BodyPump 77 Review

BodyPump 77 is here! This release spans the 2nd quarter of this year in Les Mills certified gyms. The sport, that targets all muscle areas in an hour, is the oldest class in the book. Question is: is this release the perfect start of the summer? Or will it cast a shadow on pumpers all spring?

Warmup: Commander – Spacegliderz

Song 1 definitely inspires me and puts me into the moment. The beat is especially satisfying as the instructor’s words guides us through all the moves of the class. The choreography is a little bit tougher (compared to 76) but it definitely warms up and introduces BodyPump 77 in the perfect way.

Squats: It’s my life – Swade

This Bon Jovi’s mixed song is a great fit to the class. The choreography fits the song well but doesn’t surprise in any way. The 4-lows, and single squats are transferred over from BodyPump 76, and there’s no stinger in the tail. Therefore these squats are slightly (just slightly!) easier than last time out. But I love the song so it’s fine.

Chest: DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love – Usher ft. Pitbull

The danger that Les Mills faces when implementing a top-40 song is that it will fade by the time that the workout hits gyms around the world, this time that’s not the case. This swingy song gets me feet tapping every time and makes the chest workout a personal favourite. The moves equals those found in U2’s beautiful day, there’re no surprises. Instead simple moves are repeated till the end of the song with just a single break, a very effective workout.

Back: Hold Me Tonight – Manian

Song 4 is the first tune that clearly breaks from the formula set in BodyPump 76. The choreography includes a new move that requires pumpers to push the weights above the shoulder line 3 times, with 4 repeats. (Darn, forgot the trendy name Les Mills gave it…)

Most people will consider this song more difficult compared to the previous one but for me personally it’s not that hard. Also consider that technique is very important, do it improperly and it will not target the back at all!

Triceps: I like it – Tokyo Haze

I hate this song! Its original (by Enrique Iglesias) isn’t inspiring at all and the beat lacks power. The moves are more repetitive than last time and about equal in difficulty. Simple moves with the bar, including presses and overheads, are repeated till the end.

Biceps: Diamond eyes (boom-lay boom-lay boom) – Shinedown

This song is tough! The main combo includes 8 (!) halves and 4 full bicep curls. That’s a very hard combo and squeezes everything out of the biceps. A break is present in the middle and a few easy moves that make the perfect recovery towards the final set including 8 halves and 8 full curls. The first two times I did this song my arms ached the next day so this workout pays dividends. Don’t like the music though.

Lunges: Only girl in the world – Nick Skitz vs DJ Lotus

BodyPump 77 includes dynamic lunges, static lunges and squats to finish it off. The song especially targets the girls in class, which is the majority I believe. The dynamic lunges are a lot of fun and fit the music well; a great way to practice technique and stability. The kicker is two sets of 8 lower squats; definitely a hand full.

Shoulder: Ti Sento – Scooter

In difficulty this song compares to the previous release of BodyPump. It begins with a set of push-ups followed by the fly (straight arms). The song marks four sets, accompanied with swift breaks in-between. Overall it feels satisfying and fits the music well. By the time the opera kicks in you’ll be feeling like a superhero flying the outskirts scanning for crime.

Abs: We speak no Americano – Yolanda be cool vs DCUP

Remember when I said that the delay between production and releases can sometimes damper the enthusiasm for a popular song? Well song 9 of BodyPump 77 seems to be an example of that statement. I love it personally and think the choreography fits it well, but some people I’ve talked to find the song “last year” and absolute hate it. The happy song (no arguing here!) hosts two major moves: the hover and sit-ups. The abs definitely burns after this one.

Cooldown: One Last Chance – Daughtry

A simple indie pop song always works for me and it does again. It’s very similar to BodyPump’s previous cooling down song (Kris Allen) and this could very well mark a trend I’m all for.

BodyPump 77 transfers most of the music genres and moves found in last quarter’s release. A few songs are great (chest, abs) while others are a step down from the previous outing (triceps). Overall the release is a decent one but nothing special.

Rating: 7/10 – A decent release but not groundbreaking in any way.