When I first got this video, I did it weekly. Since then I have switched to Cory's BSS but I always want to slip Power Bar Training in somehow. Recently I did it again after a few weeks and loved it. It just about killed me. I don't love the squat section since it seems to go on forever and the weight on my shoulders becomes uncomfortable, so sometimes I just skip it. But the high number of reps give me that feeling of really fried muscles. It brings out the masochist in me (I think I need to get MIS!) I am usually dripping sweat by the end of the warmup!

I did have a few dislikes with this video. The music is quiet, and at times the audio gets crackly, especially when Shannon is leading. The stretching also seems insufficient, especially after that killer tricep section. I guess I'm used to Cory's stretching after every set. After the lunge segment, Alison stretches hamstrings but not quads. I thought that was strange.

I heard that their barbells are 5 lbs unloaded and I use a 10 lb FIRM barbell, so I substract 2.5 lbs from their plate weight suggestions. I love the modified dead lifts. I like the sets of 8, 4, 2, and single count reps. But the best part is the abdominal segment! Shannon starts out by teaching an ab roll using the barbell. Very tough and I don't think I have the strength to do it correctly yet. Then she does crunches, obliques twists and reverse crunches with a plate weight for added resistance. Then Alison further works your obliques with a move where you hold the barbell vertically with one arm - I love it! Then she does oblique twists with the bottom leg raised - the can opener I swear that line down the middle of my abs was more visible after this workout.

I have heard criticism that this workout isn't effective because of the hi-rep lower weight format, but I don't care. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment and I usually feel it in my triceps and hamstrings the next day. Bravo, sisters!

Caroline Kim