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Hi, this is my first post here so please go easy on me

I have only recently started to do Body Pump but now do two classes a week and am beginning to feel some real benefits as I improve, first of all the techniques and secondly the amount of weights I use.

In all cases now, I am absolutely knackered at the end of the session so I think I am putting in the effort, the new moves are also good, lots of press ups and dips really challenge me also.

My primary goal for going into the gym is to lose weight and I believe that Pump will certainly aid this but I really would like to push on the cardio. I don't mind working out on my own but do prefer to work in a class environment (I secretly choose someone to compete with), would perhaps a spin or step class give a more rounded program or would something like Body Combat help with this?
 

Great to see your achieving the great benefits the Pump provides, as for cardio it really comes down to personal preferences. Combat is a great cardio class whilst releasing some tension i find, cycle or rpm is also a fantastic cardio workout class which in comparision to combat is a lesser impact class particulary on your joints.

It really does depend on what motivates you, i personally dont like cycle as sitting down and remaining in the same place as where you were when you started is not my thing id rather be jumping up and down - again thats me - i have friends who Love cycle/rpm and choose it over combat classes everytime.
Maybe just try each class and see which suits you best.

Best Wishes

xx

What classes are offered at your gym?

Losing the numbers can be misleading(on the sclae)...I would go on how my body looks and my clothes fit. Weight can go up if youre adding mucle.

Welcome to the forum.

RPM makes a good partner class. It burns (lots of) calories and improves general cardio fitness. This will then help you make gains in BP too.

Honestly it doesn't matter which class you pick, any of them will help you burn more calories, get your heart rate up, and complete your workout routine with BodyPump.

Therefore - you should try them all! Give each class a few tries (I'd recommend four tries - it takes about that long to get the hang of it. On your first class, you'll feel very unco-ordinated, and some people think, "I hate this class", when often, they just hate the feeling of not being able to do it well. Once you have taken a few, you can then accurately assess whether it's for you.)

Ultimately, the best option is whichever class/es (you can take lots of them!) is most enjoyable for you, and suits your schedule. If it's hard to get to, you won't go, and if you don't like it, you won't go!

If you can do BP 2x week, add 2-3x of a LM cardio program, and maybe even mix in 1x BodyFlow (BodyBalance) that will be a great weekly routine for you.

Such a personal preference but you can't go wrong with any Les Mills program!  Any program that your gym offers give a try and see what you think?  I would be biased telling you to take Combat because it's AWESOME but we are looking at adding Jam and that I think would be a BLAST as well!  Just remember to enjoy and have fun with whatever you choose.  Fitness should be made fun and yield results!   

 Your on the right track regardless by taking on Pump.....much luck to you!

It's so great that you WANT to add cardio. So many people just take Bodypump and complain that they don't see the results they want. The problem is they never do cardio! Unless you decrease your body fat, those nicely toned muscles from Pump will never surface!

Now that I've said my piece I agree with everyone else that you should try and see what class works best for you. Bodystep is an AWESOME cardio class. Of course I'm biased because I teach it! I have to warn you that the first few times you take it you will feel a bit silly and uncoordinated. Once you get it though, it is so much fun---almost like dancing. You can really challenge yourself and will burn a ton of calories.

Combat is really popular at some clubs. I don't know that much about it because I just started working at a gym that offers it and haven't had the chance to take it.

 Lots of people like RPM too. They turn off the lights so you might be more comfortable starting with that. I personally can't stand to sit on a bike for an hour---that must be why I love Step!  

Another great cardio class is Bodyattck if your gym offers it. No equipment is needed so no worries about falling off a step!

I also agree with another poster that you should try to add Bodyflow if you can---even if it's once a week. It will really help lengthen your muscles after Pump and whatever cardio you take. It will also really challenge every part of your body that you don't normally work---so you will see changes in your body doing this class as well.

 One more thing and then I will shut up. Remember that you don't have to pick just ONE cardio class! You might like them all and then you will get excellent variety in your work out!! Have fun!

Yikes !! I wasn't expecting so many responses so a big thanks to all.

My Gym offers Pump, Combat and Balance so I will take the advice and try them all. I have my first spin class tonight so I guess I can form a view from their.

I am comfortable with the idea that I will have to work hard to get to my goals but am loving the Pump so far.

 
I don't worry too much about looking like a bit of a chopper when I first start classes, I always take the "dance like nobody is watching" view, I am there to benefit personally from the classes and really put my focus into good technique and effort to worry if anyone is sniggering at me (if they did I would be pleased I had brightened someones day with my ham fisted lumbering around.)

 
Thanks all for the advice.