This 2-DVD set presents 15 short workouts (averaging just 8-9 minutes in length). Most are fairly traditional strength workouts, although the set also a separate warm-up and cool-down, two cardio routines, two core workouts, and a balance segment. Alison provided a nice overview of the workouts in her review.

I recently reacquired Express Workouts and I’m so glad I did, even though (as Alison noted) it is a bit of a challenge to figure out how to best use this set. Although Express is designed as a series of separate workouts, all of the workouts on each disc flow together reasonably well enough for two longer workouts (a little over an hour each). In other words, disc 1 makes a nice full body (excluding abs) strength workout, while the second disc combines core and cardio, along with some balance work and a bit of strength. For shorter workouts (using 2-3 segments), Gilad provides an 8-week rotation on his website. What I do is use this set in sections to create a lower body (18 minutes), upper body (35 minutes), or balance/core (28 minutes) workout, which I generally combine with cardio or other short workouts from other DVDs. (I’m not drawn to the Express cardio sections or the Compound Strength workout.)

Alison noted in her review she hadn’t done the two core workouts. Core Foundations (9:35 minutes) begins with a standing twist done in a static lunge position, holding an optional light weight. We then move to the floor for a series of crunches, finishing with a Pilates roll-up, before flipping over to work the back with upper body raises. Core Challenge (9:40 minutes) follows the same general format but ups the intensity. The standing twist is done with a moving lunge, and the crunch variations include leg lifts and Pilates Scissors. There is also some bridge work before finishing up with a more intense version of the prone back work.

Equipment needed is fairly minimal, just a few sets of dumbbells and a mat for floor work. In each segment Gilad works out with two exercisers (out of a group of four or five) who all seem competent and pleasant. Music is typical exercise stuff – not memorable but not obnoxious either. I really like the setting for Express Workouts – a large balcony overlooking the ocean. Although the Gilad workouts set right on the beach are great, I also tend to get distracted by the passersby staring at the filming.

I think this DVD set truly shows Gilad at his best. The exercises present are mostly classic, but Gilad isn’t afraid to add in elements of yoga and Pilates. His form instruction is top-notch and he is always encouraging. As Alison noted, Express Workouts is less dated-looking than his earliest DVDs.

I got my copy of Express Workouts at Amazon. If you go to Gilad’s website you can view extensive clips of each individual workout on the DVDs, which I would strongly encourage you to do if you are interested in purchasing this set.

Instructor Comments:
According to his website, Gilad has been a video fitness instructor since 1983. His experience certainly shows! Gilad’s website is www.bodiesinmotionwithgilad.com.

JustSandra