This is one of the newer firms. It has the same bright, clean set as other titles in this set, and the same group of genial instructors, this time led by Janet Brooks. It uses the fanny lifter and sculpting stick from the body sculpting series, although I got by just fine with a rubbermaid step and hand weights.

The warm-up features basic step-touches augmented with some light work with the sculpting stick, minus its ends. This included stretch work. I used no weights at all, which was fine for a warm-up. It was the only part of the tape where I really felt like I ought to have the stick.

The workout then proceeds to three seamlessly flowing sections that each work various body parts. You do short sets of each exercise, sometimes with pulsing reps. Most of the time you mix up the body parts within the group you are working on, for example, the third section features a back set, a biceps curl then a triceps press on one arm, then you repeat on the other arm. In a few instances you stay with one body part at a time, as in a longg compound shoulder set. It moves at a brisk, but not confusing pace and Janet always tells you if you should be using your light, medium or heavy weight.

The exercises definitely favor push-ups and shoulder work, but other body parts get adequate attention. There is a short plank section they try to pass off as core work, then an equally short final stretch.

I am familiar with other firm workouts, so I felt right at home here. I think that I have found for me a higher-rep approach is more challenging, so I would rate this as a more intermediate tape. Beginners could keep up without a problem (and in fact the short sets might be good for them) and as they progress, they can increase the weights and get a greater challenge. I think advanced exercisers might have better options though.

I think that for people new to exercise, the firm is an excellent over-all comprehensive and friendly system and I have recommended their program to many people. This tape is a worthy addition to that collection, and will be a great choice too for people who know and love the firm already.

Joanna