Becoming Power 4 Pink with Patricia Friberg

For me, pink is one of those colors. I’m not quite sure if it’s the feminine hue or the way it complements my heavy lifting…ahem, giving me the “Yes, I am a woman, and, yes, I can lift that!” attitude, but nevertheless, it reminds me that I am strong, beautiful and can conquer the world—just what we Fit Bottomed Girls do! So what’s more fitting for us FBGs who love pink than Patricia Friberg’s Power 4 Pink Workout DVD?

The Power 4 Pink Workout, which benefits The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, is a dynamic fusion of endurance strength training, Pilates and balance exercises. The DVD includes four segments, with one section specifically for breast cancer survivors. Friberg’s four workouts are not only designed to give you a good workout but also help you improve your balance and restore proper posture and alignment.

With jazz music setting the tone, Friberg’s energy and enthusiasm help get you motivated (even when working out is the last thing you want to do!). She is constantly supportive and gives modifications when necessary. This series does recommend a small fitness ball and a 6-foot resistance band, which does make quite the difference in many of the core exercises, but many of them can be done without them—but if you’re like me and somehow can scrounge up a Bosu, you’ll find 50 percent of your problems solved! Here is the low-down on each workout. You may want to put on your pink for this!

Power 4 Pink Workout DVD Details

Cardio Interval Balance Challenge: This workout runs about 20 minutes and was generally pretty easy. The warm-up is composed of light aerobic exercises, and the workout hits the whole body. You’ll need the resistance band to create a significant resistance.

The Toning Floor Series: I found this workout to be the most challenging of the four! This routine is focused on the core and includes all sorts of crunches and extensions. You’ll need a stability ball to get the most out of this workout, but in case you don’t have one (like me), you can do most of these exercises on a Bosu. The workout includes extensions, crunches and stabilization exercises that will definitely give your core a sore wake-up call.

The Stretch and Revive Series: I have found a whole new appreciation for stretching, as you might have heard! This segment uses a stability ball and mat for over half the exercises (I used the Bosu again!). Although this segment only runs about 10 minutes, I felt refreshed and ready-to-go once I finished.

Breast Cancer Survivor’s Workout: This workout is about 10 minutes long and is specifically for breast cancer survivors. In this short segment, you’ll work to regain strength and mobility in your arms, shoulders, chest and abdomen. It is a very light series of stretches.

FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★
Music: ★★
Fun Factor: ★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★
Overall: ★★1/2

Fit Bottomed Line: Overall this Power 4 Pink is very well rounded and gives you a complete workout targeting cardio, balance and strength training. I found that it wasn’t too challenging, but a wonderful DVD to add to a beginner’s repertoire.

Do you have friend or a loved one who is a breast cancer survivor? How do they inspire you to stay fit and live healthy?–Raquel