Ripped Aussie Lass Kicks Ass!

Today's workout: Bridal Body Burn by Violet Zaki
Difficulty: intermediate
Length: 30 minutes
Concept: By combining the most effective fitness techniques, you can maximize the benefits gained in a 30-minute workout.

Violet Zaki is one of my favorite instructors. And even though I'm not getting in shape for my wedding, I decided to try this workout which is part of Exercise TV's 30-day countdown to your wedding day (or something like that). Zaki is petite and sweet, but her workouts are challenging, efficient, effective, and innovative.

In Bridal Body Burn, Zaki mixes the most effective workout techniques, including interval training, strength training, balance and coordination, and compound exercises (where you work more than one body part at a time) to tax both your body and your mind.

Some of her exercises take some getting used to, for example the backwards lunge performed while "rowing" with a dumbbell. But the price of that momentary befuddlement is having your body challenged in interesting new ways by Zaki's totally unique fitness style. And her exercises are safe; Zaki demonstrates beautiful form and provides excellent form pointers throughout (plus a few jokes in her awesome Australian accent).

Pros: Unique exercises that challenge your body in new ways and provide a very thorough workout in a short amount of time.
Cons: Would be better if it were just 10 minutes longer with a few extra-long intervals to really up the cardio. The whole "wedding-day" motif is silly if you're not getting in shape for your wedding (and maybe even if you are.)