This workout is part of the newer 'pink' Firm series. Annie Lee was a new instructor to me, and I enjoyed my first workout with her. The workout has an 'express' option, which I chose. I finished the routine feeling like 'that was quick!' but it's nice to have the option. I do have workouts that pack a bigger punch into thirty minutes though! If you compare the sweat/exhaustion factor to something like Ten-Minute Trainer, there is no contest!

The 'express' routine had about four sections, each working one body area. There were compound moves to keep you busy, but Annie tended to favour one side at a time exercises. So you would for example squat to the left while doing a biceps curl on one arm, then in a later set, switch sides. Generally, you did a few where it was one rep at a time, then you did another set where you paused at the bottom of the leg move and did three reps with the arm. It was a good format, and if you used heavy enough weights, you'd get a nice burn.

This routine had no cardio, and was a lot less choreographed than some of the other Firm routines. I didn't have to 'think' at all. I appreciated this! Some Firm workouts are just too complicated for my choreography-phobic brain!

It's a pleasant, solid little routine, but it's not going to rock the world. And if you have a a short workout slot and REALLY want to push it, I don't think this would be the choice for anyone---there are plenty of other workouts which push you harder in the same amount of time. This would be a great strength workout for if you were coming back from a break, however. Or, if you were (like me when I reviewed this!) sore from whatever you'd done the day before.

Instructor Comments:
Annie seemed nice. Firm workouts really are not known for showcasing personalities; she did the job without calling attention to herself :)

Joanna