This video is my favorite of the series. Doing this video just a few times made my biceps peak, which is something I've been working on for awhile. It also takes a lot to make my biceps sore, but this one almost makes them sting.

Another strong point of this video is a super-tough ab section along with work for the lower back-- something most videos skip.

The back section is great-- go very heavy on these or you won't feel anything. She starts with T-bar rows, which I've always skipped in every other video but since they're first I can change my barbell around. These are tough to get the hang of. If the barbell isn't super heavy and you're holding it just right, you don't feel it. I also found that if you prop the end of the barbell against a wall, it won't slip away from you. She then does the usual bent over rows and one-armed rows. I think she does about 11 sets for the back. I also noticed improvement in back very quickly-- something I've had a hard time developing. Of the three videos, this one has produced the quickest results.

The bicep section has a few less sets but it's definitely painful. Several very heavy sets as well as lesser, shaping exercises like hammer curls, supinated hammer curls and concentration curls-- my favorite! Cory Everson mentions in her video that this particular exercise is a "peaking" exercise. Few other videos seem to have this one. Oh yeah, and none of the dreaded "crazy 8s" in this video.

The extra long rest periods mean you can go really heavy in these videos.

The different selection of exercises she used in the Pure Strength series really complement her other strength videos, and I think cross training with these would produce maximum results. I know I'm very happy with what I see so far.

Last but not least, the production quality on these is better, though the music is quieter. The new set is pretty (plants!) and the new box design is also very attractive.

Finally, I really liked it that the warmups for all three tapes were done on the floor. I appreciated not having to mess around with my step.

I highly recommend the series to anyone who needs to jump start their weight routine, needs a change or is interested in splitting up body parts. I never was, and almost didn't order the series for that reason. I thought I'd miss the feeling of having worked every body part. I don't-- and these are also very easy to fit into a schedule, and short enough that you could tack on a little cardio if need be.

Instructor Comments:
See legs review

Sara Whitney