This is the first WHFN video that I've done; I've been eager to try this, as I really like the uniqueness of the two older FitPrimes that I own (From the Ground Up and Just Right Weights+Cardio+Yoga). This wasn't quite what I expected, and there were some things I didn't like, but overall, I enjoyed this workout. The box describes as being 7 minutes Pilates, 13 minutes of cardio, 10 minutes of yoga, and 25 minutes of weights for a total of 55 minutes, but I clocked it at 56 minutes.

Since Carol has already provided a nice breakdown of the specific exercises, I'll just give the DVD chapter breakdown (accessed when you choose "Select Tune" off the main menu) along with some brief comments:

1) Cardio--Push Circle. This was the warm-up, which was just under 4 minutes and included a lot of moves to open the arms and shoulders as well as some balance work.

2) Weights--ND (non-dominant) Row and Push.

3) Cardio--5 Limb Delts. This was pretty slow, mellow cardio.

4) Weights--ND Row and Sweep.

5) Cardio--Pump and Punch. More energy here.

6) Weights--ND Chest and Tri's. The tricep move was very interesting; you lay on your side and push your body up with your hand on the block--it's sort of a side push-up, and I definitely felt it!

7) Weights--Guns and Delts.

8) Weights--D (dominant) Chest and Tri's.

9) Cardio--Walkin' Stick. The stick wasn't really essential to this segment; it mostly added a bit of flair the the moves.

10) Weights--D Row and Push.

11) Weights--Tris and Delts.

12) Weights--D Row and Sweep.

13) Yoga--Towel Rotation. Here, you sit on your tall box and use a towel to peform some of the stretches, such as cow-face arms (a yoga strap would also work).

14) Yoga--Balance. There is a brief balance segment, but this section consists mainly of modified sun salutations using the tall box.

15) Pilates--Ball Core. There really isn't that much Pilates here, but you do the double leg stretch, rolling like a ball, and bridge as well as some traditional crunches.

16) Weights--Pec Flyes. Lat pullovers are also included here.

17) Pilates--Bridge. This is actually all of the abs moves performed on the second side.

18) Yoga--Pretzel. Actually, I think this final stretch is more like a Pilates move, the Mermaid.

From the above description, you'll see that the non-dominant side of the body is worked first, which I like. However, what I missed from my earlier FitPrime videos is the ND side being worked MORE; that doesn't happen here. Also, I found the sequencing of the exercises to be kind of confusing--ie, the way you perform certain exercises on one side of the body and then do a whole lot of other stuff before finally moving on to the second side of the body. Similarly, I was often confused by Keli's positioning; the mirrors on the set made it even more difficult for me to figure out exactly where I should be.

Okay, those are the things I didn't like, but there was a lot that I did like too. I really appreciated the fact that the weight work was challenging, yet didn't leave me feeling totally wiped out (although I may go a bit heavier next time). Similarly, the cardio was short and fun, yet it did get my HR up enough for at least some minor aerobic benefit. Although I wouldn't exactly call the stetching segments "yoga," you do get in some nice yoga-inspired stretches. Finally, I found that the time really flew by for this workout, and I suspect that I'll have zero dread factor for it in the future.

This is probably not for the hard-core, advanced weights exercise, but it's a nice choice if you're looking for a solid, somewhat unique intermediate workout.

Instructor Comments:
Keli was a little more subdued than I've sometimes seen here, which I liked. However, I thought her cueing was a bit off--it seemed to be a little late, and I had some trouble following along at times, especially trying to figure out whether I was supposed to be on the ND or D side. Finally, I can see why some people complained about Tamela being a background exerciser--she really DOES constantly mug for the camera!

Beth C (aka toaster)