Although I'm not a big fan of Sharon Mann, I decided to give this video a try, as I enjoy kickboxing and ball work. The video is broken down into three segments: Cardio Kickboxing (21 minutes), Muscle Conditioning (10.5 minutes), and Ball Powered Yoga (12.5 minutes); with the transitions, the workout comes in at just under 45 minutes. Sharon works out with two background exercisers, Grant and Sharon, on a dark set that is much different from the setting for her TV program. Prior to the start of the workout, Sharon reviews form for the four punches and three kicks that will be used.

The kickboxing segment begins with a brief (1 minute) Tai Chi warm-up, and then Sharon quickly transitions into more fast-paced shoulder rolls and all four punches. She ends the warm-up with some stretches for a total of about 5.5 minutes. The kickboxing itself is fast-paced and fun, with plenty of both punches and kicks in the mix as well as a few short combinations. There is a short skipping segment (Grant uses a rope, but the two Sharons do not) to conclude the cardio, making the entire aerobic segment about 15 minutes long. A brief cardio cool-down with elbow strikes brings this section to a close at 21 minutes.

The Muscle Conditioning segment uses a stability ball and light weights (medicine balls or dumbbells); Grant performs the exercises on the floor, while Sharon2 shows more challenging variations. This segment has a nice core focus, with plenty of abs and back work, although it moves too quickly at times. Other muscle groups are targeted as well (including biceps, triceps, and shoulders), but the segment is too short to provide much more than core conditioning.

Although I enjoy yoga very much, the Ball Powered Yoga segment was my least favorite. Here, Sharon and Grant use the stability ball while Sharon2 does not. I found performing sun salutations on the ball to be awkward, although the standing poses which followed were better. Here Sharon provides voiceover instruction in a fake-sounding quieter tone which does not match the more upbeat-sounding music. Also, Sharon offers few form pointers, so I would not recommend this semgent for someone who is new to yoga.

Overall, I did like the first two segments of this workout, and I can imagine using them as a means to get some cardio/core work in following a full-body weights segment.

Instructor Comments:
When I've seen Sharon in her show on FitTV, I've always found her to be too over-the-top enthusiastic for my liking, but luckily, she is a bit more subdued here. She cues fairly well, although I found her voiceover cueing in the yoga segment to be somewhat stilted.

Beth C (aka toaster)