Body Pump is one of our most popular fitness classes across the Highlands — and few people know it better than Sherand Grant. A Les Mills qualified instructor teaching at Craig MacLean Leisure Centre in Grantown-on-Spey, Sherand has built a loyal and growing class community that fills the sports hall every week. We asked her to share what Body Pump is really like — and why so many people keep coming back.
If you've ever walked past a Body Pump class and thought: "Absolutely not." "I'm not coordinated enough." "Everyone in there looks like they know what they're doing."
...then congratulations — you're exactly the kind of person who should try it.
Body Pump is one of the most popular classes across the Highlands, and honestly? Once people try it, they tend to get hooked. Slightly sweaty. Slightly sore. But hooked.
I teach Les Mills Body Pump at Craig MacLean Leisure Centre and one of the questions I get asked most is: "Is it for beginners?"
My answer is always: yes. Unless you actively hate music, movement, fun and feeling like a badass. 😉
So what actually is Body Pump?
Body Pump is a full-body barbell workout set to music. Think squats, lunges, chest presses, deadlifts, bicep curls — all the big strength moves — done in a group fitness class where the instructor guides you through every track.
And before anyone panics about the choreography — you are not expected to magically know what's happening. The instructor gives movement cues throughout the entire class, constantly talking you through what's next. Plus, the choreography changes regularly with each new Les Mills release, which means we all start from scratch together — even the people who look like they've been born holding a barbell.
Nobody's judging you. Everyone's too busy trying not to die in the squat track.
The music honestly does half the job
This is the bit people don't fully understand until they experience it.
The music in Les Mills classes isn't just random gym background noise — every movement is choreographed to the beat. Every pulse, every rep, every dramatic life crisis during lunges is timed to the music.
And when the playlist hits just right? Game over.
As I always say in class: when the playlist slaps hard enough, the legs burn, the sweat pours, and somehow all your problems disappear. For 50 minutes, you stop thinking about work, emails, life admin or what's for dinner. Your whole brain just becomes: "squat, lunge, pulse, survive."
Honestly? Therapy with barbells.
You do not need to be fit or strong to start
This is the biggest misconception. People think they need to get fitter first before trying Body Pump. Nope. That's literally what the class is for.
You can use super light weights, plates instead of a barbell, bodyweight only, or modify movements at any point. There's zero expectation to be lifting heavy.
The people who progress best are usually the ones who start sensibly, rather than trying to impress everyone on day one and nearly launching themselves into another postcode during chest track.
And another thing people love — everyone faces forward. No awkward circles, no partner work, no staring at each other while suffering. Just you, your weights, your own progress, and occasionally questioning your life choices during triceps.
The best part? Seeing yourself get stronger
One of my favourite things as an instructor is watching people realise they're capable of more than they thought. Members who started with the tiniest plates now lifting weights they never imagined. People who walked in nervous now helping newcomers feel welcome. Confidence growing week by week.
That's what keeps people coming back. Well — that and the crazy Texan trying to get everyone to sing along to the music.
The Craig MacLean Body Pump community
At Craig MacLean Leisure Centre we've built something really special. All ages, all fitness levels, men, women, complete beginners, longtime gym-goers — everyone just mucks in together. There's loads of encouragement, loads of laughs, and nobody takes themselves too seriously.
People come for the workout. They stay for the community.
Our classes are packed every week. The car park's full. The energy's buzzing. And whether it's your first class or your five hundredth, you'll never feel like you're walking in alone.
When the playlist hits just right? Game over. For 50 minutes, you stop thinking about work, emails, life admin. Your whole brain just becomes: squat, lunge, pulse, survive.
Body Pump Instructor
Where can you do Body Pump in the Highlands?
Body Pump is currently available at ten High Life Highland leisure centres across the Highlands, as part of the official Les Mills programme. Classes are included in a highlife membership — so if you're already a member, you can book straight in.
- Averon Leisure Centre
- Aviemore Community & Leisure Centre
- Black Isle Leisure Centre
- Craig MacLean Leisure Centre
- Culloden Leisure Centre
- Dingwall Leisure Centre
- Invergordon Leisure Centre
- Inverness Leisure
- Inverness Royal Academy Sports Centre
- Lochbroom Leisure Centre
Ready to give it a go?
Show up a few minutes early. Tell the instructor you're new. Start light. Have a laugh. Expect your legs to wobble slightly afterwards.
And remember: nobody cares if you get it perfect. We're all just in a room together lifting weights to epic music, pretending we're not absolutely hanging on during the lunge track.
