I got this DVD at Dollar Tree! I didn't know what to expect, but hey, it was a dollar. ;) Turns out that it was a pretty good pickup for me, as it offers simple, kickboxing-inspired cardio segments mixed with toning intervals. You get two workouts of about 30 minutes each. Brin refers to a workout calendar on her web site, but this seemed to be app-based--I don't have a smartphone, so I wasn't able to access it. (I wish she had provided an alternate format.)

Denise has provided detailed breakdowns of both routines, so I'll just provide a brief overview of each workout. Brin offers live instruction and is joined by two background exercisers, Tara, who shows easier versions (but does not modify for impact), and Amy, who steps things up a bit.

WORKOUT 1 (31:06 minutes)
The warm-up consists of plies, pelvic tilts, and bob and weave. Brin definitely places an emphasis on the abs/core, and she talks about moving from the core throughout both workouts. Each toning segment begins with core--in the first segment, it is a standing knee strike. This is followed by weighted work for the shoulders and triceps. The first kickboxing interval builds up from a jab-jab-speedbag, adding twist back-front, and then squat-double knee; it's repeated several times. The next toning segment starts on the floor for abs work, then stays on the floor for triceps dips. Coming to standing, Brin cues a slow lunge-plie-lunge series for the low body, and then it's time for the second cardio interval, which is the same jab-jab-speedbag sequence on the second side. For the third toning segment, it's back to the floor for more core work, this time punching in a v-sit position. The standing work includes plies with weighted sweeps and twists. The next kickboxing segment includes a roundhouse-punch down, jumping jacks, and cross punches-knee. The final toning segment again starts on the floor, this time for planks with a twist. This is followed by side leg lifts (still on the floor) and then additional abs work, and then Brin repeats the roundhouse-punch down kickboxing segment on the second side. The cool-down is standing and consists of basics stretches. Although Brin recommends having 2 sets of dumbbells at the start of this workout, only 1 set is used.

WORKOUT 2 (32:35 minutes)
Again, only one set of dumbbells is used for this workout. It's a bit more intense, with more compound movements. The warm-up includes quarter- and half-squats; Brin also adds in an oblique crunch, bob and weave, and cross-punches. The first toning segment begins with core work on the floor and includes both plank and push-ups. Returning to standing, Brin works both upper and lower with a squat with overhead press, adding in rear lunges; this series is repeated several times. The first kickboxing interval starts with the oblique crunch and adds knee-back kick, corner jabs, and squat-roundhouse-squat; again, Brin builds up to the whole sequence. For the next toning segment, Brin holds one weight for side oblique work, then both weights for triceps kickbacks while holding a warrior 3 balance. The toning work finishes with alternating arms overhead, and then the first kickboxing interval is repeated on the second side. The third toning segment starts with fast cross punches to the front and down to work the core. Next Brin does "screamers"--basically, knee repeaters adding a jump, although she doesn't explain this very well. The last toning move is "lumberjack," a squat swinging the weight forward/overhead, eventually adding a jump. The third kickboxing segment is forward-facing and includes high=low punches to either side, double knee, speedbag, and jumping jacks. The final toning segment starts on the floor for "tricep rockers," a plank with rocking. Next, side plank, adding thread-the-needle, and hip drops; after repeating on the second side, finish with bicycles. The last kickbox sequence has high low speedbag and knee repeaters (it feel like Brin ran out of ideas here). Similar to the first routine, a few standing stretches conclude this workout.

Brin's workouts are geared toward new moms. Since I'm not a new mom myself, I was grateful that she didn't spend workout time talking about these issues. These are nice, basic routines that are probably best suited to high beginner-low intermediate, but experienced exercisers like myself should have no problem modifying to up the intensity if needed.

Instructor Comments:
I found Brin to be generally likeable. For the most part, she offered effective mirrored cueing. There were a few places that I thought her choreography choices felt a little awkward, but overall, I thought she did a nice job.

Beth C (aka toaster)