Simply Endurance

Gin Miller
Year Released: 2003

Categories: Total Body Workouts


This is one of a set of two "Simplies", the other being Simply Strong. Endurance is billed is "Low Weights, High Reps, No Rest", a la Firm and Slim Series vids.

I have posted elsewhere about my enthusiasm for Simply Strong, and I feel the same way about Simply Endurance.

As a general run-down of the routine, this workout starts with a standing warmup of low intensity. Then throughout the routine Gin will switch focus between upper body moves and lower body moves, such as pushups followed by squats, or lunges followed by shoulder presses.

True to her promise, the workout takes no breaks and the reps are high, averaging at least 14-20 for each movement.

This routine had some interesting and unusual movements that I liked but might not be comfortable for everyone. The example that comes to mind is a set of step up movements akin to Firm Tall Box presses (in fact I used my tall box for this workout and adjusted the height throughout)
--then when you are standing on the tall box, you start doing flys AND balancing on one leg and extending the lower leg out and back. This is great because it challenges your core stability and your balance...but might feel very unsafe for some.

This workout also features a new and improved form of glute torture called "skaters", the positioning of which left me staring helplessly as the sweat rolled down my nose and dripped off the end of it, only to crash on the top of my step and form a little pool.

Another cool move is an ab movement found here and in Strong which involves reclining on the floor, leaning back against the bench and then raising one leg turned externally. It works the inner thigh and abs--it's great!

Gin does offer three kinds of modifications to suit different intensity levels, and gives great form pointers throughout. One of the things I love best is her constant admonition to hold the pelvic floor, a little extra that I am accustomed to from my yoga practice, and that is a great addition here to helping me keep my overall form in focus. She also gives a similar attention to holding the pelvic bowl the right way and holding the abs in--great for keeping form strong.

I have posted on the Forum that I think Simply Strong is a great supplemental workout for those doing yoga, and I feel the same way about Endurance. Between the balancing, the pelvic floor holds, the ab work that focuses on the Psoas muscle as much as the abs, the attention paid to holding one's "pelvic bowl" tucked and the flat out yoga-inspired cool down, I truly believe Miller must have a yoga practice of her own.

I only have one quibble with this vid and it shallow and stupid, so disregard it: Gin's long fake hairpiece in this vid is most unfortunate to see. Her pretend braids are hidden under a blue kerchief for the workout, and it does not work for her, no way, no how.

Other than that? I love this vid and I also love Simply Strong. 5 thousand stars from me!

Instructor Comments:
Gin is, as she has always been in my experience, a great cuer, very motivating and funny.

Kim R.

06/24/2004