For those new to my blog, my name is Dan Ruby and I’m a Chiropractor based in Wantage Oxfordshire. As part of this blog I have enrolled on a new trial of one new exercise class each week. So far, so good.
This week saw me taking part in BodyCombat, staying with the theme of Les Mills exercise classes. This class differs to that of BodyPump in that is is predominantly cardio based and does not use any weights or equipment. It is a non-combat, martial arts-based fitness program encorporating moves from karate, taekwando, kung fu, kickboxing, muay thai and tai chi. Each 55-minute class is choreographed to ten tracks of music.
The general format is as follows:
Warmup. Teaches all the moves that will be used throughout the class. Warms the body up to leave you mentally and physically prepared for the battle ahead.
Combat 1. Visualise your opponent and engage in your first fight combination.
Power 1. Enter an aerobic training zone with a focus on speed, power and endurance.
Combat 2. Fight for your life! Power and energy in every combination as you again challenge your imaginary opponent.
Power 2. The halfway mark. Using punches only to drill the upper body for a second time.
Combat 3. An opportunity to recover as we lower the intensity to prepare for the final phase of the class.
Muay Thai. The workout explodes in a muay thai encounter where elbows and knees go into overdrive to take your fitness to the next level and leave your opponent for dust!
Power 3. Give everything you have and don’t look back until you complete this upper body power blast and seal the deal on your fitness objectives.
Conditioning. Take to the floor and cap off the workout with some strength training.
Cooldown. Payback time – where you stretch out and lengthen all those hard-worked muscles.
BodyCombat was a great class and certainly something everyone can take at their own pace. It offers a great cardio workout whilst still maintaining an enjoyment for exercise. On a personal level I didn’t feel this was as tough and demanding as BodyPump or circuit training, but then maybe it’s not intending to be. The class fills the gaps where others may fall down, and is itself evidence that a balanced and varied exercise regime is required to adequately target each muscle group whilst also providing a good cardio element.
If you would like advice on exercise regimes, or if you are interested in simply maintaining a healthy body give us a call at Espina Chiropractic Clinic on 01235 410708 or drop us an email at info@espina.co.uk.
