Sometimes you need a good kick in the pants to jumpstart your workout routine and that’s exactly what I did back in April when I joined my neighborhood gym. Working out at home was getting stale and I needed a change.
Already familiar with the Les Mills brand of fitness classes from my YMCA in New Jersey, I was happy to see that my French gym’s offerings included BODYCOMBAT, a high-energy, cardio-based kickboxing class that has enough choreographed punches and kicks to keep you engaged and having fun, not to mention drenched at the end.
I’ve been taking Body Combat twice a week now for several months and love it (aside from that lack of air conditioning situation in the summer). The 55-minute workout goes by fast, has you rocking out to some cool tunes, torches calories and forces you to work hard.
If you’re thinking of trying a Les Mills BODYCOMBAT class and are wondering, “is Body Combat hard” or are already a seasoned participant, here are some truths about the kick-butt class.
BODYCOMBAT reviews: Why I love it
I was first introduced to Les Mills classes about eight years ago at my YMCA. I started with BODYPUMP, the only Les Mills class they offered at the time, and I enjoyed the camaraderie, the fact that it took the guesswork out of weightlifting and the efficiency of the workout.
A few years ago upon moving to France, I was pleasantly surprised to see my old friend Les Mills at my local gym. One class I’ve taken a particular liking to is BODYCOMBAT.
These days I take it via the Les Mills On Demand app and you can get a FREE 30-DAY TRIAL with my link here >>
Here’s why I love Les Mills Body Combat:
Newbies and seasoned pros can both enjoy a BODYCOMBAT class.
One of the great things about Les Mills classes is that participants of all ages and fitness levels can take the same class together and get a killer workout. The instructor will ask if there are any first-timers in the class and go over technique as well as show modifications for all high-impact moves.
How hard is Body Combat? It’s entirely up to you. You set the intensity level of your class and if you don’t want to kick as hard, jump as high or punch with as much power, that is 100% within your control. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro!
Curious about the Les Mills app? I review it here >>
The sense of community is empowering.
By community, I’m referring to the people in the class with you as well as everyone else who takes BODYCOMBAT around the world. Each release is launched at the same time around the world so regardless of what country you’re in and what language you speak, you’re punching and kicking exactly like every other participant. I’m happy to say everyone in class with me is welcoming and although we’re of varying levels of fitness, we’re all supportive of each other.
Even if you don’t have a gym nearby where you can take BODYCOMBAT classes in person (or prefer working out at home), don’t worry because the Les Mills app has you covered. Try it FREE for 30 days.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.com / grmarc
You don’t need to have a martial arts background to enjoy the class.
The thought of taking a kickboxing class can be intimidating especially if you aren’t super coordinated. While BODYCOMBAT choreography draws on martial arts moves, this is a fun cardio class that requires no prior experience. You definitely don’t need to be a martial arts master! Moves are easy to follow and execute and you don’t need to be overly coordinated to enjoy yourself.
All classes offer modifications so the class is accessible for everyone. That’s something I love about Les Mills. They make the classes doable.
The music changes every quarter so it doesn’t get boring.
Like all Les Mills classes, the songs that accompany the workout change every quarter along with the choreography. Once you’ve mastered each release and you just start itching for something new, it’s time for the new release so there’s no time for the workout to get stale. You’ll be punching and kicking away to new tunes that’ll energize and refresh your workout.
Peloton vs. Les Mills: Which app is worth your money? >>
You can still get a killer workout if you take the low-impact options.
Sometimes I just don’t want to jump. Maybe my legs are sore or I’m tired or I wore the wrong sports bra. BODYCOMBAT instructors will show you modifications for all the intense high-impact moves so that folks of any fitness level can participate and still get an effective workout. They’re just as effective as the high-impact moves and might be just what you need to get through the class strong and proud.
It actually gets more difficult the better you get.
Sometimes you outgrow an exercise class. Once you’ve mastered the moves, certain classes can get easier and you find yourself reaching a plateau. Maybe they’re still fun but you don’t find yourself working as hard. That’s not the case with BODYCOMBAT. For me, the workout gets more difficult as time goes on. I don’t mean in terms of cardio fitness but as you perfect your technique, you’ll find you punch harder and with more precision, kick higher, jump with more power and dig deeper.
As you learn the choreography, you’ll jump right in instead of watching the instructor for a few counts until you learn it yourself. Once you’re confident in your technique and you’ve mastered the moves in the release, you can let loose and hit it hard. And I do.
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Sound like fun? If you’re considering a BODYCOMBAT class and reading several Les Mills body combat reviews, I say go for it! I currently take my Les Mills classes online via their app. Get 30 DAYS FREE with my link.
Want to have an even more intense cardio experience? Check out what I love and hate about BODYATTACK here.
Hi Diane! BODYCOMBAT is a great workout. Even though I teach other Les Mills program, I rarely participate in BODYCOMBAT, so when I do, my chest and arms are so sore from the punching. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I love to see how powerful this brand of fitness is that it has people like you excited to write about it just to share your love of Les Mills. Keep it up!
Amazing detail in this post Diane! They have the Les Mills programs at my gym too, I can honestly say I’ve never stepped foot inside the group class doors but there’s about a billion other girls who do! 😉
Yes, Les Mills is so popular everywhere it seems and I think they put together well-designed programs that really do motivate people. I can’t do cardio on machines for more than 20-30 minutes (on a good day when I’m really feeling it) and even so, I work way harder in a class. Glad you enjoyed the post!
This seems like a really fun workout! I’ve been searching for a new class to take, especially since I miss my martial arts day– but I’m just not ready to jump back into MA. This sounds like a great alternative!
It really is fun! Not too serious, hard but not impossible with plenty of room to take it easy or really amp it up. Try it if you ever have the opportunity!
I love Les Mills classes! My favorite is Body Attack – such a killer cardio workout, but also with options like you said for the days when your body can’t handle such high intensity for 60min straight.
BODYATTACK really is killer. I’ve done it a few times but sometimes my knees hurt the day after. Combat is still really hard and I think it just suits me better. But like you said, the modifications make it bearable. 😉 Merry Christmas!
Great read thanks for sharing!