September 26, 2007

10:42 Boogie Tonight!
I've been getting a lot of search engine hits for "Body Jam 42", which is the latest release to be launched across Fitness First gyms in the Philippines. While I've been doing parts of this release during my demos, it's always been just a couple of tracks or a short block (and on the instructor's side). I finally got to attend a full class when Fitness First Ortigas launched on Monday evening. I arrived early that night to get a place in the front row, and I came to party!

• Warmup
  Boogie 2Nite (Seamus Haji Big Love Edit) - Booty Luv: This track does a great job of bringing in that party atmosphere so crucial to any Jam class, since it is the "ultimate dance party workout." Super simple combos too, so anyone can get it.


• Isolations
  Tambourine (Clean Version) - Eve: The hip-hop feel to the track helps make isolating core muscle groups fun instead of a chore. Excellent choice of song as well because it makes me wanna dance!


• "Cha-Cha-Cha" Latin
  Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing - John Legend / Let's Get Loud - Jennifer Lopez: A little challenge in the latin track's rhythms makes this one enjoyable. Sexy too!


• Contemporary Rock
  Do It Again - Mega NuRave Styles and DJ 'Little' Rippa / One And Only - Timbaland ft. Fall Out Boy
  Funky new feel, chest pops, and a huge cardio blast -- this track had me rocking. The stomp at the beginning seems to drag on for too long though.


• Recovery
  Umbrella (Clean Version) - Rihanna ft. Jay-Z
  Nice way for the heart rate to come down slowly. Obviously this is one very popular song, but this mix of choreography and music makes this my favorite Body Jam recovery track so far.


• Jam de Podium
  Sexual Healing (Freemasons Mix) - Alibi vs. Rockefeller / Get Down (Original Club Version) - Groove Armada / Get Up (Before The Night Is Over Tribalectric Mix) - Global Deejays ft. Technotronic / Rain Down Love (Phunkk Mobb Remix) - Freemasons ft. Siedah Garrett
  I love that this track doesn't have too much traveling from side to side going on, so even in a crowded dance studio everyone gets a chance to break out. The Bounce move is so much fun and the playfulness in this cardio block's choreography really elevates the mood and hypes everyone up. I don't like how this block ends, though. I'd rather have a big finish because the energy is just through the roof.


• Groove Down
  Beautiful Liar - Beyonce ft. Shakira
  Sensual, sexy feel to this track and I love it! One of the best groove downs in my opinion, still incorporating dance while helping you stretch out those worked muscles.

I can't wait to do this release again at the classes I attend. It provides a great contrast to the latest Body Balance release, number 38, which is all about stillness and focus. I helped launch BB38 in Fitness First branches in Manila and North EDSA, and will be launching at ABS-CBN, Fort, and Eastwood over the next few days. It's a tremendous rush for me to break out and dance after all that controlled movement in my Body Balance classes. Ü

For more information about these group exercise programs, check out LesMills.com and Fitness First Clubs PH. For track listings, visit TotallyLesMills.com.

Tags: Body Jam, Fitness First Philippines, Les Mills
 Patrick (October 10, 2007 9:22 AM) says:
Hi Noelle, I came across your blog looking for some insights on the latest Body Jam release. I myself loved the recovery track. Actually, I also loved the whole second block of body jam 42 as compared to the previous release. What the workout it would be if you combine the first block of 41, recovery and 2nd block of 42. 

 Mish (October 31, 2007 11:06 PM) says:
Hi there,

Glad I found your blog! Any idea where could one find the Body Jam 39 Bollyjam (Panjabi MC & Power of Bhangra) video? Youtube has removed it long since your post in December 2006. Just curiosity :)

Greetings from London

Mish 

 Noelle De Guzman (November 01, 2007 12:50 PM) says:
Patrick: We're starting the mix-match season here in the Philippines, so it won't be long before that combination rolls around. I'll let you know how that heart attack feels. :D

Mish: I was kind of sad to see the video get deleted off Youtube as well, but since BodyJam and all Les Mills choreography are copyrighted, it's bound to be hunted down anywhere it's posted. :( Good luck in your search.