Twenty

fitness instructors from a variety of metro Atlanta gyms

and fitness facilities converged on Fayette County this

past weekend to learn to "BodyPUMP."

The

instructors met at Gold's Gym of Fayette County for the

first in a rigorous three-part training series.

Originating

in New Zealand, BodyPUMP is designed to work the whole

body using barbells with adjustable weights. The focus is

on correct lifting techniques using light to moderate

weights and high repetitions.

According

to Linda Famularo, Gold's Gym Group fitness director,

"People of all ages and fitness levels can

participate and benefit from BodyPUMP classes."

Weights

used in the class range from three pounds to 91 pounds.

The classes are pre-choreographed and last 60 minutes.

There are ten "highly motivating" songs or

tracks in a BodyPUMP workout which target specific body

parts. All BodyPUMP workouts are tested in "real

world" situations in New Zealand prior to being

released worldwide to ensure the safety and quality of

the programs, according to a Gold's Gym spokesman.

Lori

Bennison, Gold's Gym wellness director, said, "Some

of the benefits derived from the BodyPUMP include

increased fat burning ability, increased bone density,

which can help prevent osteoporosis, and increased tendon

and ligament strength." BodyPUMP also promotes

muscle balance and postural stability throughout the

body, she said.

Three

Gold's Gym fitness instructors are participating in the

BodyPUMP certification course. Linda Famularo, Lori

Bennison and Joanne Edwards expect to complete the course

and be ready to begin teaching BodyPUMP in October at

Gold's Gym Fayette County. In addition to being certified

aerobics instructors, Famularo, Bennison and Edwards are

certified personal instructors.

To become a

certified BodyPUMP instructor it is necessary to complete

two modules of classes and give a teaching demonstration.

The first module of put participants through two

eight-hour days of exercises. "I must have done at

least 5,000 squats and lunges," said Famularo.

Saturday,

Sept. 25, the instructors will meet at Golds Gym again to

take the second eight-hour class. After completing the

second class module they must make and submit a video of

themselves teaching a BodyPUMP class. The tape is scored

and, if all requirements are met, the instructors receive

their certification and can officially begin teaching.

Gold's Gym

of Fayette County will be the only fitness center in

Fayette County to offer the classes, said J.D. Holmes,

Gold's Gyms owner.

"The

flexibility of the class is great," said Famularo.

"A 60-year-old beginner can do exactly the same

routine with a three-pound bar that an experienced weight

lifter is doing with an 80-pound bar."