Rambling Review of Circuit Zone

Have I mentioned yet how much I like Tracey Staehle's new Circuit Zone DVD? I think I've at least mentioned it, but I want to go into more detail. I was a little hesitant when I first ordered with her latest presale, but if the rest of them are like Circuit Zone, I feel much better about the purchase now. I also like what I've done of Core Blast, though I haven't done all the segments yet. Her other new workouts are not out yet (Strike Zone--a kickboxing workout I'm very excited about, Steady State Step, and Hi-Lo Med Ball--the only one I didn't order as I'm not a big hi-lo fan).

Circuit Zone has 7 regular circuits plus 5 bonus circuits sprinkled through it. I think when I ordered it I thought it was going to be a cardio/weights circuit, but it's not exactly that. There are some cardio moves--but like plyo exercises for the legs, not really straight up cardio. However, with the fast pace and intensity of the workout, I still burn about 400 calories, not bad for a little more than an hour of weight work. The DVD is full of variety, not just of moves, but of equipment. However, she also has 2 modifiers--one modifying to an easier level, and one kicking it up a notch. They also modify for different equipment. Fortunately I now have all the equipment used. A couple times it was hard to move stuff around and get ready for the next segment, but it wasn't too bad. It just took a quick pause to shift and then get going. I think it will go faster when I'm more familiar with the workout.

I'm trying to figure out why I love this workout so much. It's not a given that I love all Tracey's stuff as I've sold a few of her other workouts. There's something great about this workout, though. Like with favorites Amy Bento's Advanced Step Challenge II or Cathe's Low Impact Circuit, it's going to be the kind of workout I have to stop myself from doing more often. Maybe I should just give into those urges and do these favorites all the time instead of buying so many new workouts I don't even try.... There's an idea for my next rotation, I suppose.

Here's a sign of how much I like this workout--one of my favorite parts is the Bonus Tricep Burn circuit. I usually hate tricep work! She does this thing lying down on a foam roller and tossing a medicine ball around. I also like the lower body work, which is usually what I dread the most (especially after all my stupid injuries this past year). Yet, in spite of enjoying myself, I feel it the next day.

My only complaint about this workout is that I wish there was more bicep work. That part seems pretty fast to me. However, with the way the circuits are chaptered out, it's easy enough to replay it for more bicep work. I went heavier last time and will probably go even heavier next time to make it more challenging. Oh yeah, and those equipment changes are a little fast, so I guess that's sort of a second complaint, but it's not a big deal.

Note: I also posted a lot of this review over on the Circuit Zone page on Collage Video, so hopefully they'll print that one on there soon. I gave it 5 stars.