What to expect: BodyCombat!

If you've noticed a new class on the group fitness schedule, and aren't sure what it's about, you're not alone! Campus Rec has recently brought Les Mills BodyCombat to campus, so this week, The Well is breaking down everything you need to know before you check out this high-intensity class.

BodyCombat is a cardio-focused workout that draws inspiration from martial arts. It comes from the same family as other classes like BodyPump and BodyAttack, and is a great way to get your blood flowing and heart pumping, all while learning some self-defense moves and having a blast!

BodyCombat is held at several different times throughout the week: Mondays, 6:00-7:00pm; Tuesdays, 12:15-1:00pm; Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45pm; Fridays, 2:30-3:15pm; and Sundays, 7:00-7:45pm. Always check the live schedule here for any last minute changes.

Here's what you should know before class begins:

BodyCombat is non-contact, so you won't be hitting anyone.
No equipment is required.
Make sure to bring a water bottle and wear clothes you're comfortable moving around in!

The warm-up:

Your instructor will start off by introducing themselves and taking you through some of the basics upper and lower-body strikes you'll see throughout the class.
The warm-up consists of a little bit of everything, so it may feel fast at first. Make sure you're working at a speed you feel comfortable with.
Don't worry if you think you look silly - everyone feels like that at some point!

The music will start to pick up, which leads to the heart of the class. You'll begin to learn more complex combinations based on the basic strikes practiced in the warm-up. This is where the cardio comes in!

The class:

The class consists of a variety of workout tracks, each designed to target your body in a specific way, like the shoulders or legs.
Each track lasts for about five minutes.
The heart of BodyCombat is your core - every single one of the tracks works the core. One class of BodyCombat is equivalent to doing about 1,700 crunches!
It's always okay to work at your own ability level.If you need to, you can leave out a rep or bring down the intensity with modifications provided by your instructor.
No matter where you are in the class, your instructor will be showing you what moves to do and cheering you on. If you get lost, just look up at them!
The class winds down with a series of stretches to help cool you down and let you catch your breath.

BodyCombat may sound daunting at first, but if you show up with your best fighting attitude, you'll do great! Stick through the first few classes - when you're learning the strikes, it's as much a mental workout as a physical one - but if you just keep moving, you'll catch on quick and get the results you came for!

Written by: Lilly Page '23 and Elena Guylay '23
Date: January 28, 2020

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