This DVD presents a total body strength routine (broken up into three sections), with a particular emphasis on balance training.

The workout is led by Gin Miller. She demonstrates the moves wearing an athletic shoe with a special curved sole made by MBT (www.theantishoe.com). The MBT shoes are pricy, but several companies have put out less expensive versions. The shoes are designed for movement, but Gin’s considerable fitness creativity (this is the lady who invented step aerobics!) was sparked when she saw how the instability of the curved sole adds an additional balance challenge when standing still. Please note, however, it is NOT necessary to wear such a shoe to get benefit out of this workout. Gin notes that beginners can start out with regular shoes on a hard surface, then progressively challenge their balance by standing on a mat, doing the routine barefoot, and/or using other balance equipment such as a Bosu. By the way, Gin disclaims any financial compensation from the MBT people.

Gin instructs live and she mirror-cues (albeit with an occasional bobble). Besides whatever arrangement (if any) to provide surface instability for the workout, you will need a pair of light hand weights or filled water bottles (this is optional for novice exercisers), a play ball (Gin specifies an unweighted ball for this workout), and a small flat surface about mid-thigh height (Gin uses a simple kitchen stool; I found my high step topper placed on the seat of a regular folding chair worked fine).

Gin is joined by Sharon, who demonstrates easier modifications. Sharon is an Olympic athlete and appears to have great rapport with Gin. Unfortunately she is not miked so we only hear Gin’s half of their banter. Both wear the MBT shoes. I wouldn't have minded having a third person present who could have demonstrated the moves with a Bosu or balance disk instead of the shoes.

It is a simple set with pale green walls and “shoji screen” style backdrop (probably familiar if you have other DVDs produced by Gin Miller’s company). The accompanying music is pretty decent and well-balanced with Gin’s voice.

The DVD is well-chaptered as follows. There are also chapter points for each individual exercise, making it easy to skip over any particular moves that might not be appropriate for certain individuals. For each exercise Gin demonstrates “hard, harder, hardest” options. You can progress through all three options, or stay at the level that feels right for you. Gin encourages you to choose the option that allows you to maintain your best form (as opposed to pushing to your limit).

Here’s a brief breakdown:

-Introduction (2 minutes): Gin explains the workout and equipment needed.

-Warm-Up (9 minutes): No equipment is used (unless of course you are wearing the special shoes). Gentle moves and stretches to warm up the body.

-Workout 1 (29 minutes): Squats, add in holding the ball, lifting the ball side to side, then unweighting one leg. Biceps curls, unweight leg, then lifting knee. Change to hammer curl grip, lift knee, then bend forward moving leg behind body and adding in triceps kickbacks. Put down weights, brief stretch, then a set of static lunges incorporating the ball. Using one weight, a series of overhead presses, adding in rolling up onto toes, then sweeping weight from side to side and incorporating a knee lift. Deadlifts (still using just one weight), rolling up to toes. Repeat static lunge series on other leg.

-Workout 2 (12 minutes): Time to get your stool or other stable surface. With both hands on stool rear leg lifts, lifting opposite hand and leg, raise up to toe on supporting leg, then bringing rear leg forward to touch inside foot with opposite hand. Repeat series, but with ball on top of stool and hand on top of ball. Pick up weights for deadlifts and bent over flyes, unweight one leg.

-Workout 3 (10 minutes): We move to the floor for push-ups (Gin demonstrates several beginner-friendly variations) and core work incorporating the ball.

-Cool Down and Stretch (5 minutes).

Although the primary emphasis is on balance training, Balanced Assets also provides a full body workout. Obviously you are exercising the upper body with the weights (and there are quite a few reps of each exercise as you work your way through the progressive balance challenges). Besides the squats and lunges, your lower body is also working hard to support you during the balances (Gin herself visibly shakes at several points, and I know I definitely felt this workout in my “assets” the next day LOL!). The core is worked throughout the entire routine, and not just in the floor work, as those muscles constantly kick in to stabilize the body during the many balance challenges.

The pace on this DVD is methodical and deliberate. Besides constant form pointers, Gin carefully explains then demonstrates each move before cuing the home exerciser to join in. This can occasionally be annoying when the moves being shown are a bit too easy. Of course, once you are familiar with the DVD you can move immediately to the harder versions of the exercise, or perhaps increase your surface instability for more challenge. However, if you personally know this kind of instructional approach drives you nuts, you might be better off with another balance-oriented DVD like V-Core.

Bottom line: I’m now in my mid-fifties. Last month I fell in my house, hitting the side of my face hard against a carpet-covered cement floor. I really banged myself up, and was frankly very lucky I was not more seriously injured. It was a sobering lesson re just how devastating a fall can be. So I’m now seeking out workouts that particularly emphasize balance training. I have (and love) V-Core, but it is a very challenging routine and no modifications are given. The strength of Balanced Assets is the multiple options it offers, allowing an exerciser to gradually and safely train their balance reflexes.

Balanced Assets is available at Gin’s own website and various online retailers. A YouTube clip is available. My copy, purchased through Total Fitness DVDs, is a pressed DVD (not DVD-R).

Instructor Comments:
Please see above. Gin Miller is of course a veteran fitness instructor. Her expertise shows, yet at the same time she presents as fun, informal and encouraging. Gin is in her 50’s now, I believe, and looks very strong and fit. Although I enjoy working out with video instructors of all ages, I especially appreciate those close to my own age as a role model for my own fitness goals. Gin's website is www.ginmiller.com.

JustSandra