Body Combat is one of Les Mills’ most successful workout programs, and a new version has finally arrived. Number 46 is about getting fitter faster. But is this a proper version?
Introduction
For people unfamiliar with melee combat, it’s basically a non-contact wrestling show that uses tight choreography set to popular music. Each release has 10 tracks with each triggering a different muscle.
46th Combat Corps
This latest version is very responsive to cardio, especially for the legs. The first song is called Teenage Dirthouse and it’s the perfect warm up. The simple – shuffle, jab, top feels good and will probably get you going right away.
Although I’m not a big fan of the second song. The constant spinning kicks feel forced, and the hook, top, and hook combination can be considered awkward.
Track 3 is another Cascada song that Les Mills loves! The moves are easy and always make me sweat. An easy number to memorize and a real treat for the melee crowd.
Usually a break follows because song 4 is Russian and it’s hard. Lunges and knees are so much fun; it also marks the return of the L-shaped combo. Back kicks are there and jump kicks. Beginners often find them difficult as a lot of technique is required. I love the song!
Contagious is the name of the fifth song on Body Combat 46. It’s very cardio intensive, with a lot of running involved. At this point you will probably feel your legs more than anything and the number 6 won’t help you because it can only be described as legs, legs, legs.
The song is called spitfire and the combo is that simple: lunge, esceva, lunge, kick, and lunge. And it goes on and on, 3 minutes each way. The music feels good and fits perfectly with the movements, a classic!
Braveheart is a classic; number 7 mixes the soundtrack with pure rhythms. It’s again a leg number (mostly), which, at this point, makes this pitch especially heavy. Constant knees will make you sweat all the way.
The mother of all 8 clues, according to Rachael, is conveniently called: I Surrender. She lasts for 6 minutes and maintains a flow of hooks, jabs and uppercuts at all times. Finally an upper body workout, but it feels like too little too late. Just as they tried to regain their balance between arms and legs at the last minute, to no avail. This song is very hard, but good news follows bad, because track 9 does NOT include push-ups. Instead, you’ll only be treated to sit-ups and floats; all the abs and I love it. But then again, your arms come off pretty easily in Body combat 46 and it’s a shame.
Overall I really liked the release. My favorites have to be tracks 1, 6 and 7. I like the music, a lot of pop songs this time. The choreography doesn’t include any real classics (my guest), apart from track 6 maybe. But Body Combat 46 is good… for the legs. Well done Les Mills, keep them coming.
46th Combat Corps