Following the strength training boom during the pandemic, the proliferation of new trends like 'the new CrossFit' Hyrox, barre, and Reformer Pilates, or the rise of boutique gyms on every corner, it might seem that fitness classes that physically condition the world are losing followers or are outdated. But nothing could be further from the truth.
There is room for everyone, and as their motto says, the goal is to achieve "a fitter planet." BodyCombat has flexed its muscles this weekend at Les Mills Live 2024, turning Madrid into the global capital of fitness alongside the program's global leaders, British Rachel Newsham and New Zealander Dan Cohen.
With more energy than ever, 25 years and a hundred choreographies later since the creation of this discipline, the arena was packed with around 1,400 people from over 27 different countries across four sessions. "It makes you feel alive, like a modern warrior," describes Cohen, the trainer whom instructors worldwide are used to seeing through a screen for training. Finally, they were able to face him directly and enjoy his positive energy while leading the energetic group class.
"Incredible Madrid, today we all train together with one heart!" exclaimed his colleague Newsham, director of the BodyCombat program, to the excited crowd giving their all. Why does it continue to work, remain a favorite despite so many new trends, and hook people?
Inspired by martial arts, BodyCombat is an explosive combination of Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, Muay Thai, Capoeira, and Kung Fu set to great music. It may sound crazy, but the key to the success of this session that "equates to 1,700 crunches," as these leaders explain, is how easy the movements are to follow and how fun it is. "You know what to expect no matter which gym you go to. Instructors have been trained exactly the same, and even here, where I don't speak Spanish, I can follow a class, or they can follow everything I say without understanding English," explains the British trainer after teaching a class at Smart Club, owned by Óscar Peiro, representing Les Mills in Spain.
The trainer confirms the program's adherence at his sports center in Madrid since the beginning. "It leads the fitness sector and is internationally recognized. It creates very passionate people, which impacts their own health and quality of life." Additionally, the combined techniques are beneficial for daily life, helping us stay agile and age well, he explains. "It hooks you so much that it's impossible to quit, whether you're older or younger, more or less fit because the movements can be adapted to all levels. You end up becoming a BodyCombat fanatic!"
While the event featured sessions of multiple Les Mills disciplines like BodyPump (strength training), BodyBalance (inspired by yoga), or the functional BodyAttack (high-intensity interval training), attendees agreed that they primarily came for their favorite, Body Combat. "It's pure adrenaline," explained a participant who came from Toledo.
"It lasts 55 minutes, and you can burn up to 570 kilocalories," Peiro reveals about its effectiveness. But it's not just a fat burner. It improves cardiovascular fitness, tones and shapes arms, back, and shoulders, in addition to conditioning legs and the core. No experience in martial arts is necessary since they demonstrate the different movements during the warm-up.
"You'll enhance your power through revitalizing series of punch work: hooks, jabs, and uppercuts. There's also a lot of leg work with kicks and high knees (kicks and knee lifts). You'll benefit from functional training movements like lunges, squats, and push-ups."
In short, a very comprehensive and effective physical session, but the best part is the emotional aspect, acknowledges Andrea de Ayala, a trainer who has been live streaming the event for three years. "It excites me to see how sports transcend languages and negative energies. It's pure vibe and an experience for both participants and those of us on the team, becoming like family. It's an epic day, the great sports party, and I continue to be amazed by the passion people feel for the trainers and programs."
For Peiro, who appeals to endorphins, it will never go out of style. "Research shows that compared to traditional abdominal exercises, movements like quick alternating front kicks and jabs provide a much superior workout." Adding to that is the power of the collective because, as Newsham says, if you manage to attend your session regularly, you'll see results, and those results will make you feel better and come back. "Even more so if you do it with friends. The future is brighter when we train together."