Tight, Toned and Terrific - Michelle Bridges (2009)

Cover blurb:

Strenth training is the FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH! This DVD incorporates both cardio fitness along with the all-important strength training. This is how you shape, tone and define. I cover off all the major muscle groups with 5 minute sessions on - legs, chest and back, triceps and biceps as well as the core.

I have fuel injected this DVD with two, 5 minute cardio sessions, so you really get your moneys' worth here! MIx and match or do the whole thing, By using minimal equipment you'll see how easy it is to put together some basic building blocks to get effective and fast results in your own training.

All options of intensity are covered off so although you'll see in this DVD that I am being pushed, it is designed for all levels. Get excited about your trainingand the amazing beneifts it will give you. Get back in control, get back in the driver's seat and be the one setting the course!

Summary: Australian Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges leads a team of four instructors through a 45 minute program that has a warm up then alternates circuit work cardio sessions. The circuits comprise three, four or five sets of five eight-rep activities, that each involve one weight section, one floor work section (pushups, tricep pushups), and three more aerobic exercises - each exercise is demonstrated in advance, and almost all the high impact work has a clearly identified low impact version that's demonstrated throughout the circuit. Tehre's also an ab section and a cool down/stretch finale.

What I liked: I'm discovering circuit training suits me - knowing that I've only got to do x number of reps or continue the exercise for x amount of time makes it easier for me to commit to it and work hard, instead of holding back because I don't know how much reserve I need to keep.There's a nice emphasis on technique, and Michelle frequently emphasises that the aim is to keep pace with the activity rather than the number of reps - far better to get down and do three pushups then get back up for lunges than stay down and do eight. That said, I found I kept [ace without too much difficulty.

What could have been improved: I just don't have the coordination for the opening floor work, which not only covers a lot of physical ground (which I haven't got room for) but also incorporates a number of different moves that require more coordination than I have and which I just don't seem to be able to move fast enough to manage. There's a leg flick thing, for example, that I just can't get right, and though there's some talking through this whole section there's no demonstration. But I'm sure I'll improve with practice.

Overall: I quite enjoyed the workout, and think I'll be better at it after a few repetitions, once I'm familiar with the program. - Alex