Workout Review: Slim in 6
This workout is no joke!! If you base your opinion on the Slim in 6 cover art, you might assume it's some powder puff Jane Fonda type of workout, but actually, this program left me extremely sore!! I only did it for two weeks out of a three-month hybrid, but if I were to follow this program all the way through, I definitely feel I would achieve significant strength gains with it.
This program is built around the goal of sculpting your waistline, so it includes a ton of standing ab work—all sorts of leg lifts and moves that contract your obliques, as shown in the picture with this post. But it's also a well-rounded strength and cardio program designed to bring the overall metabolic benefits that lead to healthy weight loss when combined with a nutrition program that supports the same goal.
The sessions are long—but this has to be considered in the context of the newer, super short, super intense workout programs. Something like 21 Day Fix is short (30 minutes) and of moderate intensity, and will still get you superb results—but many of the shorter programs (Insanity Max;30, 22 Minute Hard Corps) are so intense it's almost impossible to get through a session without taking a break, and it becomes as much a victory of the mind as the body—that's how much you'll be wanting to quit the workout halfway through. I think Slim in 6 could actually be an ideal workout for a person for whom a super intense workout just isn't appealing. If you're not super crunched for time and you'd rather spread an intense, effective workout over an hour—with plenty of time to breathe and rest a bit between moves—then Slim in 6 may be the perfect solution.
Program length: It's designed as a six-week program (hence the name!) with five challenging workouts, one stretch session, and one rest day per week.
Workout length: The program includes 10 full-length sessions, ranging in length from 30 to 80 minutes, plus two stretch sessions and three shorter "express" workouts (5 to 15 minutes long) that can be added on to a full-length workout or done on their own on a day when you're short on time.
What equipment is needed? Free weights are used in most of the sessions; I used everything from 3 lbs up to 25 lbs. I also wore ankle weights for the leg lift-style moves, but those are optional. It's nice to have a cushion mat for the floor portions. Some moves are shown with resistance bands (the tube style ones with handles), but I simply used the weights for these moves. However, resistance bands would be a good option for doing this program while traveling.
How is it structured? Each session alternates strength- and cardio-focused segments, and also alternates between working on the upper and lower body, with floor strength work and floor ab work segments at the end. The moves are similar from session to session, but combined in different ways or using different variations on the same move to keep things fresh.
What kinds of moves are involved? Basic upper-body and lower-body strength moves (squats, lunges, deadlifts, bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, overhead presses) plus some less common, more creative moves that work smaller muscles or work large muscles in slightly different ways. As noted above, this program also contains a lot of leg lift-style to tone the side waist, so barre fans may enjoy this workout as well. The moves are clearly demonstrated and explained, and are mostly done with a high number of repetitions—so you may want to go a bit lighter on the weights.
Low-impact? Yes, this program is entirely low-impact.
Interested in trying this program? Learn more in my video review or email me at info@livingvibrantly.net to find out when my next challenge group starts! I can also guide you to my recommended sources for the equipment mentioned here, or get you set up with a different workout program if this one isn't up your alley. I'm only an email away... Let's chat!
