The Hollywood Trainer: Ultimate Cross Training

Jeanette Jenkins
Year Released: 2004

Categories: Boxing/Kickboxing/Martial Arts


I tend to like one type of workout at a time. When doing strength work, I generally don’t want to be doing cardio as well. When doing Pilates, I don’t add weighted strength work. Etc. However, recently, I also find there are weeks when I am tired or stressed and, although I have the energy to do something, I have a short attention span. It’s what I call “exercise ADD”. This workout seemingly will be a handy one for those types of periods.

The workout is filmed outdoors on what looks like a patio next to a building. There are two background exercisers behind Jeanette and she interacts with them throughout the workout. She gives time for transitions between moves that need it. There may not be enough time for some, but she doesn’t blow right through those times. Throughout the workout, there is an emphasis on balance moves and training, something I can use.

She starts with a relatively short warm up. Following that is the cardio sculpt section. There are mostly compound and combination strength moves at a pace that raises the heart rate. In this section, I used five-pound weights and that worked for me. For the Firm, eight pounds is my light weight. The music is instrumental with a definite beat. She comments that good cardio music is hard to find, so she chose her favorite track she uses for classes. She suggests, but doesn’t show, easier variations to what they are doing. The kickboxing segment is next and it is accompanied by driving instrumental music. She leads a couple of simple combos on both sides at a moderate pace. My heart rate got up and the speed was easily followed. In the yoga/Pilates section, there is a definite transition because the music is lighter and calmer. She suggests removing shoes and socks partway in. Most of the moves in this section are not explained. She calls for the move and they do it. She does give some form pointers, but it isn’t enough for a beginner to yoga and Pilates. The yoga was not that great, but I liked the Pilates section. I felt it in my core.

Overall, I liked the workout and there are specific days it will be good for. If you are looking for an intense strength workout, this isn’t it. I will use it on days when I want a strength workout, but don’t feel up to one of my normal weighted strength workouts. I’ll get a little bit in the weights department and my core will be worked out. And, the kickboxing is a good addition to those sections.

Instructor Comments:
She has good energy and is motivating to me. She talks a lot, but it seemed natural to me and didn't bother me.

Laura S.

09/09/2005