With one main workout and several lower body premixes, you are sure to tone and sculpt the lower body. The use of a pilates circle intensifies the work.

The main workout runs about 50 minutes. The premixes are as follows:

*Core Challenge-23 minutes
(w/up, core and all stretches)

*Side Kick Challenge-29 minutes
(w/up, inner/outer thighs 2 sets and all stretches)

*Butt Challenge-23 minutes
(w/up, hips/glutes 2 sets and all stretches)

Bernadette filmed with CIA Studios so the set and production quality are well done. She uses soft music to inspire calmness.

A very gentle stretch opens the body and prepares you for the simple but effective exercises. You'll begin with the 100 which will continue to warm the core. All the basics are here--roll downs and straight leg lifts. Next you'll move into glute work with the circle between the knees for glute lifts. Next you'll perform knee drops with knees inside the circle. Moving circle between knee you'll do a modification of criss cross-a great move for the obliques! Move circle to ankles for corkscrew. Then you'll reverse the motion with circle inside the ankles. Quick transition-move circle to around ankles again and perform a roll over. Stretch and then sit up placing one ankle inside circle and other on top of the circle to work the top of thighs (quad muscles). Put foot inside circle and lift up against circle. Next you'll leave foot on top of circle and perform partial roll downs working the abdominals. Put hands inside circle and perform big circles leaning back and to the side. Lay back down and place ankles inside circle. Then raise both legs up and then bring them down twisting to one side, then back up, then twist to the other side. Another fluid abdominal exercise follows. Feet outside circle, legs push down, arms come down and around. (using circle increases concentration) Next is the side kick series. You'll really get into the inner and outer thigh areas. Following this you'll roll onto your stomach and place circle at back of leg and bend leg and place foot onto pad and press into it, working glutes. Then you'll place circle between both feet and perform tiny lifts, contracting the hamstrings. Moving circle to ankles you'll lift arms and legs simutaneously. Bernadette concludes the workout by using the circle as a tool to aide in the stretches, enhancing flexibility.

Instructor Comments:

DeniseR