I’ve been on a kbell kick for almost 4 months now. I don’t think I’ve actually done a FIRM workout in that amount of time, which makes me giggle a little when I look at the 40+ FIRM workout DVDs in my case…not to mention all the FIRM equipment that I have. So this morning after my run, I decided to *attempt* to do one of my favorites: Power Sculpt. 
This workout is a full-body, fat blasting, heart rate raising 20 minute sweat-fest. I like the workout partially because Allie is the lead instructor, and I like her style. She’s fun and encouraging without being too patronizing. She also does a great job of reminding you to keep proper form. She explains what muscles you’re supposed to be working, and where on your body you should be feeling it. I like these reminders. That said, I was sweating, breathing heavy and getting my heart rate into the upper part of my “zone”. Like most FIRM workouts, there are lots of squats. lunges, dips and even some (my favorite!) side lunges. Work those hips!! That said, I think that the whole reason I enjoy this workout is the actual bar. It’s segmented (3 segments), so it can be used for wide bicep curls, or put together to create a 9-pound body bar. Every move uses the bar during this 20-minute workout…even the stretching. All in all, this is one effective workout.
You may be wondering why I would want a workout where I have to have a bar that I may not use regularly…well…I do use it. All the time. I’ll watch TV and use the bar to do chest press, upright rows, I even put it under my knees during lower ab work. The bar also works well to stablize me if I’m doing lunges or squats (and am experiencing some equilibrium issues). By choosing this workout as my morning strength, I really felt my muscles engage in a different way. Doing traditional strength moves is something that I’m going to have to reincorporate more often!
