This is a very good full-body strength workout which uses the "high repetition, low weight" style; for the majority of the workout, instructor Debbie Siebers uses only 5 lbs. weights, and she advises you to drop down to 3 lbs. if necessary. The format of the routine is to work opposing muscle groups with weights while adding core work inbetween each weight segment.

The workout starts with a basic (somewhat boring) 5-minute warmup and then moves into the following segments (times are approximate): lower body, 6 mins. (squats, dips, kicks); standing core 1, 2.5 mins. (side reaches, side bends); chest/shoulders, 3.5 mins.; standing core 2, 2 mins. (twists, punches); biceps/triceps, 4 mins.; standing core 3, 2 mins. (knee lifts, more twists and punches); lower body, 10 mins. (standing and seated moves with optional ankle weights); floor chest/tricep work, 7 mins.; floor lower body, 10 mins. (crunches, thigh work); and standing shoulders/biceps/triceps with heavier weights (8 lbs.), 7 mins. The workout then ends with a brief (4 mins.) stretch for a total time of 78 minutes.

This was my first-ever Slim Series workout, and I was a little daunted by the long length. However, several factors made the workout feel manageable rather than overwhelming: 1) having the non-weighted core toning work interspersed with the weight work provided a bit of rest time and ensured that I never felt totally overworked, 2) moving to the floor about halfway through the program provided a bit of a "break" (even though the floor work was definitely tough!), and 3) the countdown timer which shows you how much time is left; at times, this could be a bit discouraging, but the timer was accompanied by a series of little dots which slowly disappeared as you completed each segment--this was definitely motivating!

Many people complain about the music in these workouts; I found it to be okay, if somewhat loud and a bit repetitive. I had more of a problem with the sound quality, which seemed a bit echo-y. Another thing I found a bit disappointing was that although there was plenty of standing core work (which I really liked), the floor abs work was not very intense. After doing the workout yesterday, however, today I am pleasantly sore in my side waist area as well as just a bit in the abs themselves. In fact, I like that this workout left me with a manageable soreness rather than the pain that I was anticipating. Overall, I enjoyed this workout more than I thought I would, and despite the length, I am looking forward to doing it again soon.

Instructor Comments:
I liked Debbie; she seemed friendly and motivating, although her comments were a little goofy at times (eg, "don't think that I'm not feeling this too!"). She workouts out in a somewhat bland studio setting with two background exercisers, her sister and a male, Kevin. Debbie frequently went over to the two of them to comment on their form, although she seemed a bit reluctant to correct Kevin on his flies--she tried, but he just could not seem to do them right! Debbie's own form was very good, although she did not use mirrored cueing and she did not offer many modifications.

Beth C (aka toaster)