Ripped

Others have done in-depth reviews, mine will be relatively sparse. I'm a personal trainer and a huge influence on me is exercise physiologist and author Douglas Brooks. Douglas always stresses "risk vrs reward" in terms of making all exercise and execution choices. There are things in this program that I would never use for myself or my clients because the risk, even when small, isn't worth the reward when there are better safer choices that can accomplish the same goal.

Overall impression

Good overall exercise selection and form pointers but I issues regarding safety concerns which I will mention in the positives and negative comments below. To me exercise selection.

I'm just going to mention a few points/exercises that concerned me.

Repetition tempo:

Positive: I like the "idea" of the variety of tempos within the exercises

Negative: I felt her "singles" are too fast for eccentric loading with these types of exercises and could put a lot of people in danger, especially for the deadlifts and pullovers. For someone with experience and good body awareness this might not be a problem because they'll know intuitively how to adapt the tempo to be safe and not worry about keeping up with her exact tempo(I went a little bit slower).

Dead lift/Bent over rows:

Positive: Dead lifts are a great full body exercise.

Negative: Bent over rows aren't a good risk versus reward choice. One arm rows are much safer while still being very beneficial. Also, when she goes into the fast single count eccentrics that makes both the Deadlifts and Bent over rows (which are already somewhat risky) very high risk and definitely not worth the reward.

Skull crusher/Triceps press combo:

Positive: interesting combination to use with DBs.

Negative: Doing the triceps press with a barbell can put unnecessary pressure/stress on the wrists (I did all the exercise w/ DBs).

Seated Lateral Raises

Positive: safer exercise than overhead presses for many people.

Negative: I think doing them from a standing position (especially a split stance) is better because you integrate your body more and the feet are a better base of support than the glutes. I think seated positions can put unnecessary stress on the spine.

Abdominals Section:

I don't have a specific positive, I tend not to be a fan of crunches or oblique crunches because most people don't need extra spinal flexion. If someone is going to do crunches I think they are much safer performed at slow tempos which a sustained contraction and using less reps. On Ripped they are performed at a fairly rapid tempo which can lead to poor form and the use of momentum. I feel that planks, side planks and rollouts are better for training the core's true function with less chance of injury to the spine.

This was one of the hardest workouts I've ever done. A FIRMie, it was different to only work one body part to fatigue, but I was pretty happy with the results. Unfortunately, I had to trade this workout after getting exercise-induced migraines from it. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try it at least once, however. I did have a bit of a challenge making sure my form was correct after all the reps, but still it's a solid workout.

I'm an intermediate-to-advanced exerciser. While I can certainly do many advanced workouts, they often leave me feeling exhausted and have a huge dread factor. Although I want my workouts to challenge me, I also want to feel GOOD after exercising, not wiped out. Given this, Jari Love's Get Ripped is a perfect match for me. I definitely feel thoroughly worked out after using this DVD, but the constant tempo changes and variety of equipment used keep it interesting, meaning that the time flies and there is absolutely NO dread factor--in fact, I look forward to doing this workout!

It did take me a little while to get used to Jari's style, however. First of all, the "warm-up" is not at all like traditional warm-ups in other workouts: instead of doing some light aerobics and stretching, Jari has you start right in with the weight training, not doing a lot of reps but enough to warm up the hamstrings, biceps, and shoulders. After some trial and error, I found that I could do this segment using 10# dumbbells. In fact, I used my 10# dumbbells through the majority of the workout, going a little heavier for the first set of chest work and deadlifts but dropping down a little towards the end of the workout for the biceps and shoulders work. The great thing about all of the Ripped workouts is that Jari and her three background exercisers vary not only in the equipment they use--eg, Jari usually uses a barbell, while another exerciser sticks with dumbbells and others sometimes use just weight plates--but also in their individual weight loads, which are very helpfully shown on screen at the start of every new exercise.

For all of the exercises, Jari varies the count. She generally starts with a slow four up-four down count, moves into three up-one down, goes to two-and-two, sometimes to singles, and then pyramids back up again. Given this, you will be doing A LOT of reps, but you are never rushed, which allows you to lift heavier if you prefer. You can also always drop down to lighter weights for the quicker sets, although Jari does move from tempo to tempo with no breaks (there are short stretch breaks between body parts, however). The workout begins with squats/plie squats, then moves to floor for chest, starting with push-ups (only one set, thank goodness!). Still on your back, you'll do pullovers and then a tricep superset--I found this particularly tough, as my triceps were pre-fatigued from the chest/back work. I liked that Jari then stays on the floor for inner and outer thigh work in the form of side leg lifts; she does enough reps so that you feel the burn and then that's it, you're done!

Coming back to a standing position, you'll do deadlifts and then a deadlift/row combo. This is followed by just a single set of four-count lunges on each leg (I was VERY happy not to have to do various tempo counts here). Then comes biceps, shoulder work in a seated position (Jari and crew use their steps, but a chair works fine too), and finally abdominals. The abs work consists of just a few different exercises (working lower abs, upper abs, obliques), but when I make sure to execute them with good form, I really feel the burn here. One background exerciser does the abs work (and some of the previous exercises as well) using a stability ball. The workout ends with some nice stretches on the floor, mainly for your hips and hamstrings.

Extras on this DVD include demonstrations of the exercises, information on the science behind Ripped, and testimonials. The one thing I wasn't so crazy about with this workout was the music--it generally had a pumping, techno-type beat (with occasional vocals) similar to what you would hear in a club. This is not my style, but once I get into the workout, I barely notice it. Jari herself comes across as a bit cool and reserved, and although some people might not click with her, I actually liked her no-nonsense style as well as her excellent form pointers and good cueing. She does try to be encouraging, frequently saying things like "awesome!" and "you can do it!" Although I think that this workout is perfect for intermediates like myself, it's actually appropriate for a wide range of exercisers: advanced exercises should have no problems modifying up, and I think even true beginners could do this workout so long as they paid attention to form (watching the exercise breakdowns first would be a great idea) AND made sure to keep the weights VERY light, or even no weight (Jari and one of the background exercisers use body weight only for the lunge series). Overall, I'm thrilled to have discovered the Ripped series and believe this workout to be an extremely valuable addition to my collection; highly recommended!

I looked forward to this workout as an intermediate/advanced exerciser getting back into the groove after a layoff, and it did not disappoint. Jari and her backgrounders take you through a complete total-body endurance workout (light weights, high reps) with classic moves like squats, barbell curls and delt raises. There is ample time between exercises to ready your equipment, even if it means moving a step into place or getting out your mat - no rushing, hooray! Jari uses the same barbell weight for legs, chest, back and biceps, but I needed to modify - I can go much heavier on legs and back but need to scale back on biceps. The chest work goes forever - a short set of pushups, followed by an interminable set of chest presses. Make sure to go light on this exercise! Jari does a good job varying the tempo among 4-4, 3-1, 2-2 and 'singles' counts so I never got bored. I was lightly sweaty and felt invigorated but not wiped out at the end of this workout. The "burn 600 calories per workout!" claim on the DVD case seems a little overblown, unless you go way heavy on all the exercises.

The set is somber and a little cramped but not obtrusive. I was let down by the music - anonymous techno beats that help you pace yourself but nothing recognizable. The backgrounders are ideal in that they don't play to the camera at all. I could quibble with form a few times - Krista (purple top) on lunges, Terry (the only guy) on delt raises - but appreciated that Krista showed less difficult modifications and Laurie (impeccable form) did the whole workout with dumbbells. This workout can be done with dumbbells and/or a barbell, plus a step and a mat for floor work.

A few things annoyed me when I previewed but weren't too distracting during the workout. One was the backgrounders' poor form already mentioned. Second, the camera work was sloppy on the floor abductor/adductor exercises, as the camera showed Jari from head to knee but not the lower part of her leg - kind of important when doing proper floorwork, guys! And I wish someone had told Jari that she didn't need to stare into the camera the whole time in order to instruct properly. Every exercise - lying on her step, turned side for deadlifts, sitting and doing delt raises - her head and neck were craned so she could look into the camera. I'd be surprised if she didn't have a strained neck and very sore traps after filming! Terry picked up this little habit too.

All in all, I found this a good solid workout.

There have been many reviews and breakdowns of this workout already, so I will just make a few comments. I am an intermediate with regard to weight workouts, and this one seemed the perfect level. Just when I was thinking that I've had enough, Jari would say that there are only 4 more reps! I prefer upper body exercises to lower, and I liked that the lower one were well spaced (she starts with squats and then after a few upper sets, goes into lunges.) Actually, the lunges were dips, and therefore had a much less dread factor for me.

I like that there are background people showing alternatives (some use dumbbells, ball, plates, one-arm versions, etc.) I think the sets seemed to go quickly because Jari varies the counts, and seems to come back to the original count.

I didn't love the set -- it was dark -- but I didn't find myself looking at it all that much. Jari counted enough to not have to look - and the lifting speed was in beat with the music. Speaking of the music, it had a good beat, but was not familiar and I would've liked it better if it had been.

You can definitely grow with this workout by increasing the weights. If I wasn't a "variety junkie" I would use this workout several times a week, as it isn't boring and it hits all of the muscles. The exercises are not unusual, nor are they "functional fitneee" type. People have compared Get Ripped to Cathe's Power Hour -- I agree that it is a light version (Cathe's is more intense.) Jari doesn't do low-end squats or lunges, and her sets seemed shorter and have a lesser variety of exercises for each body part.

I don't plan on getting any of her newer DVD's (they are supposed to be more advanced) as this one is hard enough -- but I look forward to doing this workout and expect it will increase my endurance as well as some strength gains.

I’m reviewing this workout after previewing it once and doing it twice since getting it last week.

General workout breakdown: This high(er) rep & low(er) weight workout is for endurance rather than significant strength / muscle / cardiovascular gains. I would say that this workout features many classic weight training moves (squats, lunges, biceps curls, etc.), throwing tempo changes at you every few repetitions. I found the pace such that I had enough time to change equipment and set up for each move; I also had enough time to execute each move safely. I appreciate the fact that Jari has sequenced this so that you’re not jumping up or sitting down with every single exercise.

Jari and crew dive right in with the warm up, not even lightening their load. Grab one of the 10 minute cardio workouts out there (10 Minute Solution, Quick Fix, the new Shape Cardio, etc.) if you need / want a cardio warm up. I did this after Pilates workouts instead, which helped me warm up and “turn on” the core. There is a stretch at the end of each segment, and the cool down consists of handful of stretches more.

I clocked this workout at closer to 50 minutes than 55.

Level: I’d recommend this to someone with at least a little weight lifting experience. Even though there are a lot of form instruction and tips included, much of that is in a separate chapter. I think an experienced beginner through someone at the intermediate/advanced crossover point would get the most out of this video, while an advanced weight lifter would find this good for a recovery week. I consider myself a solid to high intermediate in weights. I’ve lifted on and off over the last decade but only introduced heavy lifting into my home workouts about a year and a half ago. I find this workout appropriately challenging by matching the weights used by the woman with dumbbells (although I ended up following the modifier for the last set of shoulders, my weakest spot).

Class: Jari, 2 women, & 1 man. The more average-looking woman, Krista, doesn’t lift as heavy and shows modifications or alternative exercises. Each background exerciser has a scripted line, delivered with varying degrees of success (“Gee, Jari, I’m in a zone 3 right now…”).

Music / Set / Other Production Notes: The pulsating beat-heavy music has some spoken elements. It’s appropriate for the workout, but I’m not searching the web to download any of it. The interior set has dark walls (with those long, rectangular light displays…you know, the ones that you end up watching while sitting at the DMV), and with four people and all of their equipment it’s crowded. (Avoid this one if you’re claustrophobic.) The picture and sound are clear. The camera angles are for the most part very helpful, but there are a few noticeable parts that have been edited. This wouldn’t be a problem, except in the dead lift segment I can’t seem to figure out if Laurie’s down or up.

Equipment: Jari, Krista, and Terry use barbells (usually 15, 20, or 30 lb.), while Laurie uses only dumbbells (5, 7.5, and 10 lb.). Krista uses a playground ball for the floorwork and a stability ball for the abs section. All lie on a mat for floorwork. Additionally, all have a step for the chest, back, and triceps portion; Laurie and Terry also perform push ups with the step, and there’s a hamstring stretch that Jari uses the step for. I did this workout without a step even though I actually have one now. Also, you could substitute in a body bar for the barbell if you preferred to use that. All participants wear a heart rate monitor, but that’s certainly not necessary.

Space Requirements: enough room to do moves like lunges and lie on your back–plus keep all of your equipment handy but not underfoot.

DVD Notes: The DVD takes you right to the main menu, where you can choose to play the workout (with the warnings and intro in separate chapters) or extras. Each segment is chaptered (Warm up, Squats, Chest, Back, Triceps, Adductors & Abductors, Deadlifts & Rows, Lunges, Biceps, Shoulders, Abs, & Cool Down). There is a short clip of a male body builder showing off the body part to be worked between each exercise. The extras include “Techniques & Modifications,” “Conversation with Cory Fagan” (the “brains” behind the workout), “Why We Love Ripped,” “Ordering Information” for the Polar equipment used in the workout, and “Credits.”

Conclusion: I like this one and will definitely keep it. I will consider acquiring Jari’s future videos–assuming they’re not the exact same exercises. This is a great video for me at the level I am now, and I can see myself getting a lot of use out of this in the next couple of years by picking up heavier dumbbells.

No, this doesn’t have a lot of abs and leg work, but since I regularly do Pilates and yoga in addition to more traditional weights routine that doesn’t bother me. There is floorwork, which I generally dislike, but I was OK with the exercises Jari included.

I think this would be great for someone who’s ready to move on to more intense at home weight lifting videos but isn’t ready for Cathe, etc.–or for someone looking for something a step down in intensity.

Cathe’s Power Hour and Ripped are very similar, but I felt that Ripped went by more quickly and pleasantly.

I feel I ought to write a review of my favorite workout video of 2005! I know it is only September, but I have had such a disappointing year in workout videos, I'm calling it early! :)

Others have written excellent descriptions and breakdowns. I will post my thoughts on the workout. I am low Intermediate level of late.

I was able to follow "Ripped" *the very first time*. This is a rare event! Jari cues well and one never feels lost or left behind. It is a low weight/high rep style workout. It is like Body Pump, only with techno style music. It has also been compared to Cathe's Power Hour. Power Hour bored me to tears! "Ripped" is not boring to me.

I enjoy the pace and style of "Ripped". I do some modifications as I don't like fast reps and usually stick with the 2-count when she speeds up. I also tend to skip the push-ups and the abs. (Hey there, lazy girl!)

I don't pay much attention to the set or to the background exercisers. One of whom is potentially annoying. I just focus on Jari. (And admire her great make-up.)

Jari is the heart of "Ripped". Her soft voice, calm and professional manner, and serene persona are like a breath of fresh air! No yelling, no whooping, no barking that we have to hurry up. No forced perkiness or overdoing the jokes. Just a basic, enjoyable workout.

I haven't even bothered to look at any of the other stuff on the DVD. I'll have to do that some day.

I am looking forward to any future workouts with Jari!

I think there has been more discussion about the title of this workout than the workout itself. This workout follows the BodyPump theme - one body part per song. It is all traditional weightlifting. What is missing compared to BodyPump is the great music, the great set and the great background exercisers. Nor is it as tough. I was so ready for something that had BodyPump's energy that I snapped this up. Its a good workout if you don't compare it to BodyPump. Great weight work for an easier day. Grade: B

Lydia did a great job breaking down this workout, so I'll skip that and just add my impressions.

Ripped is a good, basic 55 minute strength-training workout. It is somewhat similar to Cathe's Power Hour. I thought it was what I needed--a simple, total body weight workout. So why did I trade it?

The music is instrumental, nothing exciting, but it doesn't detract from the workout. The background exercisers are varied, which is great. The exercises are effective, though I was unable to lift as heavy as I wanted to because the rep speed varied. Nor would I go light, because there weren't that many reps or that many different exercises.

In the end, I traded this because while there's nothing wrong with it, it doesn't add anything to my collection. It's not one I'd be dying to do because it's a great workout or has great music. There's nothing new and different in this one, so I'll just keep using the other stuff I already have.

Someone looking for a simpler Power Hour might enjoy this. While she doesn't do nearly as many different types of exercises for each muscle group as Cathe or the Firm, she does hit every group.

Jari starts the workout with a warmup using weights...some might not like this, but I had no problems with it. They do post the weights Jari and her "Rippers" are using, but usually they have just started already, but as you get used to the workout, you should be able to figure out what works for you best anyway. Still I liked that feature. Then there is a brief stretch while Jari intro's the next segment:

Squats: Jari gives some form pointers and then it's off to burn the quads and bum. She varies the speed, singles, 2 up and 2 down, 3 down and 3 up, etc. Then she has you change position for adductors (almost plies, actually a very wide squat).Then back to a narrow stance and single speed squats. Another stretch for the quads. Jari points the modifiers and intro's the next segment.

Chest: They start off with push-ups. I was surprised Jari did hers on her knees. You don't do a lot of those (I could have done full body.). Then it's chest presses while lying on the step. Again she varies the speed: 2 & 2, 3 down and 1 up, etc. You really need to pay attention as Jari sometimes changes the speed right in the middle...it may be 3-count up and then singles. Stretch.

Back: Jari uses pull-overs for these. I was wondering while doing these if I would get as much DOMS from these as I do from Tony Horton's lawn mowers and heavy pants from PHH's Arms...so far not sore today. I'm wondering if doing these on the stability ball like Cathe does would really kick it up a notch...I'm really trying to work my back more these days, so I'm really aware of this. Again they stretch it out.

Triceps: Again you're lying on the step and start with skull crushers. She really stresses the form pointers. One exerciser uses dumbells, another uses just the plates from the barbell. Then it's triceps presses. Again she really emphasizes form pointers which I found helpful. Stretch follows.

Adductors and Abductors: Now she doesn't do much with this segment for adductors; she has one exerciser squeezing a stability ball between her legs...the rest are just doing the old inner thigh lifts. I added ankle wts. Jari does tell you you can add weights or push down with your hand. I guess the earlier wide squats also work these same muscles.

The abductors are worked with lying side leg lifts. One exerciser is doing clam shells...I think that's what they're called! Then she has you bring that knee in and push it out. Always she stresses alignment. She'll ask you "can you do it" and then tell you, "yes, you can"! They stretch before moving on to the other side.

Dead Lifts and Rows: Jari takes time to discuss proper alignment (chest is proud...they mention that a lot:)). They start off with the deadlifts and she stresses the barbell/weights just graze the legs. Then it's rows with elbows in close to the sides. She reminds you to retract those shoulder blades to feel it in the back. Next she combines the dead lifts with the rows. Again she varies the speed of the lifts.

Lunges: Jari does these differently than I am used to; you work one leg at a time. You step back, dip, step back together...all to a 4 count speed. Then you change legs. Jari uses no weights, but two of the exercisers do and I did. Stretch.

Biceps: Jari discusses using the correct weights and proper form. Again she varies the speed. She doesn't work the biceps from different angles though. Again stretch.

Shoulders: She does delt side lifts and then some front delt raises, varying the speeds of the lifts. One of the exercisers is working one side at a time. Stretches are interspersed throughout.

Abdominals: Jari stresses adding cardio and diet to get the abs you want. She starts out with reverse curls. One exerciser shows doing them one leg at a time. It's a move I've seen Charlene Prickett teach for the transverse abs. Then it's upper abs; again one exerciser uses a stability ball. Jari shows some different variations. Next it's obliques, one side at a time.

Cool Down: Pretty standard, some gentle stretches. Since you're stretching all through the workout, this was just a nice way to finish out the workout.

The set is sort of dark, with a black semi-circular wall behind. Some panels with lights that pulse to the music (they say "Ripped" I think) lighten the wall some. The floor is a light cream color. The exercisers' clothes are not all matching or color coordinated, which is fine with me. The mats are blue and the steps are multi-colored. The music is techno, some with vocals. It's not my type, but it's not annoying.

All in all, I like this workout. I would depend on it alone, but I see a place for this in my collection. It gets the job done in less than an hour and if you're time-crunched, that's great.

About me: I'm 45 and a high intermediate. This workout can be for all fitness levels.

This is a 55 minute total body strength workout. Jari's website describes it as a resistance and cardiovascular workout, but there is not a specifc cardio segment. The cardio benefit would be that which you would derive from a strength endurance workout.

There is a separate chapter in which Krista Guichan, who is a Physiotherapist, presents a thorough demonstration of correct form for many of the exercises. Krista also participates in the workout. In addition, Jari gives excellent form pointers throughout the workout.

Another chapter features Cory Fagan, an exercise physialogist, who talks about the science on which Ripped is based.

Throughout the workout, a variety of modifications are demonstrated by the background exercisers. For example, during the shoulder segment, one of the exercisers starts to alternate arms during front shoulder raises, working one shoulder at a time instead of both like everyone else is doing. Jari encourages you to do the same if you're getting too tired, but she also encourages you to hang in there and finish the reps throughout the workout.

This workout has been described as a Body Pump type workout. Cathe's Power Hour has also been described as a Body Pump type workout. I've never done Body Pump so I can't compare. I have done Power Hour. I think Ripped is not quite as intense as Power Hour, and it definitely flies by quicker than Power Hour. After doing Ripped I feel like I've gotten a thorough workout killing myself.

The music is techno, mostly rapid drums and very nicely balance with the instructor's volume. You can actually hear both, and I thought it was perfect background music for this workout.

To begin with, my fitness level is advance.

Production-Overall, the production quality is very good. The set could be considered cluttered, but I did not find it distracting. The music is instrumental and pretty much the same throughout the entire workout. I never loved it or hated it. It went well with the workout. I really liked the, Personal Weight Load, graph before each new segment. This gives the at home exerciser and idea how much weight each participant is using. I also like how everyone is using a barbell, dumbbells or just plates for the workout. Even though there isn’t a chapter menu, each muscle group has its own chapter. It would be easy for anyone to customize this workout to fit his or her own needs.

Last fall, many of my strength workouts was Body Pump. Since then, I have been searching for another strength workout that had the “Body Pump” feel to it. I believe I found it in Ripped. Ripped targets the lower body more than Body Pump, thus in my opinion, making this a more desirable workout for women whose focus is lower body.

The workout breaks down as follow:[

Warm-up-1:20-6:20

Squats-6:20-10:05

Chest-10:05-14:10

Back-14:10-17:35

Triceps-17:35-21:00

Adductors & Abductors-21:00-28:30

Deadlifts & Rows-28:30-36:45

Lunges-33:30-36:45

Biceps-36:45-40:52

Shoulders-40:52-46:55

Abs-46:55-51:20

Cool down-51:20-55:00

The rep speed varies in count, which keeps the workout from becoming monotonous. I do like to see different rep speeds in endurance workouts. It helps me take my mind off the numerous reps for each body part. I also enjoyed seeing the different fitness levels in this workout. I give this workout an A. If any of you are looking for a workout, whose format is similar to Body Pump, I highly recommend that you get this workout.

This workout can be found at:

http://www.rippedworkout.ca/

Ripped is a 55 minute total body workout that will not only help develop strength but enhance your cardiovascular endurance. The music has a techno beat. The setting is a wooden platform with flashing ripped signs in background. (you can check out www.rippedworkout.com for a video clip of the workout) Jari and 3 assistants demonstrate the workout. Stretches for the body part worked are always done after each section. Various sizes of barbells and dumbbells are used. (body weight only is sometimes demonstrated as well) The amount each of the 4 exercisers are using are shown during the beginning of each new section. This will help to guide the participant in choosing the best weight for them.

Warmup: Using lighter weight, (I used my 12 pound body bar), Jeri takes you through many of the same movements that you'll do later to prepare your body for whats to come. Basic shoulder rolls, deadlifts and barbell rows all help to warmup the larger muscles of the legs and back. A few curls and overhead presses get the blood flowing even further. Limited range of motion and taking it slow further enhances the warmup. Squats finish up the warmup section.

Squats are the 1st exercise track. Jari will vary the count, such as 4 counts up, 4 counts down, but all are done in a controlled fashion. Plie squats finish this section, which help to define your inner thigh muscles.

The next section works another large muscle, the chest. Jeri starts with pushups. 3 different modifications are shown to either increase or decrease the challenge according to your own fitness level. Bench presses with various counts follow the pushups.

Pullovers with a heavy dumbbell on a step begin your back session. Again, various counts eliminate boredom and help with range of motion.

Supersets of skull crushers and close grip bench presses work the triceps. You'll really feel the burn with this set!

Lying on the floor, Jari works the muscles of the inner and outer thighs. Various leg lifts accomplish this and a modification using a mini ball is shown.

Deadlifts are next to work the hamstring muscles on the back of the upper thigh. This segment concludes with rows to work the back. This is followed by lunges.

The next track is biceps. Jari uses curls in slow fashion and various counts to really concentrate on this muscle area.

Shoulder work follows the bicep curls. Side lateral raises and front raises work both the front and sides of the shoulder muscles.

The last segment works all areas of the abdominals, including the transverse muscle. A variation using a large ball is shown for a few of these exercises.

The workout concludes with a thorough stretch of all the muscles you have just worked.

I really enjoyed this workout and the time flew by! The background instructors are also miked but don't talk or whoop at all. (the only time they talk is if Jari asks them something which is infrequent) I think this is a great muscle endurance workout.