This dvd is based on the book of the same name, and features 10 circuits which follow the same general format and style.

Each circuit commences with a two-minute cardio move to warm you up, and then nine strength moves. Each move is done for one set of approximately 15 reps. There are no rests. Most of the exercises use hand weights, although some use a step and ankle weights too. Joni coaches one on one, and her style is very smooth without excessive pauses for instruction. It's pretty much a 'watch and copy' approach, and it works because these are all basic, uncomplicated exercises.

I'm not sure one circuit on its own is enough for a complete workout, but you can repeat the circuit up to 4 times, or do it once and then return to the menu and select another one. The menu screen also tells you what equipment you will need for the circuit, which is very handy. A booklet insert has this same information.

The only real 'flaw' in the workout is that the repeat option doesn't filter out the warm-up. It is a straight repeat of the whole mini-workout, and unless you want to fast-forward through the it, you'll have to do it again with each 'round' of the circuit. There is no cool-down either, although Joni Hyde does have a free stretch routine posted on her website.

Overall though, I am really happy with this dvd. The ten complete routines gives a bit of variety to what is really fairly standard strength work, and I really like circuit-style workouts. Lately, I have had a really short attention span for strength work, and I just can't handle long, endless sets.

I also like that the circuits are not endless. It's just nine exercises, so the time goes by really quickly and it's easy to persuade yourself to stick around for another run through. I always choose the maxiumum of four repeats, and tell myself I can stop at any time. I generally make it through 2 or 3 sets at least, depending on what else I've done that day.

This is just the dvd I need right now. It is definitely on the beginner/intermediate spectrum and I doubt you could get a hard-core workout from just nine exercises, no matter how many times you repeat them. But if you just want to tone up a little and are not concerned with lifting heavy weights, it is a good choice. If you like circuit workouts and/or have a short attention span, you will also like this one. For me, it is just right I need right now.

Instructor Comments:
Joni is pleasant and professional. She has a very casual, personal trainer type of attitude well-suited for this sort of video.

Joanna