Resist-A-Ball Peak Athletic Conditioning

"Peak Athletic Conditioning" is an advanced full-body workout that will challenge your strength, balance and flexibility.

The workout is led by Robert Steigele, while the more flexible Rebecca Lloyd demonstrates modifications. Robert is a very encouraging instructor who talks you through each exercise, so you may find yourself doing things you didn't think were humanly possible! He is also very safety-conscious, giving constant alignment tips and using the ball for quick added-range-of-motion stretches after each set of exercises. The workout is shot on the same set as some of the other Resist-A-Ball DVDs in what looks like a wood-panelled ski lodge, with up-tempo music.

Robert begins seated on the ball with a quick warm-up of the pelvis and lower back. He then asks you to twist around behind you and "mark" a spot on the wall, so that you can see if you have gained any spinal rotation by the end of the workout.

Robert slowly and methodically works every body part by talking you through increasingly difficult modifications for each exercise and saying, "Now, if that's not challenging enough…" The more advanced exercises include push-ups with one hand on the ball and one leg raised; push-ups with both hands on the ball; planks with both hands on the ball as you step your feet out to the side; triceps dips with your hands on the ball; and some nifty balance challenges. I have a sizeable collection of ball workouts, and there are many exercises here I hadn't seen before, and some new twists on old favourites.

The workout left me feeling stronger and pleasantly stretched out. After doing it once, I had gained about 18 inches of spinal rotation. Robert points out that if you play golf or racquet sports, the extra rotation will give you more power.

"Peak Athletic Conditioning" runs for about 45 minutes, although the time seems to go by much faster. There is no real warm-up, so if you have joint issues it would be a good idea to do some mobility drills beforehand. The workout is well-chaptered from a sub-menu.

You can see a clip of the DVD and buy it from http://www.totalfitnessdvds.com.

I would highly recommend "Peak Athletic Conditioning" to advanced exercisers who want a challenging and different workout. Five stars out of five for workout design and instruction.