It seems like only yesterday that issue 47 came out and hit gyms around the world. Now, the number 48 is already eager to start, and this time it is about Taekwondo. So how does this release fare against the previous one? And is it the perfect recipe for a perfect beach body? BodyCombat 48 review is here to answer all those questions for you and more.
1. In my Head/Airplanes (Kris McTwain Remix Edit) – Henry Blank/Groove Chasers
The warm up starts with easy combos and random moves. There are definitely no surprises here, as everything is easy and predictable. The song is amazing and continues the recent tradition of modern warm up songs.
The leg warm-up begins very unusually with a prolonged period of stretching, after which the usual with knees returns, followed by side kicks and ending with roundhouse kicks. ‘Airplanes’ is a great song, again modern, which fits perfectly with the movements. Overall this warm up is clean and modern; I like it.
2. Smooth Criminal – Badlands Inc.
Michael Jackson in the house! Song 2 starts with a small combo but quickly turns into something more complex. From here the pitching really starts to get technical and heavy. The song is great and the movements are fantastic. Especially the shuffle-roundhouse-backfist-shuffle-knee-kick combo. However, it is very difficult and will definitely challenge newcomers.
3. We Dance – Subz Project
The beginning is the complete opposite of what BodyCombat is, but it’s a welcome change from the usual. When the rhythms kick in, so do the moves. Simple double punches and crosses are tied together by advanced stepping moves that are straight out of this version’s Taekwondo theme. Unlike the previous release, this time I am looking forward to songs 2 and 3.
4. Come In Hard (I Don’t Like Rock ‘N’ Roll) – Hardknox
This song reminds me of song 6 from BodyCombat 46. It’s all about legs and technique. The lunge-kick-lunge-kick move really challenges your balance. The end of each set is accompanied by many continuous partners, again very difficult. The song isn’t particularly my cup of tea, but it really suits the mood.
5. If I Were You – Breeze & Ritmen
Finally, the legs rest while we continue with the second power workout. The techno song is almost amazing, as are the movements. Although there is an unusual amount of overheads and leg crossovers in his power training.
6. Drummer Boy (MoDrums Remix) – Alesha Dixon
This song is amazing and has to be one of the coolest intros to a BodyCombat class. Start off slow with balance making donuts as we try 8(!) steady partners. I like to think of this choreography as a 360 leg workout. Front, back and side kicks are shuffled all the way. This is a classic in my book.
7. The Last Flight – Bullet for my Valentine
This is like the sequel to song 7 in the previous BodyCombat. It’s a fast pop/rock song with a lot of nudges. I like this song a little more than the previous one, so it’s another plus for me.
8. Everywhere (Breeze & UFO Remix) – Master Blaster
The ultimate power workout has arrived. I always love songs 8 which are popular pop/rock songs that have gone techno. This is again the case in BodyCombat 48, although there have definitely been better ones in the past. The main combo is now left – right – left (and vice versa). The singles near the end are long enough to make you feel tired and satisfied.
9. The Time (Dirty Bit) – Red Beans and Rice
This song consists of 3 series, the last being push-ups. The song is a hit or miss, but I personally like it because I’m a Dirty Dancing fan. They’ve really focused on toning the lower abs, as seen in the slow leg extensions that make up the majority of the song. It’s very difficult, but perhaps more accessible than the previous solution. The ending is fantastic, as Dan says: “Wait for Dirty Bit.”
10. The Silence (New Single Mix) – Alexandra Burke
Cooling inherits two movements from Yoga; the dove and the downward facing dog. It ends with a truly impressive and peaceful Taekwondo move. The song is pretty unknown and it does the job.
BodyCombat 48 is an amazing release and I love it. The songs are so much better than 47’s, and the moves have never been this technical (at least for the last 5 releases). However, this may be exactly what drags you down, as it’s not the most newcomer-friendly release. Those potential pit drops will have to be sorted/analyzed later though, because from what I can tell this release is epic.
bodycombat 48 review
