Ripped is a 55 minute total body workout that will not only help develop strength but enhance your cardiovascular endurance. The music has a techno beat. The setting is a wooden platform with flashing ripped signs in background. (you can check out www.rippedworkout.com for a video clip of the workout) Jari and 3 assistants demonstrate the workout. Stretches for the body part worked are always done after each section. Various sizes of barbells and dumbbells are used. (body weight only is sometimes demonstrated as well) The amount each of the 4 exercisers are using are shown during the beginning of each new section. This will help to guide the participant in choosing the best weight for them.

Warmup: Using lighter weight, (I used my 12 pound body bar), Jeri takes you through many of the same movements that you'll do later to prepare your body for whats to come. Basic shoulder rolls, deadlifts and barbell rows all help to warmup the larger muscles of the legs and back. A few curls and overhead presses get the blood flowing even further. Limited range of motion and taking it slow further enhances the warmup. Squats finish up the warmup section.

Squats are the 1st exercise track. Jari will vary the count, such as 4 counts up, 4 counts down, but all are done in a controlled fashion. Plie squats finish this section, which help to define your inner thigh muscles.

The next section works another large muscle, the chest. Jeri starts with pushups. 3 different modifications are shown to either increase or decrease the challenge according to your own fitness level. Bench presses with various counts follow the pushups.

Pullovers with a heavy dumbbell on a step begin your back session. Again, various counts eliminate boredom and help with range of motion.

Supersets of skull crushers and close grip bench presses work the triceps. You'll really feel the burn with this set!

Lying on the floor, Jari works the muscles of the inner and outer thighs. Various leg lifts accomplish this and a modification using a mini ball is shown.

Deadlifts are next to work the hamstring muscles on the back of the upper thigh. This segment concludes with rows to work the back. This is followed by lunges.

The next track is biceps. Jari uses curls in slow fashion and various counts to really concentrate on this muscle area.

Shoulder work follows the bicep curls. Side lateral raises and front raises work both the front and sides of the shoulder muscles.

The last segment works all areas of the abdominals, including the transverse muscle. A variation using a large ball is shown for a few of these exercises.

The workout concludes with a thorough stretch of all the muscles you have just worked.

I really enjoyed this workout and the time flew by! The background instructors are also miked but don't talk or whoop at all. (the only time they talk is if Jari asks them something which is infrequent) I think this is a great muscle endurance workout.

Instructor Comments:
Jari is a Personal Trainer with 18 years experience. She is very personable and provides great instruction.

DeniseR