Core and More

This DVD is a good mix of traditional ab exercises and Pilates moves. Although I enjoy this work out and I think it works the entire core, I didn't find it to be too challenging. This would be good for a beginner or a low intermediate exerciser.

DVD chapters: Warm Up (11 minutes), Core and More (46 minutes) and Cool Down (6.5 minutes)

Workout: There is a long warm up (11 minutes) which includes squats, twists, shot puts, hammer throws, etc. which is a typical warm up for Gilad. The main work out is all floor work. There are a few stretching breaks in the 46 minute workout. Here is a breakdown of the workout.

bent knee leg circles

arm raises with crunches

crunches with twist

crunches with knee lifts

crunches with one bent leg and one straight leg

crunches with one bent leg and leg lifts

scissors

single leg stretch

roll ups with weight

half roll ups with weight

backstroke

scoop up with leg lifts

bridges

bridge with leg lifts

baby cobra/back bends

supermans

plank

side leg lift

bent knee leg lifts with weights

leg squares with weights

half rollbacks

half rollbacks with twist

saw

Setting: The DVD is set on a beautiful beach in Hawaii with the ocean in view.

Music: Typical of Gilad's shows, the music is instrumental and is just background music.

Crew: There are 4 people(3 women and Arthur) working out with Gilad who are always demonstrating perfect form.

Equipment Needed: 1 light dumbbell

My only complaint with this work out is that I did not have to struggle to finish the workout the first time. There is no dread factor for me with this workout and I think there is a spot for this in my rotation, but I would have preferred it to put my abs on fire.

I'd rate this another solid intermediate by Gilad in that it (1) isn't super advanced like say, Caron's "Hard Core Conditioning v. 1" and (2) beginners might think you're crazy for doing an abs workout that clocks in over an hour.

That said, this isn't just an abs workout (hence, the "more" in the title). There are some yoga and pilates moves. In short, Gilad shows off some of the newer core training moves -- he's still a bit late to this party -- rather than safe standbys like he used to for abs. Some of the moves can be challenging.

You need one dumbbell or a medicine ball. The set is a beach with weird elevated platforms for the exercisers. Gilad is charming and upbeat and he cues well. Quite frankly, I think he looks better with age meaning he has likely made some kind of pact with the devil.

The workout includes but isn't limited to lots of crunches, some standard, some with one leg coming up as well. There is also bridge work, some standard, some with one leg coming up as well. Also expect supermans, some planks, and some outer thigh floor work using the weight.

Gilad seemed to forget chaptering on this series. You get three chapters: the warm up, the workout, and the cool down.

Overall, it's a good video. It could be shorter. For that length I think I was expecting my abs to be on fire, and that did not happen. I wonder a little if -- for the style of video it is -- it is too long for beginners and intermediates but not intense enough for advanced. Then again, I liked it much better my second time through because I needed a lighter tape (coming out of injury), so there is always a place for everything.