For reference, I am an advanced exerciser who prefers complex choreography. I knew going into this workout that it would probably not be for me, and I was right. But I think there are a lot of people who are going to like this one since I often read posts asking for recommendations with more basic choreography.
The workout alternates four step segments with four weight segments, and finishes by putting all four combos together. The step segments use very basic choreography; nonetheless, Keli takes a long time building up the combinations. Complexity is easy, intensity is solidly intermediate. The weight work during the circuit is compound, squats with overheads, lunges with bicep curls. She does enough reps to fatigue the muscles if you go heavy enough, but these are not moves you haven't seen before. Basically, it's a sold circuit with tried and true moves.

The "slow and strong" upper body segment that follows didn't win me over. It starts with lat rows, moves into one-armed bicep curls. Then comes some chest flyes -- she tells you to pick up your heaviest weights for this but then adds compound leg moves and one-armed flyes that really tax the shoulder (because using just one arm pulls you off center, and your weight shouldn't be that heavy). Then you do pullovers -- again, the weight should be lighter here -- and move into a long, uncomfortable ab and back segment on the bench. No triceps AT ALL. Nice stretch at the end.

The DVD is chaptered to do all cardio or all weights together, so if you like one or the other, there are options. I didn't really like either well enough to keep it but I really do think others will find it exactly what they're looking for.



The weight work was mostly compound moves, which limits the amount of weight that can be used and again, reduces the challenge. The "slow and strong" segment at the end is not that slow, and has some exercises that I just didn't enjoy. They were done on the bench and I didn't find them that comfortable or effective. Plus, this "total body" workout eliminates tricep work. The pec flyes are done while alternating leg movements, and then there is a long ab segment. It's a solid workout, but I just didn't find any fun factor in in at all. If I'm choosing a circuit, which I don't do as often as I should, there are so many others (even FIRMs) I'd choose over this. I thought the weight work might save it but it didn't. FYI, it is chaptered all cardio and all weight work together, and as I was doing it, I thought maybe that would be an option but then I just didn't like the weight work enough for it to matter. YMMV

Instructor Comments:
Keli is warm, strong and encouraging -- the perfect instructor.

Donna Kahwaty