Fat Blaster

[Guest guest]

I finally found a FIRM cardio workout that I actually really, truly enjoy doing! I've done this once before but forgot how much I liked it! There is floor, step and 4-limbed aerobic segments and all of them are fairly short so if you're getting sick of one (or too tired) you can keep going once you realize they don't last forever. It is led by Allie Strickland, Kay and Tucker, each taking turns with different routines. They all build a routine in the same way, adding on slowly and eventually taking it from the top on one side and then doing the same on the other. Perfect for the choreography-impaired, like me. The cardio is very simple too so I was able to follow along with almost all the routines really well the first time or two through. By the time I got to the 2nd side especially I was doing really well (except 's step section for some reason). Some of the routines appear in other FIRM workouts recently, including yesterday's Total Body Shaping Mix which had the very first one in this workout (a floor routine with Allie). I started doing it and thought to myself, I just did this yesterday, didn't I? And then as it went on I became sure of it. That was fine though since I can always use more practice and it gave me more confidence for the rest (I always approach FIRM cardio with dread).

There's about 30 minutes of cardio, then you do some core work and then abs, then stretch for a total of about 45 minutes. I really like the abs in this one. It works everything and isn't killer hard but moves at a relentless pace with some fun, interesting exercises. The music in this workout is very upbeat and all 3 instructors seem to cue very well. cracks me up though. She always seems SO INTENSE, like your life depends on putting everything into each movement! She's very good but just a little too much for me in that respect. Allie was awesome and when I grow up I really want 's stomach.

One thing that must be pointed out, yet again, when Allie or anyone else says "Time for low impact aerobics" do not believe her! There was a ton of jumping in the "low impact aerobics" routines and the rest of it too, including plyo jumps, single and double jumping jacks, bunny hops and others. No modifier is shown and beginners are not even mentioned in this workout so I doubt beginners would want to attempt it. I used the 8" portion of my fanny lifter for the step routines and 3 lb dumbbells for 4-limb and got a very good calorie burn. I was in my zone for about half of the cardio section (which includes a warmup) but my heart rate went as high as 173 (!) so I know I was way out of my zone for some of it too. It felt great though!

Tomorrow is officially a rest day on the rotation schedule. I am thinking I want to try and do a short yoga, or, Heaven help me, pilates workout though just to keep it light but try a virgin workout so I can try and declutter my shelves a bit more. (Sorry Donna, but I have not yet found the love in pilates that you have, I'm still willing to see if I do though so that's why I'm considering doing one tomorrow). I have a TON to do between now & Sunday though since I'm hosting my first Easter dinner so it is possible I might just really rest instead. We'll see what I finish tonight first.