I’ve done this workout twice, and I’m still trying to decide if it’s going to be a regular in my kickbox rotation. My favorites are PS 1 and 2; Tae Bo Ripped Adv; Kenpo X+ and Cathe's Kick, Punch and Crunch. I won’t get rid of the workout, because I like a lot of the moves. But, it doesn’t quite stand on its own for me. That's partly because it times in at about 45 minutes.

The workout has punch drills, kick drills, and 3 combinations.

I used 1 lb. gloves for the workout, and I found the opening punches to be challenging. The pace is fast. This part, as well as the combos, have a little bit of a learning curve. I found myself messing up on the punches the first time I did it. By the second time, I was a little more into the groove.

The kick drills are basic, except she uses a lot of crescent kicks. I don’t find these kicks easy to do, so I feel the workout is challenging me here.

There are 3 combinations, the first two are very similar. Ilaria only does one side on each combo; she says the punches and kicks come out about even. But, this leaves me feeling that there are really only 1 ½ combos cardio wise. I think it would have been a better workout if she’d done both sides on each combination.

Some interesting moves are high blocks, mid blocks, round house kicks with suspended knees (good for balance), and the previously mentioned crescent kicks.

Ilaria ends with some arm moves (Tai Chi I think) that I don’t much like (partly because they don’t go well with gloves) – but they do have a rhythm change that I may just need to get used to.

I like a lot of the music. Some of it reminds me of Powerstrike 1 and 2 -- with the sort of haunting vocals.

Powerstrike 5 by itself doesn’t leave me feeling fully worked out. The first time I did the workout, I followed it with Ilaria’s abs and push-ups.

The second time I did it, I repeated the three combination sequence and then I also added planks and core from Seasun’s THE NEXT STEP. I must admit, Seasun’s planks left my shoulders fried after all the punches. In fact, I liked this combination of workouts, and I think this may become the pattern for how I use Powerstrike 5.

I actually think this workout will get harder the more I do it. I still miss moves here and there because I’m not yet totally familiar with the choreography, and every missed move is a reduction in intensity!

Instructor Comments:
As always, it’s inspiring to watch Ilaria’s perfect form. I always feel I have better form from spending time with her.

Acescholar