I'm on day 105 and can't believe the changes in my body and energy level since I started the program. I have lost 17 pounds and have 17 more to go. I love the Power 90 Workout and plan to keep on it, though I may get some of the other tapes for variety.

Here are my questions:

Does using a mini-trampoline for the cross-hops and some of the other aerobic moves impede the effectiveness any? I was having trouble with ankle pain until I tried the mini-trampoline. It's taken care of the problem, but I'm wondering if it uses less muscle power.

Also, I use the tapes six days a week. Would 7 days be better, or do I need to rest my muscles one day a week?

Finally, I've read that it's advisable to drink a glass of water BEFORE even beginning to work out. HOw important is it? I'd rather skip the water so I don't have to pause the tape for a bathroom break after 20 minutes.

Thanks!

Using the trampoline does change the effect of the exercise slightly because you lose the "plyometric" aspect. I would say that in your case this is totally unimportant and that your low-impact option is an excellent choice.

Give yourself a day to rest each week. If resting all day bothers you try doing a long stretching session. If this still doesn't cut it try adding some long slow cardio exercise. You can get away with extra cardio but you don't want to do extra resistance training because your muscles need the off days to recover and grow strong.

It's important to BE hydrated while you workout but that doesn't necessarily mean that you need to drink water right beforehand. Just make sure that you don't feel dehydrated before you start. It is also advisable to have a water bottle handy during the workout that you can access during the breaks.

That was great information! Thanks a whole lot! By the way, what is a "plyometric" effect?

Plyometrics are exercise movements that suddenly preload a muscle and force it to stretch an instant before it contracts, such as jumping down from something then jumping up. It adds eccentric force, or force beyond what body weight can provide, by using gravity. This type of movement is essential for athletes that need a high threshold of motor unit recruitment (explosive power) but it not particularly important for body sculpting.