I expected this video of my two weekend video purchases (the other was Stephanie Steele's workout) to be the lesser. Not so!

First of all, for me, someone who has only been working out for a month or so, it is quite challenging physically, although the sequences are easy to catch on to. The music went along with the moves, and was very energizing and fun. Although the cueing wasn't always very clear, since the sequences were not complicated, it was no problem to catch on late. There was no instructional segment, but I was glad because I am sick of fast-forwarding through those.

The cardio section, featuring lots of leg lifts, front kicks, and of course, loads and loads of jabs, is quite exciting. The moves change often enough to keep boredom at bay. I felt my abdominal muscles really working, since I pay attention to them and use them in my kicks.

After the warmup and cardio segment and a short cooldown, they move on to a challenging set of arm, chest, and back exercises. They recommend 5-10 pound weights. If you are a woman like me, 3 pounds is probably more doable. My arms were worn out after that, and each segment worked the focus muscle to exhaustion. I plan on doing this video every other day just for this muscle-building segment.

After the arms, chest, and back, Badrino moves to a series of abdominal exercises. These will probably not be challenging to people who have already been working their abdominals for a while.

Finally, there is a long, but not boring, series of stretches. That man sure is flexible. I think my body will become far more flexible in time, and that flexibility is necessary for high kicks.

I think men would enjoy this workout as well as women. There are no dancy moves, and the arms and chest section focuses on parts that men are concerned about (pecs and biceps). In addition, there are two male exercisers and only one female. I am personally not a man, so this is just my humble opinion.

Instructor Comments:
Badrino's cueing could be a bit louder, but I like him. He has the same kind of charisma that Billy Blanks has. Besides, I think he's got a great body, and I certainly don't mind watching him. He's also encouraging, which is nice.

Shannon Davis