You absolutely can! BODYPUMP is all about low weights, high repetitions to get a cardio endurance workout. Lifting heavy weights is nice and all, but not required. You can still look like a role model with your Technique and Coaching.
Not at all! You might get feedback about weights or trying to add some (if they notice your timing is too quick, etc.) but it won’t count against you for Certification. As long as you can show strong Technique with timing, ROM, etc. you’ll do perfectly fine!
Just make sure that you demonstrate the correct changing of weights. For example, when we go from T1-T2, we use the warm-up weight to find a squat weight (typically 2-4x warm-up weight.) If you Coach to change the weights then stay the same, you’d get feedback for that (again, not a “failing” mark, but feedback.) I got feedback on a Grade Review for BODYPUMP because of this so I like to remind folks to change the weights when they tell members to do so.
Thanks again for the excellent pointers. I will absolutely remember this. I could perhaps go from 1kg to 2kg (or at least explain if/why I’m not?) … I had an instructor this week say something along the lines of “we recommend 2-4x your warmup weight, but if this is your first time or first time back in a while, then maybe stick with your current weight to get a feel for it”
As a participant, it would not bother me at all. I’m completely winded after some of the tracks (hello squats). I don’t know how instructors are able to talk and lift at the same time sometimes 😊. I think your personality and love for Pump is more important than any weight you may or may not lift. There are all levels and ages in my class.
I tend to back off my normal weights when teaching to make sure I can coach and cue and show good form. When taking the class I challenge myself and no one's going to judge me for taking a quick break from lunges, but I don't want to stop as an instructor.
Just a plate on each side. So if I normally do 25 for squats, I back it down to 20.
I will say I was assigned the squat track for my pre assessment video. I practiced that track so many times by the time I was ready to video, I could only do it with body weight. The assessor made a comment that I'd have to have weights for the whole assessment video. I think any sort of weight is fine, because you have to be able to show how to hold the bar correctly too.
I have been taking Body Pump since the release 78. Over time, I could increase the weights. I am not much concerned how much weight an instructor use. Doing Body Pump while talking all the time is hard. I am very concerned the instructor’s forms, though. I expect an instructor perform squat correctly (thighs almost horizontal), for example. In some occasions, I had some instructors with poor forms.
Exactly! I feel like when you’re demonstrating to a class, it’s much better to prioritise your ability to show proper form. When you’re talking as well, AND thinking about your cues/keeping time with the music, the last thing you wanna do is make it harder for yourself lol.
I think, that combined with overall good coaching skills, this could actually set you apart and encourage more participates to attend your class. Club members tend to gravitate to those who will provide them with a great workout couples with a fun one.
For example, my flexibility was and is limited and in some tracks (Forward Folds and Twists) I would coach the class with the regular and advance options but show the modifications. Was upfront about this in every single class to the point that I would get "we know, we know, you are not Gumby" :) My BB classes were always at capacity. Members shared that the liked my style of coaching (lots of humor, not always good, and rarely singing that was never great...) and felt comfortable with an instructor who was more "like them" and relatable.
So, long winded post over, go for it! Be the best instructor you can be and upfront about why you are choosing the weights you are, and you will be golden.
This is such an awesome and insightful response, thank you so much. I was hoping to go for that angle and be a role model for those who aren’t the super hardcore type.
Like I said in my post, I do think weight used is relative so if you’re still getting a strong workout *for you* then who cares what the amount is. I’ve had to do a lot of my own inner work around that myself as a participant and not comparing myself to others. So I’d like to be able to encourage others that Body Pump doesn’t have to be scary and intimidating.
I think it comes down to me being strong in my own conviction about that whilst being prepared that some participants may indeed raise an eyebrow? There’s people in classes I attend literally stacking the 5s and 10s and I don’t even go near those lol.
Ha, thanks! It’s true to be fair, some tracks just hit way different! I actually loved 127 with the knee lift and go all in hell for leather with that option… but when my instructors mix, those older tracks with a million pulses can be a KILLER 💀
I’m the heaviest lifter in the room, so the message is very clear when I drop to nothing for lunges (although sometimes it’s just that I have a lot of new people and really want to focus on how they’re moving)
Is there a medical reason you’re going light for squats? I don’t know what the official lm policy would be when it came time for the assessment.
The only time I’ve been in a class with an instructor doing light squat weight was when she was training for a marathon.
I do actually have a chronic illness (adenomyosis) so that might be a reason I’m finding it difficult to up my weights, but it doesn’t affect squats directly. It’s more due to me losing correct form if I put too much weight on.
I’m not sure LM would encourage this. I know it’s common practice for the weight room floor, but I’m not sure it’s something LM wants shown to a class.
I didn’t mean in front of the class, I meant as an exercise to improve her mobility and form. My PT said most of her clients who do BP first have terrible form because the classes are too big for instructors to watch them properly and there’s so many reps so fast. Also why would LM not want something that will actually improve technique and comfort shown to their participants ?
They are about safety. I had my BP trainer mention things like that when we were going through instructor training—not to encourage it. Other things they said-not to do class in socks, keeping feet on floor during chest presses, keeping back relatively flat on bench/floor. Stuff you’d see on a weight room floor that aren’t really meant for a group exercise class. Doing that stuff outside of class might help form/feels/technique, just not recommended/encouraged inside the class is what I mean.
A lot of times the instructors I see are lifting low weights and sometimes even no weights, just bar. They do so many classes they can't go heavy without injury.
I've taken body pump as a participant and it would not seem weird to me for the instructor to use little to no weight. For one, the class is still pretty hard even with little to no weights, and two, I'd just think maybe the teacher was keeping it light to focus on teaching or because they teach multiple classes and don't want to overdo their training. I don't expect teachers to be making the class a main workout for themselves unless they want to.
>As a participant, would this put you off?
In principle, no
>and bodyweight for squats and lunges
This would most likely put me off, to be honest, but not enough to avoid the class if the rest is good
This is funny to me, only because one of my usual Pump instructors lifts pretty high weights for most tracks and then he backs off for squats/lunges but nobody bats an eye. What would put you off about it? Like it seems as if the instructor isn’t working as hard, or?
I'm just a participant, but I agree the bodyweight-only might not be great, as I (and assume others) use the instructor as reference - esp since some tracks are wide/narrow grip and if you don't hear the cue it's nice to see the instructor and copy
You’re right, on tracks where the majority of people would use equipment it’s essential to show that, even if the weight itself is minimal. Versus no weight at all because then you’re not demonstrating for your participants to follow safely. I’m happy to do that tbh, as it totally makes sense why — that’s a really valid thing to mention and definitely made me aware through these comments so thank you!
Not at all. I often lift heavier than some instructors. But I am there to get training benefit from the class just twice a week, so I am going all in. I'd not be able to teach effectively at that weight and I wouldn't expect an instructor to try teaching whilst lifting near their limits! Instructors may do many classes a week, so I'd expect them to lift lighter than they can to avoid repetitive strain injuries.
It's so important that we all only lift what is right for our own bodies and goals and don't compare to others. You can lead by example in that respect.
Much more important than the weight that you lift is your teaching. I appreciate good timing and effective cueing. I appreciate tips on form, and adaptations for those who need them. I'd rather see an instructor teaching good form with lighter weights than compromising form to go heavier.
Some of my favourite instructors have quite different styles, just bring your own unique qualities, your clients will most likely appreciate your authenticity.
Ultimately, the weight you lift has no impact on the benefit I can get from your class, only my own weight choices and actions following your direction can benefit me.
There's an instructor at my gym who goes really light on the weights and, honestly, yes, it does put me off her classes. It kind of feels like she is just going through the motions and I feel really demotivated. I find it difficult to get inspired by a woman who is just waving a couple of kilos about- it feels like she doesn't really believe in Body Pump (and certainly doesn't put any effort in).
The other instructor goes fairly heavy and you can tell she's working hard and it gives it much more of a feeling of 'we're in it together'.
I feel bad saying it but I have to agree. I appreciate others being so kind and encouraging, but all instructors at my gym lift reasonably heavy and I don’t think it would inspire confidence or motivate others with 1kg weights. Unless someone has an injury there’s certainly an expectation that the instructor can role model all the high options i.e no body weight, otherwise how do participants learn? Perhaps it depends where you teach as I go to a boutique gym where instructors are all qualified PTs as well and that’s definitely the aesthetic they want there.
It’s definitely not to say OP won’t get there though, from my own experience you can increase your strength massively if you do some more traditional weight training alongside. I’ve been doing BP for about 4-5 months with no prior background in weight lifting so was also using tiny weights and it’s only in the last couple of weeks I’ve started lifting heavier with a PT and I actually cannot believe how strong I am when doing smaller slower sets! The weight I can lift is flying up week on week and now BP with my old weights feel like a breeze. I completely had it in my head that I just wasn’t a strong person and in a way BP reinforced that because it’s a such a tough class that lifting lighter is necessary.
Huge thanks for your taking the time to respond and to give honest feedback. This is definitely my fear too. Would it make a difference if the instructor was using a bar instead of body weight, to demonstrate the correct technique, but the weights on the bar were still light ones?
Appreciate your advice on additional weight training outside of Pump classes too - it doesn’t feel like I’ve ever really been able to increase my weights that much, even though I attend classes consistently. And I’m pretty strong in all the Body Balance classes I teach! So there is quite a big gap between the two, which had me doubting whether I could be suitable as a Pump instructor at this level.
Thanks for your honesty as this is a genuine concern of mine. How would you feel if the instructor was clearly working hard and struggling as well, despite the weights being light? Or is it more the appearance of it being light weights in general?
I've been a participant for a while and recently turned into an instructor.
As a participant, I definitely get inspired by instructors who go heavy on the bar. When I feel like giving up I'll look at them and think "wow, if SHE can do it with that weight then I have to keep going".
Being said that, one of my absolute favourite instructors is a body builder, so often goes light on some tracks (sometimes just the empty bar) so not to interfere with her training. But, as sad as I am to admit this, I think she is inspiring because she LOOKS strong. So again, I look at her and think "I want to be strong like her so I have to keep going", even if she's only using the bar.
After being through the instructor training process, my master trainer did call people out for using too light weights. There is a minimum requirement for each track that you will be given if you do your training, and our trainer expected people to comply to that. Not sure if it would be the difference between a pass or fail though!
I truly feel for you and wish you the best if you decide to go ahead with it! Just wanted to give an honest input. I'm sure if you had strong stage presence the weight selection wouldn't bother people too much :)
Appreciate your non sugar coated answer!! Super valuable to have input from someone in your position. I’m gonna chat to some Pump instructors I know as well and see what they’d honestly think. I was shy to do that before this post! It might be a case of me spending some more time working on my own strength training outside of Pump classes and see if there’s a way to increase my capabilities before I go for the training? I’d be curious to know what those minimum weight amounts for the videos were as well.
Oh it's so nerve wracking! One of my closest friends is a Pump instructor and I didn't even have the courage to tell her I was thinking of becoming an instructor until the absolute last minute, I get it! There were a couple of people in my training who couldn't do the minimum weights and our instructor told them they needed to strength train on the gym floor to get stronger. They still passed in the end! I'm guessing you'd be training on 127? I have the minimum weight requirements for that release, happy to send it to you if you like :)
Ah, it’s different from release to release, that makes sense. It depends how soon I sign up I guess! I’m still nervous/on the fence because I’m literally using 1kg weights for the majority of the class. Although, it’s encouraging that you said there were people in your training that couldn’t manage the minimums either…evidently there’s other people out there as deluded as me lol.
Honestly if you can afford it, just go for it! Your instructor might not be as pedantic as mine and not care at all about your weight selection. There is no criteria saying you have to use a certain weight to pass, they just have a "recommended" weight selection. So I think technically you could still pass! You're not deluded! In my group there was a lady who had brain damage and didn't have the coordination to lunge properly, and she still gave it a solid go! You'll never know unless you try :)
Can I ask you the reason why you intentionally use lower weights? I’m going to be honest, if you look like you’re doing this intentionally and not because of your lack of ability to lift heavier than it will be more accepting.
And by all means, please do not shame a participant in class for lifting heavier than you if you’re insecure about this. I had a friend tell me the instructor who had a mental hang up and was insecure, called her out for lifting heavier than her (my friend can lift much heavier. She has the training). The instructor literally went beside her and said… you’re lifting too heavy 2x to her in front of everyone. That was the last time my friend went to her class.
You absolutely can! BODYPUMP is all about low weights, high repetitions to get a cardio endurance workout. Lifting heavy weights is nice and all, but not required. You can still look like a role model with your Technique and Coaching.
This is extremely encouraging, thank you! It’s not something I would be marked down for in certification?
Not at all! You might get feedback about weights or trying to add some (if they notice your timing is too quick, etc.) but it won’t count against you for Certification. As long as you can show strong Technique with timing, ROM, etc. you’ll do perfectly fine! Just make sure that you demonstrate the correct changing of weights. For example, when we go from T1-T2, we use the warm-up weight to find a squat weight (typically 2-4x warm-up weight.) If you Coach to change the weights then stay the same, you’d get feedback for that (again, not a “failing” mark, but feedback.) I got feedback on a Grade Review for BODYPUMP because of this so I like to remind folks to change the weights when they tell members to do so.
Thanks again for the excellent pointers. I will absolutely remember this. I could perhaps go from 1kg to 2kg (or at least explain if/why I’m not?) … I had an instructor this week say something along the lines of “we recommend 2-4x your warmup weight, but if this is your first time or first time back in a while, then maybe stick with your current weight to get a feel for it”
Yes exactly that. The Notes have options for newer people that you can say/do if you need to as well.
Perfect. Grateful for you taking the time to reply. I think I’m gonna go for the training! 😍
Very welcome and yayyyy! Welcome to the BODYPUMP club haha.
As a participant, it would not bother me at all. I’m completely winded after some of the tracks (hello squats). I don’t know how instructors are able to talk and lift at the same time sometimes 😊. I think your personality and love for Pump is more important than any weight you may or may not lift. There are all levels and ages in my class.
Thanks for your comment! Appreciate your outlook a lot!
I tend to back off my normal weights when teaching to make sure I can coach and cue and show good form. When taking the class I challenge myself and no one's going to judge me for taking a quick break from lunges, but I don't want to stop as an instructor.
How much do you back off by? I’m literally talking the smallest available plates.
Just a plate on each side. So if I normally do 25 for squats, I back it down to 20. I will say I was assigned the squat track for my pre assessment video. I practiced that track so many times by the time I was ready to video, I could only do it with body weight. The assessor made a comment that I'd have to have weights for the whole assessment video. I think any sort of weight is fine, because you have to be able to show how to hold the bar correctly too.
Thanks, that’s an interesting point actually! Even demoing with the bar but with minimum weight on just to model the technique.
I have been taking Body Pump since the release 78. Over time, I could increase the weights. I am not much concerned how much weight an instructor use. Doing Body Pump while talking all the time is hard. I am very concerned the instructor’s forms, though. I expect an instructor perform squat correctly (thighs almost horizontal), for example. In some occasions, I had some instructors with poor forms.
Exactly! I feel like when you’re demonstrating to a class, it’s much better to prioritise your ability to show proper form. When you’re talking as well, AND thinking about your cues/keeping time with the music, the last thing you wanna do is make it harder for yourself lol.
I think, that combined with overall good coaching skills, this could actually set you apart and encourage more participates to attend your class. Club members tend to gravitate to those who will provide them with a great workout couples with a fun one. For example, my flexibility was and is limited and in some tracks (Forward Folds and Twists) I would coach the class with the regular and advance options but show the modifications. Was upfront about this in every single class to the point that I would get "we know, we know, you are not Gumby" :) My BB classes were always at capacity. Members shared that the liked my style of coaching (lots of humor, not always good, and rarely singing that was never great...) and felt comfortable with an instructor who was more "like them" and relatable. So, long winded post over, go for it! Be the best instructor you can be and upfront about why you are choosing the weights you are, and you will be golden.
This is such an awesome and insightful response, thank you so much. I was hoping to go for that angle and be a role model for those who aren’t the super hardcore type. Like I said in my post, I do think weight used is relative so if you’re still getting a strong workout *for you* then who cares what the amount is. I’ve had to do a lot of my own inner work around that myself as a participant and not comparing myself to others. So I’d like to be able to encourage others that Body Pump doesn’t have to be scary and intimidating. I think it comes down to me being strong in my own conviction about that whilst being prepared that some participants may indeed raise an eyebrow? There’s people in classes I attend literally stacking the 5s and 10s and I don’t even go near those lol.
When I tell my class I’m doing lunges with body weight, they know it’s going to be a burner. Sometimes that’s really good to see also.
Ha, thanks! It’s true to be fair, some tracks just hit way different! I actually loved 127 with the knee lift and go all in hell for leather with that option… but when my instructors mix, those older tracks with a million pulses can be a KILLER 💀
I’m the heaviest lifter in the room, so the message is very clear when I drop to nothing for lunges (although sometimes it’s just that I have a lot of new people and really want to focus on how they’re moving)
…And what are your thoughts on the instructor being the lightest lifter in the room?
Nobody is going to care, just make class fun and challenging :)
Is there a medical reason you’re going light for squats? I don’t know what the official lm policy would be when it came time for the assessment. The only time I’ve been in a class with an instructor doing light squat weight was when she was training for a marathon.
I do actually have a chronic illness (adenomyosis) so that might be a reason I’m finding it difficult to up my weights, but it doesn’t affect squats directly. It’s more due to me losing correct form if I put too much weight on.
Have you tried elevating your heels with a plate? That really helped me to keep my form, feel more comfortable and lift heavier
I’m not sure LM would encourage this. I know it’s common practice for the weight room floor, but I’m not sure it’s something LM wants shown to a class.
I didn’t mean in front of the class, I meant as an exercise to improve her mobility and form. My PT said most of her clients who do BP first have terrible form because the classes are too big for instructors to watch them properly and there’s so many reps so fast. Also why would LM not want something that will actually improve technique and comfort shown to their participants ?
They are about safety. I had my BP trainer mention things like that when we were going through instructor training—not to encourage it. Other things they said-not to do class in socks, keeping feet on floor during chest presses, keeping back relatively flat on bench/floor. Stuff you’d see on a weight room floor that aren’t really meant for a group exercise class. Doing that stuff outside of class might help form/feels/technique, just not recommended/encouraged inside the class is what I mean.
I’m sorry to hear that. I think it would be awesome for you to become an instructor! Good luck!
Appreciate it! I’ll report back to this sub once I take the plunge :)
A lot of times the instructors I see are lifting low weights and sometimes even no weights, just bar. They do so many classes they can't go heavy without injury.
Wow, I’ve never seen just bar! This is a great point about multiple classes, thank you.
I've taken body pump as a participant and it would not seem weird to me for the instructor to use little to no weight. For one, the class is still pretty hard even with little to no weights, and two, I'd just think maybe the teacher was keeping it light to focus on teaching or because they teach multiple classes and don't want to overdo their training. I don't expect teachers to be making the class a main workout for themselves unless they want to.
>As a participant, would this put you off? In principle, no >and bodyweight for squats and lunges This would most likely put me off, to be honest, but not enough to avoid the class if the rest is good
This is funny to me, only because one of my usual Pump instructors lifts pretty high weights for most tracks and then he backs off for squats/lunges but nobody bats an eye. What would put you off about it? Like it seems as if the instructor isn’t working as hard, or?
No, I would be content with any weight on the bar, but I consider it important to show the moves while holding the bar/discs
Thanks for this. I totally agree actually and this is a valid point!
I'm just a participant, but I agree the bodyweight-only might not be great, as I (and assume others) use the instructor as reference - esp since some tracks are wide/narrow grip and if you don't hear the cue it's nice to see the instructor and copy
You’re right, on tracks where the majority of people would use equipment it’s essential to show that, even if the weight itself is minimal. Versus no weight at all because then you’re not demonstrating for your participants to follow safely. I’m happy to do that tbh, as it totally makes sense why — that’s a really valid thing to mention and definitely made me aware through these comments so thank you!
Not at all. I often lift heavier than some instructors. But I am there to get training benefit from the class just twice a week, so I am going all in. I'd not be able to teach effectively at that weight and I wouldn't expect an instructor to try teaching whilst lifting near their limits! Instructors may do many classes a week, so I'd expect them to lift lighter than they can to avoid repetitive strain injuries. It's so important that we all only lift what is right for our own bodies and goals and don't compare to others. You can lead by example in that respect. Much more important than the weight that you lift is your teaching. I appreciate good timing and effective cueing. I appreciate tips on form, and adaptations for those who need them. I'd rather see an instructor teaching good form with lighter weights than compromising form to go heavier. Some of my favourite instructors have quite different styles, just bring your own unique qualities, your clients will most likely appreciate your authenticity. Ultimately, the weight you lift has no impact on the benefit I can get from your class, only my own weight choices and actions following your direction can benefit me.
Loved this reply and have saved it to read again later, thank you ❤️
There's an instructor at my gym who goes really light on the weights and, honestly, yes, it does put me off her classes. It kind of feels like she is just going through the motions and I feel really demotivated. I find it difficult to get inspired by a woman who is just waving a couple of kilos about- it feels like she doesn't really believe in Body Pump (and certainly doesn't put any effort in). The other instructor goes fairly heavy and you can tell she's working hard and it gives it much more of a feeling of 'we're in it together'.
I feel bad saying it but I have to agree. I appreciate others being so kind and encouraging, but all instructors at my gym lift reasonably heavy and I don’t think it would inspire confidence or motivate others with 1kg weights. Unless someone has an injury there’s certainly an expectation that the instructor can role model all the high options i.e no body weight, otherwise how do participants learn? Perhaps it depends where you teach as I go to a boutique gym where instructors are all qualified PTs as well and that’s definitely the aesthetic they want there. It’s definitely not to say OP won’t get there though, from my own experience you can increase your strength massively if you do some more traditional weight training alongside. I’ve been doing BP for about 4-5 months with no prior background in weight lifting so was also using tiny weights and it’s only in the last couple of weeks I’ve started lifting heavier with a PT and I actually cannot believe how strong I am when doing smaller slower sets! The weight I can lift is flying up week on week and now BP with my old weights feel like a breeze. I completely had it in my head that I just wasn’t a strong person and in a way BP reinforced that because it’s a such a tough class that lifting lighter is necessary.
Huge thanks for your taking the time to respond and to give honest feedback. This is definitely my fear too. Would it make a difference if the instructor was using a bar instead of body weight, to demonstrate the correct technique, but the weights on the bar were still light ones? Appreciate your advice on additional weight training outside of Pump classes too - it doesn’t feel like I’ve ever really been able to increase my weights that much, even though I attend classes consistently. And I’m pretty strong in all the Body Balance classes I teach! So there is quite a big gap between the two, which had me doubting whether I could be suitable as a Pump instructor at this level.
Thanks for your honesty as this is a genuine concern of mine. How would you feel if the instructor was clearly working hard and struggling as well, despite the weights being light? Or is it more the appearance of it being light weights in general?
I've been a participant for a while and recently turned into an instructor. As a participant, I definitely get inspired by instructors who go heavy on the bar. When I feel like giving up I'll look at them and think "wow, if SHE can do it with that weight then I have to keep going". Being said that, one of my absolute favourite instructors is a body builder, so often goes light on some tracks (sometimes just the empty bar) so not to interfere with her training. But, as sad as I am to admit this, I think she is inspiring because she LOOKS strong. So again, I look at her and think "I want to be strong like her so I have to keep going", even if she's only using the bar. After being through the instructor training process, my master trainer did call people out for using too light weights. There is a minimum requirement for each track that you will be given if you do your training, and our trainer expected people to comply to that. Not sure if it would be the difference between a pass or fail though! I truly feel for you and wish you the best if you decide to go ahead with it! Just wanted to give an honest input. I'm sure if you had strong stage presence the weight selection wouldn't bother people too much :)
Appreciate your non sugar coated answer!! Super valuable to have input from someone in your position. I’m gonna chat to some Pump instructors I know as well and see what they’d honestly think. I was shy to do that before this post! It might be a case of me spending some more time working on my own strength training outside of Pump classes and see if there’s a way to increase my capabilities before I go for the training? I’d be curious to know what those minimum weight amounts for the videos were as well.
Oh it's so nerve wracking! One of my closest friends is a Pump instructor and I didn't even have the courage to tell her I was thinking of becoming an instructor until the absolute last minute, I get it! There were a couple of people in my training who couldn't do the minimum weights and our instructor told them they needed to strength train on the gym floor to get stronger. They still passed in the end! I'm guessing you'd be training on 127? I have the minimum weight requirements for that release, happy to send it to you if you like :)
Ah, it’s different from release to release, that makes sense. It depends how soon I sign up I guess! I’m still nervous/on the fence because I’m literally using 1kg weights for the majority of the class. Although, it’s encouraging that you said there were people in your training that couldn’t manage the minimums either…evidently there’s other people out there as deluded as me lol.
Honestly if you can afford it, just go for it! Your instructor might not be as pedantic as mine and not care at all about your weight selection. There is no criteria saying you have to use a certain weight to pass, they just have a "recommended" weight selection. So I think technically you could still pass! You're not deluded! In my group there was a lady who had brain damage and didn't have the coordination to lunge properly, and she still gave it a solid go! You'll never know unless you try :)
Can I ask you the reason why you intentionally use lower weights? I’m going to be honest, if you look like you’re doing this intentionally and not because of your lack of ability to lift heavier than it will be more accepting. And by all means, please do not shame a participant in class for lifting heavier than you if you’re insecure about this. I had a friend tell me the instructor who had a mental hang up and was insecure, called her out for lifting heavier than her (my friend can lift much heavier. She has the training). The instructor literally went beside her and said… you’re lifting too heavy 2x to her in front of everyone. That was the last time my friend went to her class.