LES MILLS BODYJAM
The Ultimate Music and Dance Experience
What is BODYJAM?
BODYJAM is the cardio workout where you are free to enjoy the sensation of dance. This fun workout combines the latest dance styles with the hottest new sounds and beats. Learn to move to hip-hop, house, drum ‘n’ bass, trap, and many more styles. Your instructor breaks down the moves so everyone can feel the music and experience the joy of dance while getting a serious cardio workout.
Why Choose BODYJAM?
💃 Express Yourself
Dance is the ultimate form of self-expression. BODYJAM lets you move freely, find your style, and feel the music with your whole body.
🔥 Burn Up to 500 Calories
Non-stop movement for 55 minutes means serious calorie burn. The best workout is the one you don’t realize you’re doing.
🎵 Latest Music & Trends
Every release features the freshest tracks and current dance styles. Stay connected to music culture while you work out.
😊 Pure Fun
This isn’t a rigid workout – it’s a party. The energy in a BODYJAM class is contagious. Leave feeling happier than when you arrived.
🧠 Brain Training
Learning choreography improves memory, coordination, and cognitive function. Dance is proven brain exercise.
👥 Community Vibes
Dancing together creates connection. BODYJAM classes have incredible energy and a welcoming community feeling.
Dance Styles in BODYJAM
BODYJAM draws from diverse dance genres to create a unique fusion experience:
🎤 Hip-Hop
Urban grooves, isolation moves, and attitude. Learn fundamental hip-hop vocabulary.
🏠 House
Fast footwork, arm movements, and non-stop energy. Classic house music vibes.
🥁 Drum & Bass
Quick-paced electronic beats with dynamic, athletic movements.
🎭 Trap
Heavy bass drops, sharp movements, and bold attitude.
🕺 Funk
Groovy, rhythmic movements celebrating classic funk culture.
🎹 Electronic
EDM-inspired movements with build-ups and drops.
🌴 Reggaeton
Latin-influenced grooves with hip and body rolls.
💫 Contemporary
Expressive, flowing movements for emotional release.
Class Structure
Each BODYJAM class follows a carefully designed structure:
Warm-Up (5-7 min)
Get your body moving with simple grooves. Instructor introduces basic movements you’ll use throughout class. Build heat gradually.
Learn Phase (8-10 min per block)
Instructor breaks down choreography step by step. Each move is taught, practiced, then connected. Multiple learning blocks throughout class.
Run-Through
After learning each block, dance the full routine with music. This is where the cardio kicks in and the fun explodes.
Cool-Down (5 min)
Slow grooves and stretching. Bring heart rate down while celebrating what you accomplished.
The Learning Method
You Don’t Need Dance Experience
BODYJAM uses a proven teaching method that makes choreography accessible to everyone:
- Break It Down: Each move is isolated and practiced slowly
- Layer It Up: Movements are added progressively, building complexity
- Repeat: Repetition builds muscle memory so moves become automatic
- Connect: Individual moves flow together into combinations
- Perform: Dance the full routine – own it and make it yours
The goal isn’t perfection – it’s expression. Your version of the moves is valid. Everyone interprets dance differently, and that’s the beauty of it.
Benefits of Dance Fitness
Physical Benefits
- Cardiovascular Fitness: Sustained movement elevates heart rate throughout class
- Coordination: Multi-directional movement improves body awareness
- Agility: Quick directional changes develop athletic response
- Balance: Weight shifts and single-leg movements challenge stability
- Flexibility: Dynamic stretching through movement range
- Calorie Burn: 400-600 calories per 55-minute class
Mental & Emotional Benefits
- Stress Relief: Dance triggers endorphin release and provides mental escape
- Confidence: Learning new skills builds self-esteem
- Memory: Choreography learning is proven cognitive exercise
- Social Connection: Group dancing creates bonds and belonging
- Joy: Simply put, dancing makes you happy
- Self-Expression: Move freely and discover your personal style
Science Behind Dance Fitness
Neuroplasticity & Learning
Learning dance choreography creates new neural pathways in the brain. Research from Harvard Medical School shows that dance particularly benefits brain regions involved in memory and spatial processing. Regular dancers show improved cognitive function and reduced dementia risk.
Mood Enhancement
Studies confirm that synchronized group movement (like dancing together) releases oxytocin – the “bonding hormone.” Combined with endorphins from exercise, dance creates a powerful mood-boosting cocktail that can rival medication for mild depression and anxiety.
Flow State
Dance induces “flow” – the optimal psychological state of complete immersion. When dancing, external worries disappear. You’re fully present. This mental state is associated with happiness, creativity, and peak performance.
What to Wear & Bring
- Comfortable Clothes: Anything you can move freely in. Express yourself!
- Athletic Shoes: Cross-trainers or dance sneakers with pivot points work best. Avoid running shoes with heavy tread.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated – you’ll sweat!
- Towel: Optional but useful for wiping down
- Open Mind: Be ready to let loose and have fun
- Positive Attitude: No one cares if you mess up – just keep moving!
🌟 First-Timer Tip: Stand in the middle or back of the room where you can see the instructor and others. Don’t worry about being perfect – focus on the feeling. If you get lost, just keep grooving until you catch up. Everyone has been there!
Class Formats
55-Minute BODYJAM
Full class experience with complete choreography learning, multiple dance blocks, and extended performance. Maximum cardio and skill development.
45-Minute BODYJAM
Express format with streamlined choreography. Same great music and moves in a time-efficient package.
30-Minute BODYJAM
Quick dance session perfect for high-energy breaks. Simpler choreography, maximum fun factor.
“I never thought I could dance. I was the person standing on the wall at parties. BODYJAM changed everything. After a few weeks, I found my rhythm. Now I’m the one dragging friends to the dance floor. This class gave me confidence I never knew I had.”
— Marcus W., BODYJAM Member
BODYJAM vs. Other Dance Classes
BODYJAM vs. SH’BAM
BODYJAM features more complex choreography and current urban dance styles. SH’BAM is simpler, with easier-to-follow moves designed for complete beginners. BODYJAM appeals to those who want dance skill progression.
BODYJAM vs. ZUMBA
BODYJAM emphasizes urban styles (hip-hop, house, electronic) with progressive choreography learning. ZUMBA focuses on Latin-inspired music (salsa, reggaeton, cumbia) with follow-along instruction. Different music tastes, different vibes.
BODYJAM vs. Traditional Dance Classes
BODYJAM is fitness-first – the goal is cardio and fun, not technical perfection. Traditional dance focuses on technique and form. BODYJAM is more forgiving and accessible for non-dancers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have two left feet. Can I do BODYJAM?
A: Absolutely! BODYJAM is designed for non-dancers. The teaching method breaks everything down, and there’s no judgment. Everyone starts somewhere. Most importantly – if you’re moving, you’re doing it right!
Q: Is BODYJAM a good workout?
A: Yes! Don’t let the fun fool you. You’ll burn 400-600 calories while dancing non-stop for 55 minutes. Your heart rate stays elevated, and you’ll definitely sweat.
Q: Do I need to know the choreography before class?
A: No. Everything is taught in class. Instructors introduce new choreography every release and spend time teaching each section. Regulars help by example.
Q: How long until I feel comfortable?
A: Give it 3-4 classes. The first time is overwhelming for everyone. By your fourth class, you’ll recognize patterns and feel the rhythm. Within a few weeks, you’ll surprise yourself.
Q: What if I can’t keep up with the choreography?
A: Keep moving! Freestyle until you catch up. The instructor will repeat sections. Nobody is watching you – they’re focused on their own moves.
Q: Is BODYJAM more for women?
A: BODYJAM welcomes everyone. Dance is universal expression. Plenty of men love BODYJAM for the cardio, the music, and yes – the confidence it builds.
Feel the Music. Own the Floor.
Discover the joy of dance fitness and express your true self.
Move. Groove. Repeat.
