Isabella's Power Workout [DVD]

This is a really comprehensive workout that gets you sweating and targets most of the the major muscles. It starts off with a 10 minute warm up, followed by a 40 minute main workout, consisting of toning work for legs broken up with short blasts of cardio, plus floorwork for back, arms, butt, core & stomach. It finishes off with a 10 minute cool down and stretch. All of the sections are well thought out and effective.

I'm only moderately fit, and I have to admit I find parts of the main workout gruelling (is it just me?!). Specifically the huge amount of squats, squat jumps and backwards & forward lunges. My thighs hurt for DAYS afterwards! The 40 press-ups are no picnic either. The stomach workout is tough, but do-able and even includes some 'core' work, such as 'the plank'. The good thing about this DVD is that I see progress each time I do it, which is encouraging (even if it's only managing an extra two squat jumps before I collapse!). I always look forward to doing the workout again, to see what I can achieve next time. This is one exercise routine I won't grow out of quickly.

Although the instructor has never done an exercise DVD before, his instruction is concise and well-timed, apart from the odd miss-count. He also gives helpful little tips to make sure you execute each move properly, like keeping your knees in line with your toes when you squat - it sounds silly, but I didn't know to do that before and it's made a real difference to my form. Subsequently, I finish the exercises feeling as if I've really hit every muscle properly.

Isabella 's attempts at playful banter are a bit cringe-making, but she still comes across as a lovely girl and she obviously takes her fitness seriously. The music (instrumental versions of songs like 'Dare' by the Gorillaz) is uninispiring and sounds almost like lift music in its production quality, but the workout's tough and enjoyable enough to take your mind off small details like that.

Overall, this is a good workout that should show results quickly, especially for those of an intermediate fitness level. Those who are less fit: just do half the number of squats to start with and then build up VERY SLOWLY like me!!

Brilliant. 1:Clear instruction. 2:Front and side views so you can make sure you are doing it correctly. 3:Plenty of notice before moving on to the next move so no flaying around trying to catch up, you can just concentrate on getting on with the reps. Just 3 reasons...I could go on! It's intense and you can really feel it the next day, but in my experience that's a good thing! Finally - and very importantly - you don't need a ballroom in your house to do the moves! It's more or less on the spot moves or on a mat so you really can do this at home without rearranging the furniture!

Highly recommended!

The workout is 10 minute warm up then 40 minutes cardio and toning circuit then 10 minutes cool down.

Warm up - It is a very average warm up and Isabella looks hugely uncomfortable (If you saw Celebrity Love Island you'll know she's got no rhythm). However I have still given the dvd 5 stars because the warm up does do the job and its not a dance workout so in the next section Isabella looks a lot more comfortable.

Main section - This involves circuits of squats and lunges broken up by cardio. It then moves onto floor work working on strength and toning. This section really does make you sweat but because there are so many different excercises the 40 minutes goes very quickly so I will definitely be doing this wokout again and again.

Cool Down - A good relaxing end to the workout stretching out the musles.

Overall if you are looking for a workout that combines cardio with toning excercises then this is for you. It is tough but you never spend too long on any excercise so the hour goes quickly. My muscles really ached the next day so take it slowly if you are not that experienced.