On cardio work, I am an intermediate to advanced exerciser, depending on my mood and energy level for the day. I enjoy complex choreography and my favorite instructors are Christi Taylor, Kari Anderson, and Marcus Irwin. Before this workout, I hadn’t ever done a workout by Patrick other than a G Force workout during which I stumbled around during his segments (still having fun, mind you…).

This is a cardio stability ball workout. Other than the original ABC workout (which I have not done), I’m not aware of others. I know there have been some workouts CLAIMING to be a cardio ball workout, but I either didn’t agree or just plain couldn’t stand the workout and wouldn’t recommend them. This workout, however, IS a cardio workout and it is fun, fun, fun! Yes, there will be some gushing in this review, because I had such a blast doing this workout.

First, some details about the workout. There is a warm up, four combinations, and a cool down. There is also one short bonus segment in which they make a move you’ve already learned more complex. There is lots and lots of TIFTing (Taking It From the Top – or repeating sections you’ve already done). He repeats sections. He repeats parts of sections in preparation to put them together with what you have just learned. I had no problem with this because I couldn’t have learned the workout the first time through otherwise. But, for those that do not like TIFTing, be forewarned. The music is really good. There are a lot of drums and chanting and it’s done well. You do need some space to go vertically and just a little to go forward and backwards. It would NOT call this workout a space hog though. You also need to watch your vertical space. I am a short person (5’ 4”) with a moderately low ceiling and there was one move during which I could picture a taller person brushing the ceiling with the ball, especially if there is a light fixture hanging down). The set is basic and I thought it was fine.

His cueing was good, except when it wasn’t. He mirror cued, but once in awhile would be in the midst of an intense section and would be very animated and it seemed he’d just forget to mirror cue. Since I was in the midst of the same intense section, I just forged ahead since it was clear what he intended. He does a lot to describe the moves and what he wants. Some moves, he just had to demo. There is one background exerciser, Shelia, and she was integral to the fun of the workout for me. She obviously had so much fun. And, they joked back and forth a lot. He also used her at times to lead. For example, he would demo the move and tell me to watch. Then, Shelia would lead me and then we would join him. Patrick’s enthusiasm is totally infectious during this workout. I laughed and joked back with him and just had such a blast. I would really recommend this workout.

Instructor Comments:
He is fun and innovative and excited and motivating in this workout.

Laura S.