This is a really nice little 35-minute strength workout led by Gin Miller. Although the entire body gets worked (including a good balance challenge section), the workout specifically focuses on opening up the front of the body, especially the shoulders and upper chest.

No equipment is required except for an unweighted stick. I use my Firm dowel, and don’t feel the need to secure a rolled towel around the middle for comfort as Gin does. Gin wears shoes, but barefoot works as well. She instructs live and mirror-cues. The music gives the routine a peaceful, mellow vibe.

Straight Up Stick works the lower body with squats and stationary lunges, and the core with seated twists and teasers (tucking the stick under the knees for assistance). Gin works the upper body with a variety of isometric squeeze moves, interspersed with stretches which she intensifies by incorporating the stick (for example, holding the stick at each end and raising it up over the head).

This routine isn’t intense, but it leaves you feeling nice and opened up in the front body. I enjoy pulling out Straight Up Stick when I’m especially tight and stiff in the upper body due to too much hunching over a computer, or after recovering from a bad cold (you know, the kind where it feels like you've been hacking up a lung for about a week straight….).

Straight Up Stick is available on DVD paired with Salsa Walk, a cardio routine (which I’ll get around to trying one of these days!).

Instructor Comments:
Gin Miller's creativity and experience as a video fitness instructor really show. She presents as professional yet friendly and humorous.

JustSandra