Body Pump Latest Workout Craze To Fill Local Gyms

Body Pump is the newest craze at FirstHealth Moore Regional's Center for Health and Fitness.

It is a weight lifting program set to fast-paced music. The combination gives people something that is hard to get -- strength training and cardio all in one exercise program.

"You're working your strength in your weights at a cardio pace," participant Andy Bribey said.

Women dominate the daytime classes. For many, it is their first experience with weights.

"They're getting that strength training and a lot of them have never done it before and they're loving it -- absolutely loving it," instructor Jodi Heimrich said.

It is the opposite for most men, who need cardio exercise.

Janice Phillips admits that first workout is brutal.

"[You are] really, really painfully sore the first time," she said.

"The nice thing about this class is you can start with a lighter amount of weight and then increase the weight as you get stronger," Kari Garback said.

Phillips is hooked. She does Body Pump three times a week.

"I almost have a muscle," she said.

With so many people hooked, the hardest part of this workout may be finding room to get in.

A growing number of fitness and wellness centers are adding Body Pump programs. Since it is a strength training program, it is recommended that you do it two to three times a week with at least one day of rest between workouts.