Body Pump 77 is here! This launch covers the second quarter of this year at Les Mills certified gyms. The sport, which targets all muscle areas in one hour, is the oldest class in the book. The question is: is this release the perfect start to summer? Or will it cast a shadow on pumpers all spring long?

Warmup: Commander – Spacegliderz

Song 1 definitely inspires me and puts me in the moment. The pacing is especially satisfying as the instructor’s words guide us through all the movements of the class. The choreography is a bit harder (compared to 76) but it definitely warms up and introduces BodyPump 77 in the perfect way.

Squats: It’s my life – Swade

This Bon Jovi mix song fits right in with the class. The choreography fits well with the song but is not surprising in any way. The low 4s and single squats carry over from the BodyPump 76, and there’s no tail stinger. So these squats are a bit (just a bit!) easier than last time. But I love the song, so it’s fine.

Chest: DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love – Usher ft. pitbull

The danger Les Mills faces when implementing a top 40 song is that it will fade when the workout hits gyms around the world, this time that’s not the case. This rocking song makes me move my feet all the time and makes chest training one of my favorites. The movements are the same as those found in U2’s beautiful day, no surprises. Instead, simple movements are repeated until the end of the song with only one break, a very effective workout.

Back: Hold Me Tonight – Manian

Song 4 is the first tune that clearly breaks with the established formula in BodyPump 76. The choreography includes a new move that requires pumpers to push the weights above shoulder line 3 times, with 4 repetitions. (Damn, I forgot the trendy name Les Mills gave it…)

Most people will consider this song more difficult compared to the previous one, but for me personally, it’s not that difficult. Also consider technique is very important, do it incorrectly and you won’t be aiming for the back at all!

Triceps: I like it – Tokyo Haze

I hate this song! His original (by Enrique Iglesias) does not inspire anything and the rhythm lacks strength. The movements are more repetitive than last time and have the same difficulty. Simple movements with the bar, including presses and overloads, are repeated until the end.

Biceps: diamond eyes (boom-lay boom-lay boom) – Shinedown

This song is hard! The main combo includes 8 (!) halves and 4 full bicep curls. That’s a very hard combo and it squeezes everything in the biceps. A break is present in the middle and some easy moves make for the perfect recovery into the final set that includes 8 half and 8 full curls. The first two times I did this song my arms were sore the next day, so this workout pays dividends. I don’t like music though.

Lunges: Only Girl in the World – Nick Skitz vs. DJ Lotus

BodyPump 77 includes dynamic lunges, static lunges and squats to finish. The song is especially aimed at the girls in the class, which I think are the majority. Dynamic lunges are great fun and go well with the music; A great way to practice technique and stability. The kicker is two sets of 8 lower squats; definitely a full handful.

Shoulder: Ti Sento – Scooter

In difficulty, this song compares to BodyPump’s previous release. Start with a series of push-ups followed by walking (straight arms). The song marks four sets, accompanied by quick breaks in between. In general, it feels satisfying and suits the music well. By the time the opera starts, you’ll feel like a superhero flying around the suburbs looking for crime.

Abs: We don’t speak Americano – Yolanda be cool vs DCUP

Remember when I said that the delay between production and release can sometimes dampen the enthusiasm for a popular song? Well, BodyPump 77 song 9 seems to be an example of that statement. I personally love it and think the choreography fits well, but some people I’ve talked to find the song “last year” and totally hate it. The upbeat song (no discussion here!) features two main moves: the hover and the squat. Abs definitely burn after this one.

Cooldown: One Last Chance – Childry

A simple indie pop song always works for me and works again. It’s very similar to the earlier BodyPump (Kris Allen) chill song and this could very well be trending in favor of it.

BodyPump 77 carries over most of the music genres and moves found in last quarter’s release. Some songs are great (chest, abs) while others are a step down from the previous output (triceps). Overall, the launch is decent, but nothing special.

Rating: 7/10 – A decent release but not groundbreaking in any way.