Horizontal Conditioning Volume 4

ABOUT ME: Advanced exerciser. Really like a challenging workout. My favorites include P90X, Insanity, Asylum, Cathe workouts. This is the second Horizontal Conditioning workout I've tried. Two days ago, I tried (and reviewed) HC Bootcamp.

ABOUT THE WORKOUT: LOVE THIS WORKOUT! This is a strength training workout that uses the step and the stability ball. This is an ADVANCED workout. The instructor does many versions of planks (pikes, side pikes, crossed side pikes, knee pull ins, suicide planks, etc) on the ball to challenge the core, upperbody and lowerbody. I would say the bulk of this workout works the core. But because of the planks, the upper body is engaged throughout. She does some more isolated work for the lower body, but I would say that is the least worked part of the body (though the exercises she does are very challenging). She does use one weight for some of the exercises but over all, this is a body weight workout. Also, you really want a yoga mat to put on your step for many of the exercises.

I did not think that Bootcamp could really be modified for the exerciser that can't do pushups. But, this workout did not include as many pushups as bootcamp and she does show modifications of many of the exercises. I would say that you need to be comfortable doing planks to use this workout, but you don't have to be able to do lots of pushups. In that respect, I would say this workout is easier than Bootcamp but not by much. This workout was tough. I would say I was able to do about 3/4 of the reps of each exercise (okay, maybe closer to 1/2). The exercises really got in deep to my core and obliques.

I liked Bootcamp better, but only because with bootcamp, I got a break from the horizontal conditioning when it was time to do the cardio. I have a lot of work to do to be able to keep up with all the reps she does.

Some of the exercises are familiar, but most are unique variations of exercises I've done before. Really great to have the variety.

I didn't pay any attention to the production quality of this dvd or the music. Sorry, there was too much sweat in my eyes and ears.

I'm loving these workouts. I ordered Volumes 1-3 yesterday.

Instructor Comments:
Sandra is an excellent instructor. She is easy to follow and gives good form cues. She has a pleasant demeanor and is not overly enthusiastic nor does she yell at you.

Sancho