A popular group class from Les Mills is Body Combat, which is a combination of martial arts, strength training, and cardio training in a group setting. The Body Combat classes are based on Eastern martial arts such as taekwondo, karate, and Thai boxing, but also include elements of regular boxing and even tai chi.
The group class lasts 55 minutes and is supported by energetic music, with an instructor available for guidance and motivation. The class is characterized not only by performing explosive movements but also by incorporating relaxing exercises.
What is Body Combat
A common comparison made with Body Combat is Tae Bo. The origin of Body Combat lies in the Far East. Many elements from karate, kung fu, taekwondo, kickboxing, muay Thai, and tai chi are included in the 55-minute class. The classes are said to be supported by 10 music tracks to enhance motivation and spirit. Like all other Les Mills classes, new choreography is introduced quarterly in Body Combat classes, ensuring variation in training. During the classes, expect to engage in fast-paced punching, kicking, jumping, shouting, and of course, sweating. This ensures a full-body workout for both muscle strength and conditioning. Finally, the barrier to entry is very low; anyone can participate as long as they have a good basic level of fitness. Because the exercises are not very complex or difficult, there’s not much flexibility or rhythm required.
Body Combat Benefits
- Train all muscle groups in your body
- Improve conditioning through high-intensity training
- Burn 600 calories during a class
- Enhance flexibility
- Work your abdominal muscles and core
Losing Weight with Body Combat
Les Mills conducted research on the number of calories burned during their classes. This research indicates that you burn quite a few calories during Body Combat, around 400 for women and even an average of over 600 for men. This makes weight loss with Body Combat very enjoyable!
| Class | Calories Burned (female) | Calories Burned (male) |
| BodyPump | 438 | 589 |
| BodyCombat | 417 | 605 |
| BodyAttack | 695 | 740 |
| BodyStep | 575 | 605 |
| RPM | 685 | 619 |
| BodyJam | 377 | 413 |
| BodyBalance | 267 | 305 |
Video Body Combat
Who is Body Combat for
Because the exercises during the classes are not very complicated, and with a basic level of fitness, anyone can essentially participate in Body Combat. This is evident when observing a class in session. The composition of the groups varies greatly and is different each time. And because the instructors are trained in coaching and guiding new participants, the barrier to entry is very low. If you’re already advanced and want to participate, you can increase the challenge for yourself by performing the exercises as correctly as possible. The group classes are always given according to a certain structure, the quarterly choreography. This changes every 3 months. A common misconception is that many people think Body Combat equates to a karate class or other self-defense sports. Unfortunately, this is not the case. With these classes, you don’t learn how to defend yourself, but you do get in shape.
Difference Between Body Combat and Tae Bo
The similarities between Body Combat and Tae Bo are very significant at first glance. However, there is a fundamental difference between the two. Tae Bo was very popular in the 1980s. The classes are characterized by a lot of counting and often the same exercises. Tae Bo was also offered via telemarketing and could be followed at home with videos and DVDs. In contrast, with Les Mills classes, you get a certified instructor who must be certified to give classes in the gym, and there is much more variety. Additionally, the classes, clothing, and music have evolved more with the times.
