Pump it up in the Liberties

The Body Pump workout has become a big hit in the Liberties

Summer is nearly upon us, so fingers crossed we will all be enjoying long sunny days, barbeques and holidays abroad. But it’s also a time when it’s essential to look slimmer, fitter and healthier.

If you want to tone up for the months ahead, an exercise programme new to the Liberties could be just the thing.

Body Pump is an intense 60-minute workout that can burn up to 600 calories per class. Ricky Ward, a Body Pump instructor at St Catherine’s Sports Centre, describes it as a “brilliant way to tone up, keep fit and lose weight”.

Body Pump first hit the scene in New Zealand in1991, created by international fitness guru Philip Mills. The intense drill consists of barbell exercises such as squats, presses, lifts and curls, all done using a step platform, with pumpin’ music to keep you pushing yourself for the hour.

“The fast tempo of the music playlist is a key factor in what keeps people going and determined to give it their all,” reckons Ward.

The workout aims to build core strength and hits all the main muscle groups of the body – legs, chest, back, shoulders and abdominals. It is also thought to improve bone strength and increase endurance. And it burns off fat fast.

St. Catherine’s, on Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8, provides body pump classes for all age groups. Since starting in September the programmes have been proven to be very popular.

Classes are open to everyone at €5 per session and free for members, and take place Monday and Wednesday, 1-2pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8pm.