If you find running on a treadmill in the gym dull and repetitive, then you need to put some fun into your exercise regime. BodyJam is a mixture of dance and aerobics moves blended with the latest sounds of hip hop, funk and Latin American music. It’s a great a cardio workout and apart from making you sweat and dance hard, fun is the most important element in the one-hour class. And this calorie-burning dance-fitness programme is becoming increasingly more popular all over the world.
The class started with a warm up for shoulders, chest and hips. Then before we began our first dance, our instructor taught us some of the main moves, explaining carefully so that no one danced out of time. She demonstrated all the steps, first facing us and then from the side, before we all joined in to practise together.
It’s easy to be confused and intimidated by the BodyJam jargon; double back turn, moon run, jive kick, rip it, grab and drop, tweeter turn, jump turn and krump club routine all sound like some complicated spy code, but the moves they refer to are simple enough and are easy to get the hang of. If you’ve had a go at Zumba you’ll get the idea of this class quickly, however BodyJam is a bit more relaxed and not so routine.
We were all encouraged to try and copy the moves as much as we could but were also encouraged to freestyle.
At first we felt a little bit silly, but once we relaxed we started to love the class. The instructor was fantastic and went the extra mile to show us the steps at least five times to get us started. She taught us to mind our footwork before paying attention to what our hands were doing, because that can be added in later.
Once you get into the swing of BodyJam, you’ll find that the choreography is easy and you’ll burn calories while having loads of fun. Dancing is great for improving coordination and the more you do it, the easier it will become and moves you originally thought you could never do will be a piece of cake by the fourth or fifth class. You will sweat a lot so make sure that you bring a water bottle and a towel. Comfortable, loose clothing is also recommended and wear shoes that you can twist and turn in.
BodyJam is about letting go and enjoying the moves and the music. We’ll be back to give it another go.
The class we attended was a ladies only class but there are mixed classes on offer as well. Fit Studio is currently in their summer schedule so head to the website for timings.
Fit Studio, next to Jones the Grocer, Al Mamoura B, Muroor Rd, www.fitstudio.ae (02 445 3395).
