I'm doing my best to make this blog motivational, inspirational, informational and still personal - if someone could share the deepest feelings with me. For example Bodypump isn't just an hour of lifting weights up and down. It's more than a habit and an ordinary part of my week, it's a big part of my life and it represents my choises for better, healthier lifestyle - the better life I want to have. You know, all good things support each other.

With special peace and love,

Hani, 23 years, Oulu, Finland