I was pumping away on the elliptical trainer at the gym, flipping through the channels to find something to distract me from watching the clock. I happened upon an infomercial for Core Secrets, the workout program by trainer to the stars, Gunnar Peterson and his celebrity client, Brooke Burns. Their program centers around strengthening of the “core” muscles, quickly accelerated with the use of a balance ball (also known as a fit ball or stability ball). I’ve played around with a balance ball for about a year, and agree it can be extremely beneficial in a fitness program. However, I soon bored of the basic exercises that came with the ball and have been allowing my kids to entertain themselves with it. The infomercial intrigued me and I decided to give the Core Secrets program a try.

Gunnar Peterson is very encouraging and reassuring. His exercises feel very effective and it doesn’t take a degree in physics to figure out how to do them. I particularly like the fact that he only does one set of each exercise – I tend to bore easily and this program moves quickly since you don’t spend any great length of time on a particular exercise. He also switches back and forth between muscle groups to allow time to recover.

Brooke Burns demonstrates the exercises in the Fundamentals DVD and is much easier to watch than a peppy, 20 year old blonde who was blessed to be born stick-thin. It’s obvious that she works for her figure – muscular and strong, in a very appealing way. The more advanced DVDs have replaced Brooke with a few other lean, mean, young ladies, but I still did not feel the urge to reach through the screen and choke any of them during the workout.

The workouts are very invigorating. They are short enough that you can’t use the excuse that you don’t have the time, yet they encompass the total body - leaving you to know that you’ve done a good workout at the end. A set of dumbbells (most likely 3 or 5 pounds for starters) is

The initial set is a steal at $9.95 plus shipping, which includes a high-quality balance ball, food journal, eating plan, flash cards of the basic exercises and two workouts. However, the follow-up shipments are a little steep at $50 for two DVDs. I am not a huge fan of subscriptions, so I was quite pleased to find out that I could cancel at any time, but continue to order additional DVDs, one at a time, for $19.95 plus shipping.

You may also purchase a more complete kit from the beginning, which includes two advanced DVDs in addition to the ball, flashcards, and meal plan. I’ve recently noticed that these kits are available at a variety of department stores, so it is no longer mandatory to go the subscription route.

The initial package includes the Fundamentals DVD, which covers the basic exercises at a nice slow pace, giving you the opportunity to master the technique. The Give Me 20 workout incorporates these basic exercises into your daily routine and is a great beginning strength-training program. .

Future shipments include a 25-minute Full Body Workout which is perfect as a prelude to a cardio workout, a 45-minute Advanced workout, and my favorite thus far: the 45-minute Total Body Challenge, which left me feeling as if I’d really accomplished something!

Overall, I highly recommend the Core Secrets program to anyone interested in strength training, but perhaps a little reserved about getting started. The program will take you from beginner to advanced at your own pace and if combined with a sensible eating plan, a person will definitely see some definition where it counts!

So, to answer the question … Is the secret out?? Yes, it is! I’m in love with Gunnar Peterson and Core Secrets!

Dawn Lloyd is the owner/editor of http://www.PersonalFitnesszone.com. Please visit her site for additional product/diet reviews, information, and weight loss and fitness support.

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