BodyCombat 47 is the latest cardio non-contact combat sport from the les mills stable. By combining moves from all branches of combat, this class is all about technique and fatigue. But is BodyCombat 47 a good one?
1. Dynamite (Kritikal Mass Radio Edit) – Jason Born/Love The Way You Lie (KM Hands Up Remix) – Other Ego
The warm-up has a very nice beat to it and is a clear evolution from previous releases. Simple shuffles, hooks, crosses are combined in a soft exercise to warm-up the upper body. I like it.
The leg opener introduces a Kung Fu posture that is present throughout this release, a nice and intense move. I’m not particularly fond of the rap parts of the song but it’s still a solid warm-up overall.
2. Let me hear you scream – Kartsy wolfbain
This song is all about Kung Fu and staying low to the ground – you kinda have to because the geography looks silly if you don’t. Guideline in this song is the simple cross-move with front hand defense; the retracting while punching requires utmost concentration. Not a big fan of the song or the moves.
3. Make you mine – Lisa Lowe & bambam
Song 3 looks a lot like the one found in BodyCombat 46. A simple move intensifies until a big combo emerges containing hooks, crosses and jabs. The great tune makes this workout a pleasant one, but the constant repeats are boring, despite taking a noticeable hit on fatigue.
4. Fire – Scooter
Scooter is back in Les mills’ BodyCombat and it’s accompanied by amazing moves. The knee – jump knee – punch 3x is a fantastic move and fits the rhythm perfectly. I love this part of the class!
5. The warriors code – Dropkick Murphys
A little ought to the fine people over in Scotland. This song is all about cardio and core ribs, while being supported by musical pipes till the end. The “stand in a circle opposite each other” may not be for everyone’s cup of tea but it does make the class more intense. Overall I find the song a bit too “screamy” and I’m not too keen on the circle idea either.
6. Feels like a prayer (clubstar remix) – Meck ft. Dino
Rachael explains this song as the 3 Ks: kung fu, kickboxing and karaoke! And it definitely sums it up perfectly. The song is a nice break from the usual and the moves are great for recovery. Back kicks are present to spice things up, a very powerful move. The sometimes crowded choreography can upset an instructor’s routine, so a high level of remembrance is required of teachers worldwide.
7. You’re going down – Badlands Inc.
This song is all about finishing off a potential opponent. It’s short but powerful and the “fatality” near the end is nothing short of amazing. Normally I despise songs like these but this time it works and feels pretty good.
8. Release me – Linzi Paul
Compared to last quarter’s exercise this final battle feels easy. A lot of uppers are present here; an easy move for experienced combaters. On the flip side the song is pretty nice and it helps me to save strength for song 9.
9. Beautiful monster (full vocal la la sessica mix) – Mick lion
I love the core strengthening exercise in BodyCombat 47. It’s all about doing the hover with little variations. After 1.30 minutes (!) the beats changes to introduce a set of 16 push-ups. Then, instead of enjoying a break, Les Mills wants us to go back into the hover for an additional minute and again 8 push-ups to finish it off. It’s a tough one but the inspiring song makes it worth the struggle. Burn abs, burn!
10. Love the way you are – Bruno mars
A great song to stretch and relax, you made it! Personally I like the song but after 12 months of listening it doesn’t offer any surprises.
All in all BodyCombat 47 is a great new release, especially the second part. Songs 4 and 9 are wonderful, but generally it seems a tad light on the cardio side, especially compared to release 46. And because of this combaters may approach this release with mixed emotion.
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