This Les Mills Body Balance and Body Combat review covers one of those training days that started in flow mode and ended in full fight mode.
It was Bruce Lee Training Day, but I was also feeling Beyoncé Fierce. Super fierce, actually. I got so carried away with the training story that it ended up too long and had to become a Reel. Under the influence of Queen Bey, I even added a little bonus story because Single Ladies hit me right in the soul that day. I had not danced to that in so long, just a little taste, but still.
Then the training started.
Body Balance came first, with control, warrior work, mermaid attempts and a relaxation track I never want to leave. Body Combat came after, and the whole mood changed. Burpees, kicks, fast combinations, laughter, sweat and that sharp André Godinho energy that makes the class feel alive from start to finish.
It was absolutely a Bruce Lee Training Day.
Quick Verdict
Les Mills Body Balance
- Intensity: 6 out of 10
- Good for: mobility, control, balance, flexibility, body awareness and mental reset
- My after class mood: worked, calmer, more grounded and fully in love with the class
Les Mills Body Combat
- Intensity: 9 out of 10
- Good for: cardio conditioning, punches, kicks, speed, coordination, stress release and that powerful class feeling
- My after class mood: energised, sweaty, entertained and very satisfied
Class Snapshot
Les Mills Body Balance
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Format: mind-body class with flow, warrior work, balance, mobility and relaxation. Les Mills describes BODYBALANCE as a blend of yoga, tai chi and pilates designed to strengthen the body and free the mind.
- Equipment: mat, towel and water bottle
- Instructor style: André was calm, controlled and the kind of instructor who makes difficult movement look easy
- My focus today: move with more control, improve balance, survive the warrior track and enjoy the reset
- What stood out: the sun salutation, the warrior and balance tracks, the mermaid moment and the beloved relaxation track
Les Mills Body Combat
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Format: high-energy martial-arts-inspired class with punches, kicks, burpees and fast combinations. Les Mills describes BODYCOMBAT as a high-energy, non-contact workout built around kicking, punching and full-body effort.
- Equipment: training shoes, towel and water bottle
- Instructor style: André was energetic, sharp and clearly having fun teaching this class
- My focus today: keep up, simplify where needed and enjoy the intensity
- What stood out: the burpees, the fast arm switching, the kick combinations and André actually laughing during class
Before Class: Beyoncé Fierce Mood
Good morning! Today is Bruce Lee Training Day, but I am feeling like Beyoncé Fierce. Like… SUPER FIERCE! I got so carried away with the training story that I am going to have to turn it into a Reel, because it went over 60 seconds! BUT… there is always a but… under the influence of Queen Bey, I decided to add a bonus story, because Single Ladies hit me right in the soul today! I had not danced to that one in sooooo long… just a little taste!
The Workout: Les Mills Body Balance + Body Combat
I am even publishing this post at an unreasonable hour!
Training started with Body Balance and André Godinho.
I love this warm-up… wonderful. I really enjoy exercises that force me to control my movements.
I am falling more and more in love with the Sun Salutation. The more strength we develop, the more fluid the movements become, and it is something truly beautiful to watch.
In the warrior and balance tracks I was absolutely dripping!
WARRIORS: I tried to do the high heel raise, managed a little… but only briefly. You know that feeling of looking at your foot, giving it the order to keep the heel up there and it simply refuses to obey? And then I look at André and his does not even flinch?! The good news is that my hands clasped better on the left side. Is that my stronger side after all?
BALANCE: The mermaid appeared, with great effort, I even took my watch off my wrist, but it is something I REALLY want to master in a fluid way. It is absolutely beautiful!
And my BELOVED relaxation track… I live for this moment: today the focus was time, past, present and future. We must forgive our past, live in the present, and prepare for the future, because it is an unknown. We were also treated to the mantra: “I am sorry, forgive me, I love you, I am grateful.”
We moved on to Body Combat, also with André.
Let me start by saying: burpees! How is it possible that I am enjoying them this much? They are addictive! The jump at the end is not yet part of my version, especially not as high as André and Rita Resende go! I actually let out a “Whoaaa!” watching them! Spectacular!
In this Body Combat there is a lot of arm switching. In one particular combination, I just stick to jabs. The speed at which André executes the movements followed by kicks… yeah… the kicks I can manage, the arms though… I simplify!
And the knee track?! I think this is the exercise I enjoy least in this class: raising the knees that way, coming from behind.
The class was EXTRAORDINARY and very INTENSE! It is invigorating to see André’s energy. This seems to be one of the classes where he has the most fun, because he is always laughing. Not smiling, actually laughing! I suspect our attempts also contribute to that somewhat!
BRUCE LEE TRAINING DAY?! CHECK! CHECK! CHECK!
Instructor Notes
Instructor credit: André Godinho
This training day worked because André carried both classes in two completely different directions without losing quality in either one.
In Body Balance, he brought control, composure and that frustratingly calm way of demonstrating things that make you realise how far you still want to go. That matters in a class where precision changes the whole experience.
In Body Combat, the energy shifted completely. The class became faster, louder and more explosive, but still felt playful. André’s presence clearly feeds the room in this format. You can feel that he enjoys the class, and that makes the intensity easier to buy into.
That contrast is what made the day memorable: One instructor. Two very different atmospheres. Both worked.
Is Body Balance Before Body Combat a Good Combination?
For me, yes.
Body Balance first works because it opens the body, slows the mind down a little and creates a more controlled kind of effort. You still work, especially in the warrior and balance tracks, but the work feels intentional and precise.
Body Combat afterwards changes everything.
The second class asks for speed, coordination, punching, kicking, cardio and that willingness to keep going when the combinations get messy and the effort goes up.
That is what makes the pairing interesting.
Body Balance gives you control.
Body Combat tests it.
If you enjoy contrast in training, this is a very strong combination.
How I Felt After Class
- Right after: sweaty, energised and very pleased with the whole session
- Later that day: physically worked, but mentally lifted
- What stayed with me most: the mermaid attempt, the mantra in relaxation and the very real fun of Body Combat
Final Thoughts
This was exactly what a Bruce Lee Training Day should feel like.
Body Balance gave me control, focus, beautiful movement, small signs of progress and that priceless relaxation track.
Body Combat gave me intensity, burpees, chaos, laughter, simplified arm work, kicks and the kind of energy that makes a class feel alive.
The contrast made the whole day better.
I started in flow.
I finished in fight mode.
And yes, Beyoncé was there somewhere in the background too. 😅
My Gym Essentials
Everything I actually use and love during my workouts. Tested, approved, and perfect for busy women who want efficient results.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated without wasting time refilling.
- Training Shoes: Stable, comfortable, and perfect for cardio and step workouts.
- Gym Bag: Compact but spacious enough for everything I need for my sessions.
- Shockproof Phone Case: Keeps my phone safe during intense workouts, because I drop it more often than I admit
- Smart Fitness Watch: Tracks heart rate, calories burned, and workout intensity.
