BodyCOMBAT Class at ChimpChamp Fitness: What to Expect

“Is it beginner-friendly?” “Can I keep up with the movements?” “I’m bad at coordination - will I feel awkward?”

If these questions cross your mind when considering Les Mills BODYCOMBAT class, you’re not alone. It’s normal to have those thoughts, and you’re in the right place to learn more and decide if you want to give it a try. 

First, let’s understand the program. 

What is Les Mills BODYCOMBAT?

BODYCOMBAT is a mixed-martial art inspired cardio workout designed by Les Mills. In this non-contact class, you’ll do punches and kicks, but you are not exactly kicking or punching anything. We used those movements to workout our certain muscle groups. The class follows pre-defined choreography with Les Mills music. No equipment is needed, but it’s required to wear workout shoes.

How is a Les Mills Bodycombat class structured?

BODYCOMBAT classes have different formats: 30, 45 and 55 minutes. At CHIMPCHAMP Fitness, most classes are 55-minutes format and follow this structure:

• Start with warm-up, where you’ll get to know basic upper and lower body movements, the name and how to execute it. 

• Followed by the workout tracks: 

  • Combat 1, focus on combination upper and lower body movements.

  • Power training 1, focuses on punches to train speed, power and endurance.

  • Combat 2, focus on lower-body, learn kicks.

  • Power training 2, integrating mixed martial art circuit training. In this track, two options are provided: upper body or lower body with basic movements like push-up or squat variations. This is also combined with cardiovascular training. 

    
    

At this point, congratulations! you’ve reached halfway through the class!! You have an option to continue the workout or if you feel enough for the day, you are encouraged to stop here and come back for more in the next class. We call this the  smart-start concept. 

• Combat 3, lower-body movement focuses on coordination training.

• Muay thai, high-intensity speed and power training inspired by Muay Thai.

• Power training 3, final track focusing on upper body punches, and to unleash all your inner potential with high-energy.

• Finish with core training and cooldown. 

At this point, we got you excited with the  high-energy, high-intensity? Let’s start thinking ‘Will  BODYCOMBAT work for me?’

BODYCOMBAT is for everyone regardless of your fitness-level. You have the authority to choose your level of intensity and define your own success. Throughout the class, the instructors provide options or modifications for the workout, that’s where you can choose your intensity and pace. 

However, if you are pregnant, it’s not recommended to do BODYCOMBAT due to hormonal changes that may affect joint stability. The kicks in BODYCOMBAT may aggravate the hip and pelvis. For your own safety, we discourage pregnant mums to join the class even if your doctor has cleared you for this just to be more conservative. We will be glad to be there with you post delivery on your fitness journey!

At CHIMPCHAMP Fitness you may find a mix of seasoned participants and first-timers. As a coach, I encourage the participants to focus on your own progress, don’t get intimidated by what others are doing. It’s your own workout, you do you. Choose something that is challenging enough but not discouraging. It’s amazing to see yourself gradually build strength and confidence. 

Now that you have a better understanding about this high energy high intensity program that is for everybody the next thing you may want to understand is probably Why BODYCOMBAT? I’m punching and kicking air, What’s the benefit?

• Stronger core, through reactive core training, as you throw every punch and kick with the speed and power it demands a quick response and stabilization from your core. Over time, you may notice that your punches and kicks become faster and more powerful, it’s a sign your core is getting stronger. 

• 
  

• Improve Cardiovascular, as you continue training, you will find it’s easier to sustain the entire class. One of the signs that your cardiovascular improved is you are able to perform moderate-intensity without feeling breathless or chest pain. Another way is by checking your heart rate recovery, how quickly your heart rate returns to normal after exercise, indicating increased cardiovascular efficiency.

  
  

• Increase muscle endurance, in BODYCOMBAT, continuous movement like jabs, trains the muscle endurance to sustain for a period of time or last for a number of repetitions. You can track progress by noticing that you can perform more repetitions or hold a position longer with the same resistance or intensity.

  
  

• Better coordination, in BODYCOMBAT you’ll train to move two or more body parts with control, smoothly and efficiently. As your coordination improves, you’ll gain better awareness and control of how your body moves and reduce the risk of injury. 

  
  

• Improve agility, In BODYCOMBAT you’ll get to learn to change direction quickly while maintaining speed and power. You can measure progress by how smoothly and rapidly you transition between moves without losing control.

  
  

• Stress Relief, as you throw punches and kicks, you can unleash, it’s a space for you to just let it out. By the end of the class, you’ll experience the mood boosting from the endorphins, leaving you feeling empowered. As our tagline in CHIMPCHAMP, There is nothing a bodycombat class cannot solve.

  
  

Every training will take some time, give yourself a few more times to try before you experience all the benefits, most importantly you want to find joy in the workout. 

I’m interested! So how do I get started in joining a Bodycombat class in Singapore?

CHIMPCHAMP Fitness offers different timing and location for BODYCOMBAT class to fit your schedule.

• Check the schedule & location: find the timing and location that is suitable for you.

  
  

• Try a trial package: if it’s your first time in CHIMPCHAMP Fitness, explore the programs with a trial package. (link the trial package)

  
  

• Book a class: select your preference schedule and instructors. Book the class and read the email instruction. 

  
  

• Prepare for the class: the class required to wear shoes during the workout. On the day, come early, find a comfortable space to stand and enjoy the class. 

If you are still unsure, you can check the website, social media to get the sense of the program, studio, instructors. After the class, you can reach out to the instructor to ask if you have any questions, they are more than happy to help you. 

I hope I explain what a Bodycombat class at Chimpchamp Fitness is like and what to expect in a class with us. Hope to see you in the class. 

____________________________________________________________________

Here are some experience shared by participants: 

“If I were to summarize it using ABCs: Agility, Boxing (punches), Burpees and Coordination. My first trial was tough! I felt sore from engaging a different set of muscles. But I find that it gets progressively more enjoyable and rewarding the more you do it. I feel greater body awareness and control. Exploration of my body’s capabilities through learning new moves like different kicks. Beyond getting a good workout with good music, feeling mentally better overall.” - Jac

“I actually did my first BodyCombat elsewhere before joining ChimpChamp. I find it really challenging and I struggle a lot with the coordination, often getting confused when to use right or left. However when I took my BodyCombat class at ChimpChamp, I found the explanation before each move really helpful. Knowing what move to expect and having different options for different intensity levels make a difference. I feel like it gets better the more we do it. It helps with coordination though I am still not very good at it. But once we master it, it boosts our confidence and reminds us that we can take on anything in life.” - Serene.

Stay Awesome Stay Champion,

Yuli