Saundra

Your Healthy Back is a specialty workout that is designed to increase the strength and flexibility of your back. The workout is right at 30 minutes.  During this 30 minutes, Kelly takes your through a warm up, about 12 exercises, and a cool down. For each of the exercises you are doing at least two sets for each lead side.  On some exercise, Kelly will alternate the moves for one set instead of doing a second set that concentrates on each side. The exercises Static lunge Airplane - There is a picture in picture (pnp)modification shown Side Leg Lift into Squat -  (pnp) modification shown Caterpillar - (pnp) Supermans Plank hold Side plank into  hip rotation (pnp) Bridge single leg thread under (pnp)  This was my favorite exercise. Crunches Table - single arm thread through Table - Opposite arm/leg extensions Round the spine Kelly is the only cast  member in this workout.  There is a picture in picture function that shows modifications.  I was surprised by some of th

Inner Warrior Stretch & Strength is lead by Rachael.  It is a workout designed to work on your flexibility and features tai chi and kata martial arts  stretching.  There is a definite flow to this workout.  Rachael is very methodical and precise as she takes you through the various mini combos or katas. The workout clocks in at 18:05.  It is broken down into the following tracks: Track 1 - 6:09 (Kata) Track 2 - 6:24 (Chi Ball Kata) Track 3 -5:31 (Floor Based) As you move through the katas, you are developing strength in your legs and you are stretching your hamstrings and abductors.  You also get to work on your mid, low, and high blocks.  The last track is floor based and contains traditional stretching and yoga poses. Great soundtrack, the set looks like a modified warehouse. I like this one.  3 & 3/4 stars

Cardio Interval Burn Remix is a high intensity 61 minute Peak 10 workout. The DVD Menu has the following option: Introduction Movement Review Play Full Workout Warm Up Block One Block Two Block Three Block Four Block Five Cool Down Stretch Within each block, there are two rounds.   I wish the DVD allowed you to select a round within each block but it does not have that level of chaptered detail.  Each of the two rounds are identical to each other; the only difference is that you are switching your lead (leading on the left versus the right). Each of the rounds consist of the 4 levels found in the Peak 10 Training system. They are:  Base camp, Ascent, Climb and Peak.  Overall, I really like the choreography, music, and intensity throughout the workout.  There is a good flow to this workout.  In all the blocks (except the last)  in either the ascent, climb, or peak sections, you are doing some type of burpee/plank/mountain climber move.  I expected these moves to appe

Cardio Strength Remix is approximately 59 minutes long.  The workout contains five ten minutes blocks and each block consist of two rounds.  The two rounds are a repeat of each other with the only difference being the lead leg/arm/side you start with. Within each round, except for block one, there are four stages: Base camp - used for recovery Ascent - In Cardio Strength workouts, this is your weight segment Climb - Cardio Peak - High Intensity Training Drills,  usually some type of high impact jumping exercise.  There is a modifier that shows a less intense and/or low impact alternative. The DVD Menu : Introduction Movement Review Warm Up/Block One Block Two Block Three Block Four Block Five Cool Down/Stretch More on the Stages: Base camp is relatively short.  There is enough time for you to get a drink a water and maybe towel off.  Michelle starts the next group of exercises prior to base camp concluding. Although, she tells you if you need more time, take it.

Les Mills Pump Flow workout is disc 6 in the Les Mills Pump System.  The workout clocks in just under 20 minutes and it is lead by Les Mills Pump instructors Cory and Jackie.  There is a modifier. The workout is divided into 4 tracks.  The first two are lead by Cory and the last two by Jackie. Track 1 - 6:20  Forward Fold Downward Dog Runner Pose Mountain Pose Plank Modified Crocodile Pose Cobra Track 2 -  4:13  (Standing Work) Crescent Lunge Chest Stretch Arm Reach Crescent Pose Warrior Two Extended Warrior Eagle Pose Track 3 - 4:18 (Floor Work)  Modified Lotus Arm Stretch Swan Pose Track 4 - 4:40 (Floor Work) Spinal Twist Arm Wrap Cobblers Pose Forward Bend Side Arm Twist I did this workout after my treadmill run.  I didn't care for the first track but I really like tracks 2 -4. Overall, the workout  provided a nice stretch after my run. 3 & 1/2 stars

June 2013 Monthly Rotation Michelle, Ilaria and The FIRM make up June's Rotation. Sunday - Treadmill Monday - Michelle's Cardio Strength Workouts Tuesday - Ilaria's Powerstrike Workouts Wednesday - The FIRM's Cardio Sculpt Workouts Thursday - Ilaria's Bodystrike workouts Friday - Michelle's Cardio workouts Saturday - Rest I think I am going to have fun with this rotation.  I just hope I don't get sick.  Last month's rotation was pretty much ruin when I got sick.  It was a bummer because I missed out on some of my favorite workouts.