the fitness class experiment: RIPPED

A class called RIPPED? I mean, right? Your mental conversation on deciding whether or not to attend this class should go something like this:

Do I want to be ripped?
Why yes, yes I do.
Then I should go to RIPPED.
Obviously.

See? Simple.

I have been taking RIPPED regularly for more than a year and absolutely love it. Here are all the details (see this post for my experiment introduction) to entice you into giving this class a try.

Results. R.I.P.P.E.D. is a 'total body, high intensity style program' that uses free weights, resistance, and body weight to scorch 750-1,000 calories in 50 minutes. Each section is devoted to a particular type of workout that allow you to experience a variety of moves to banish boredom and challenge your body. 

Here is what you can expect:

• Warm-up. The warmup is the same moves despite what season of RIPPED the teacher is using.
• Resistance. This section focuses on smaller muscle groups (triceps, shoulders, biceps) and works them using free weights and resistance bands.
• Intervals. This is a cardo-based section that uses athletic drills and alternates between high intensity intervals (e.g., jumping jacks, 'fast feet') and active recovery.
• Power. This strength training section focuses on the larger muscle groups (legs, chest, back). This is the hardest section, in my opinion, and uses a lot of body weight exercises (e.g., pushups, squats, burpees) to make your muscles burn and will most certainly make you sweat.
• Plyometrics. Plyometrics is another cardio-based section that uses explosive and dynamic moves to get your heart rate up. This section is fast-paced, includes a lot of hopping and jumping, and always a lot of fun!
• Endurance. This is one of my favorite sections. This cardio-based section uses mixed martial arts moves (e.g., jabs, hooks, front kicks) and is a bit longer than the other sections. It requires both physical and mental endurance as you will have to concentration on proper form.
• Abs.
• Cool-down & Stretch.

The D stand for the special RIPPED diet and nutrition plan that you can access here.

Our instructor changes up the order of the components, which keeps things exciting and creates a serious challenge. In fact, my instructor has written her own detailed summary of RIPPED that can be found here.

(picture courtesy of my RIPPED instructor, Courtney)

RIPPED is a smorgasbord of moves and intensities. This may make your first few times challenging, but remember this is also how we change, challenge, and shape our bodies. After 2-3 classes, you will begin to grasp the choreography and really notice a change in your abilities and physical performance. Checkout this video to see RIPPED in action.

Compared to the other group fitness classes in the experiment so far, RIPPED offers both an intense cardio and strength training impact, without requiring too much in terms of coordination or rhythm. Like most pre-choreographed classes, the more you attend the more familiar you become with the moves. This class is tough, but before you know it - you will be....RIPPED.

In conclusion, RIPPED is a unique class that combines strength training and cardio for a complete body experience that holds up to its slogan, The One Stop Body Shock. 

Check out my other fitness experiments here.

(images 1, 2, 3)