Tom Holland's Total Ab Workout Review

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(More customer reviews)In Total Ab Workout, fitness instructor and physiologist Tom Holland has created four abs routines, each about six minutes in length. Each routine is progressively more difficult, culiminating with the final routine, which adds a dumbbell to increase the challenge. Tom filmed the workout in "real time," meaning that there are no cuts or edits; it's just a smooth, one-on-one abs workout with Tom. In additional to traditional crunches, the routines offer Pilates-like moves as well as back stabilization work to balance out the core.
The DVD Main Menu offers the option to play the entire workout or go to the Routines Menu, which breaks down each of the four routines into 6-7 segments (you need to actuallly click on the first segment to select the routine). The exercises listed on the Routines Menu are as follows:
Routine 1: arm slide crunches/alternate bent knee pulls/crossed leg obliques/plank/four-point bridge/bicycle
Routine 2: bent knee pulls/bent knee oblique lifts/bridge with lift and hold/crunches with legs up/crossed leg raised foot obliques/plank with raised leg
Routine 3: straight leg lowers/corkscrews/bridges with leg pulses/double crunches/the rope climb/two-point bridge
Routine 4: double roll ups/double oblique twists/bridge with leg holds/double butterflies/double press ups/plank
I liked the fourth routine the best, partly because it felt the most Pilates-like and partly because I liked how Tom worked in the use of the dumbbell; on the other hand, the third workout actually felt more challenging to me. Tom does not show modifications for any of the moves, and thus I think these workouts are best suited for experienced beginner to intermediate exercisers. Overall, a very nice series of ab routines that would be great for add-on work.

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Studio: Razor Digital EntRelease Date: 01/03/2006

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Power Half Hour Ab Burner with Tony Horton Review

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(More customer reviews)I have the complete Power Half Hour set (all included on 1 DVD) and these are tough little workouts!
The Ab Burner combines Cardio circuits w/ Ab circuits.
This combination makes sense because since there is no such thing as "spot reduction" of bodyfat, truly you need to actually burn calories to lose fat all over, then the ab work you do has a chance of actually being seen.
Of course you have to eat cleanly as well as workout or there's no way most people will ever see results, but from the workout end of things, this program (and the others in the Power Half Hour Series) really delivers!
If you get this, be prepared to work hard. It's short but it packs a LOT of punch!


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Stephanie Vitorino: The Ultimate Body Shaper Review

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(More customer reviews)The Ultimate Body Shaper is recommended for young, already fit women who want to work hard. This is definitely NOT the ideal video for beginners, seniors, seriously overweight people or anyone who doesn't enjoy a high intensity workout. Easier, alternate moves are not provided, so you either have to keep up, stop, or figure it out on your own. I'm a very fit aging babyboomer, and I found both the step and mat workouts to be very challenging. Because of this, half the time my eye was on the timer and my mind was wondering how much more I had to do/endure. Afterwards, however, I absolutely loved how I felt. All that delicious muscle soreness let me know I actually spent my time productively. And I was proud of myself for doing the required work and getting through it.
The best and most exciting feature of The Ultimate Body Shaper is Vitorino's use of methods and moves you won't find elsewhere. Vitorino relies heavily on cardio burst intervals, multi-pattern moves, and balance. Also, don't count on resting on your mat too much since most of the exercises are done from a standing position. The video has a warm-up, a cool-down, a mat/floor workout and a high step workout. For equipment, you'll need two sets of dumbbells (light and heavier) a step and a mat.
Vitorino is pleasant enough to look at and easy enough to follow, but her personality is little on the bland side. Likewise, the background music is utterly forgettable and does not inspire your heart to get into the action. That said, The Ultimate Body Shaper delivers on the promise of a safe, effective intermediate to advanced level workout and is worth the investment.

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Stephanie offers two complete 30 minute workouts on one DVD, plus full warm-up and cool-down options. The first workout is the V Body High Step Workout and is an incredible blend of aerobics/toning intervals for maximum benefit. The second segment is V Body Mat Workout, but don't let the name fool you -- you will not be leisurely resting on your mat for gentle pulses or other ballet/pilates type moves. Not here! Instead, Stephanie uses the mat for standing work, actively engaging the core in the ultimate balance challenge (balance with weight work). Cardio blasts are included in each workout for maximum fat-burning results.About the instructor: Stephanie Vitorino is one of LA's most sought-after fitness trainers. She's a nationally certified fitness trainer with AFAA and ACE with over 12 years of coaching experience in exercise physiology. With a positive approach to fitness she inspires her students to take control of their lives through a focused commitment toward better health. Known for her passion and intensity, Stephanie brings a spark of originality to her dynamic classes and Vbody fitness DVDs. "I've struggled with my own weight and know what it takes to gain control. That inspires me to share my experience with others. Hard work pays off, in fitness and life." Stephanie started her career as a professional dancer, taking her around the world, and landing multiple appearances on network television. Currently she is a Group Fitness Manager for Equinox Fitness Clubs in Woodland Hills, CA., featured trainer on Exercise TV and an Ambassador for Lululemon Athletica.

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Core Rhythms Dance Exercise Program Starter Package 3-dvd Set Review

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(More customer reviews)The European women aren't near as annoying as the Denise Austin type. Yeah, they're dancers and they're in good shape, but that's to be expected. They could do this blindfolded, with a broken ankle and look better than I do. But that doesn't have to discourage anyone.
I think they teach you just like any other aerobics class. Slow for a couple steps, then to tempo. The steps I've seen aren't outlandish, though some I couldn't do the first time. I'm not coordinated and don't look good doing it. But I also don't have a problem shutting myself in a room and laughing occasionally.
If you want to get a nice workout, that's different than your normal run-of-the-mill at home fitness videos, this is a good option. It's neat how they work the abs into the cardio routine.
I'm not sure if it's worth 45$ though (that's a month subscription to my gym!).
I think some of the bad reviews on the video are just personal frustrations. The video is nicely produced and coreographed. They're good leaders. The music is made to go with the routine perfectly. You can alternate between front and back views. If the "Latin" dvd is too hard, you can try the others. You can skip scenes. And there's an express workout too.

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Core Rhythms Dance Exercise Program Starter Package 3-Dvd Set! Jaana Kunitz & Julia Powers! In the Core Rhythms Full Workout, Jaana and Julia teach you the 3 Core Movements essential to Latin dancing and give drills to exercise your core to uplifting Latin music. With the Core Rhythms Quick Workout, they give you a workout for those days when you barely have half an hour to yourself! It challenges your coordination skills, but with the help of the back view you'll be grooving in no time! And with Latin Dance Made Easy, Jaana and Julia are joined by their husbands James and Bob to teach you 3 hot dances for a night out on the town!

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Core Rhythms Dance Exercise Program, Salsa Blast - Full Workout DVD Review

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(More customer reviews)Please disregard CTY "ConnectToYou"'s review (that they posted on all discs, prompting me to do the same). They seem to have a problem mostly with the company, not the DVDs. I never buy direct as these kind of organizations are known to be slimy, and I recommend that you purchase from a third party as well.
I love dance workouts as they are fun and educational and therefore I will actually do them. These are the best. You MUST start with the starter kit "kick start" disc to learn the moves. It's a workout in itself! Then you can progress to the extremely challenging dance workouts. The girls do go very fast and don't give you a lot of verbal cues, but you have more visual assist (in the camera views) than you could ever need. You WILL feel a change in your body from doing these regularly! I can't say enough about them, BUY THEM ALL!

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Introducing CORE RHYTHMS, a Latin Dance exercise program that will speed shrink your waistline and sculpt a lean, sexy body. With Core Rhythms Jaana and Julia get you moving and grooving to HOT Latin music in no time! Now, YOU can go from flab to fab with three simple movements that allow you to reap the benefits of years of training and practicing without all the hard work. Core Rhythms gives you world class cardio conditioning, while toning your abs at the same time.In CORE RHYTHMS FULL WORKOUT Jaana and Julia teach you the 3 Core Movements essential to Latin dancing and give you drills to exercise your core to uplifting Latin music. Jaana and Julia make it FUN to follow with their never before seen instructional help segments within the workout. This workout is for anyone who is willing to get up and move!

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Crunch - Pick Your Spot Pilates (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)The beauty of the Pilates DVD workouts is that you can workout for 10-40 minutes or pick any section or sequence. I recommend doing the entire 40 minutes. This workout goes by so quickly. For some reason, time seems to fly by extra fast. I could not believe how fast each section went by.
There are four 10 minute workouts on this DVD, not just three. There is a Bonus 10-Minutes Total Body Pilates Workout which finally includes moves like the teaser and roll-ups which are essentials.
10 minutes Belly
10 minutes Butt
10 minutes Thighs
10 minutes Challenge
I like that this is 40 minutes, but I wish they would have included a longer warm-up and cool-down section. This routine needs some stretching moves at the end. I guess that is not the focus but I felt like I wanted to do stretching at the end.
The frog move was interesting and I've not see this in other videos. There is a nice flow to most of the movements although if you are used to doing the "side series" all at once, it is broken up between the Butt and Thigh workouts.
There is an exercise at the end of the challenge section that you can do more easily if you have a couch behind you for support. I discovered that today! I've never been able to do one of the exercises and finally did it today!!
I would not recommend this DVD for anyone with lower back problems. The exercises are done much faster than in Winsor Pilates or even Pilates on the Go. There is a great advantage in having a wide variety of workouts because then you can modify some of the exercises to suit your individual needs. Like, her version of the bicycle was much faster than I'm used to, so I just did my own thing and did less.
If you are new to Pilates, I'd recommend the Winsor Pilates and Pilates on the Go before you start this DVD because they don't really cover all the basics.
A fun edition to your routine as Ellen has some variations to regular Pilates moves you might enjoy.
~The Rebecca Review

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3 Targeted 10-Minute Workouts For Your: BELLY - BUTTTHIGHS. Welcome to CRUNCH Fitness! Change your body in 10 minutes? It is possible. Pick Your Spot Pilates targets your favorite body parts to train: the belly, butt and thighs, with three l0-minute workouts. We've made every minute count with classic Pilates mat exercises to tone, firm, and re-shape your body. Gentle yet challenging, and easy-to-follow, Pilates focuses on precise breathing techniques to get in touch with your body's core so you can sculpt without bulk, creating sleek abs, leaner legs, and a bikini butt. Do one program at a time or all three in a row. These mini- workouts are completely self-contained including a warm- up, a fabulous workout, and cool-down all in 10 minutes! If you're time-crunched and need to squeeze in your workouts, this program is for you. You'll be surprised how many l0-minute spots you can find in your day! For all fitness levels. A mat or rug and bare feet are highly recommended. The CRUNCH Philosophy: The CRUNCH fitness program welcomes people from all walks of life regardless of shape, size or ability. We created a workout environment that is not competi-tive or judgmental. Enjoy these favorite classes with imaginative instructors in an atmosphere that makes working out fun. Meet the instructor: Ellen Barrett, Los Angeles. Certified Pilates and fitness instructor. Fitness philosophy: Fitness should lead to health, not only beauty; no matter what size you are, or what age you are, a healthy body IS beautiful. Favorite binge food: I'm a peanut butter nut. If you have any questions or comments about Pick Your Spot Pilates write to: Fitness@anchorbayentertainment.com Please consult your physician before beginning this or any other exercise program.Amazon.com description

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Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack Review

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(More customer reviews)I sat down & watched this workout to get familiar with it before I actually attempted it. I got tired just WATCHING! Jillian is amazing, as always! This workout is her best, and hardest, to date.
I did it for the first time yesterday...and I am SORE today! I'm in better shape than the average woman my age (45). This winter, I'm doing 2-a-day training sessions: working out with Jillian's various DVDs @ 4am before work, then running either at lunchtime on the treadmill in the gym at work or after I get home in the evening around my neighborhood. I also do a long run on the weekend. I've run 20+ races in the past 3 years, including 7 half marathons and 1 full marathon. I'm not an elite runner, by any means; I'm more of a middle-of-the-pack runner, but my point is that I work out all the time, I'm in really good shape, but this workout KICKED MY BUTT! I had to do the 'beginner version' of a lot of the exercises, though the girl doing the beginner modifications wasn't using a handweight. I did.
Oh, and don't be fooled just because it's called '6 week 6-pack.' You won't be laying on the floor doing crunches the whole time. As always, Jillian keeps it aerobic, working multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Your biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest, and back are going to feel the burn too because a lot of the exercises are done in plank, or some variation of plank.
I HIGHLY recommend this workout! Absolutely LOVE it! Yes, I'm sore from doing it yesterday...and yes, I'm doing it again tomorrow!
If you're a fan of Jillian's style, you will NOT be disappointed!

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Get ripped, flat abs in 6 weeks with America’s toughest trainer, Jillian Michaels. Forget boring sit-ups – Jillian’s ab-shredding system will chisel the midsection with her winning combination of core-focused cardio circuits and ab-toning exercises. 6 Week Six-Pack includes two dynamic 30-minute workouts plus warm-ups and cooldowns. Start with Level 1 for three weeks, then advance to Level 2 for increased intensity and fat burn. Stick with it and see dramatic results!

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