Kathy Smith - Weight Loss Workout (1991) Review

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(More customer reviews)I love Kathy Smith, but I remember trying to do this workout a few years ago (I was 17, not in that bad of shape & not overweight) and it was very hard. My mom, who was trying to lose weight, did this workout a few times, and it was usually too much for her, too. Like someone said before, if you can do the 70 minutes, it's great, so that's why I gave it 5 stars. But if you're just starting out, please choose something like "Functionally Fit: Peak Fat Burning" by Kathy Smith. I'm afraid "Weight Loss Workout" will discourage you! It's one you need to work your way up to.

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Powerbody: Advanced Russian Kettlebell Workout with Phil Ross (kettle bell) (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my 3rd KettleBell DVD and if this one and the previous DVD's are all that are out there, I'm going to sell my new KettleBell and strike this off my "Try and new workout" resolution.
It is very apparent that the instructor is very well versed in KettleBells. He explains all the moves in the tutorial and has a very nice physique.
The big problem I have with this DVD is that it is not a viwer friendly DVD at all. During the entire workout portion, you must "watch" the instructor do the exercises. The only words that come out of his mouth are 'Set One Completed" after the end of an entire set, and so on. The rest of the exercise time he is inhaling strongly and exhaling strongly, so if your eyes are not glued to the TV set, you won't even know when he switches hands, lifts his leg, or bends down and stands again. This is very difficult (and probably dangerous) when he does push-ups and you have to bend your neck backwards to see what he's doing. While he is in push-up position, he does one armed push-ups, lifts one leg at a time, and does two armed push-ups. He does not even count down so at least the viewer would know to look up at the end of the count to see a change. I know it says advanced, but even an advanced person needs some type of count and what exercise is coming next. I'm perplexed at how this DVD made it out of a production house...poorly planned and executed.
I very, very rarely give a 1 star to an exercise DVD, but this one was totally useless. I'm going to swap it out for something more beneficial. A waste of money.

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RKC certified Kettlebell instructor Phil Ross brings over 35 years of fitness and martial arts training to this intense DVD program designed for those with kettlebell experience. Advanced Russian Kettlebell gives you training sequences that build muscular and cardiovascular endurance, develop reflexive strength, and condition your body. Your core also gets a deep workout throughout the DVD, with DJ Brian Howe adding the powerful musical inspiration to keep you on track and moving (the DVD also includes a no music option). Within the four workout segments, as well as the burnout portion, you ll see Phil demonstrate moves such as the Kettlebell Swing, Figure 8, Low-, Mid-, and Hi- Halos, Hand-to-Hand Swing, Kettlebell push-ups, Cross Renegade Rows, Renegade Side Lunges, and much more. The DVD also includes a bonus segment of neck training and ab cool-down.

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Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates - Four DVD Pregnancy Series (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates Four DVD Pregnancy Series is meant to take women from conception all the way through pregnancy and delivery. The DVDs can be purchased individually or as a set:
DVD 1: Triple Threat: Get in Shape Before Your Pregnancy
DVD 2: Pilates for Pregnancy: Maintain strength and prepare for birth
DVD 3: Post Pregnancy & C-Section Recovery: Get your pre-pregnant body back
DVD 4: Exercises with Baby: Bond with your newborn and stay in shape
Jennifer's impressive resume includes distinctions such as Certified Pilates Instructor, Master Trainer, Labor and Post-Partum Support Doula, ACE and PMA, Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis & Yoga certified. Her expertise, passion and compassion come through on all four DVDs.
DVD 1: Triple Threat is a fantastic workout for all women, not just those wanting to get pregnant. Combining the elements of Kickboxing and Pilates together, I sometimes forgot that this was supposed to be "Pilates" as for the majority of the workout I was standing and not lying. There is a concentrated abdominal portion of the video that takes some very advanced exercises, and my abs felt sufficiently worked at the end, as did my arms, legs, and back. I felt absolutely wonderful.
DVD 2: Pilates for Pregnancy: shows a very pregnant Jennifer leading a class with two other women, one who is demonstrating 1st and 2nd Trimester Modifications with Jennifer and the other model demonstrating 3rd Trimester. As neither model seemed to be pregnant, the modifications for each trimester could have been better demonstrated if each woman was working with one trimester. Because the second trimester involves so much transition, a first time mother might not realize that at times it would actually be more appropriate to follow the 3rd Trimester ladies rather than the 1st. That said, she does a great job of repeatedly reminding the mother to listen to her body, and take appropriate modifications.
DVD 3: Post Pregnancy & C-Section Recovery: An adorable post-pregnancy Jennifer demonstrates a fantastic workout for brand new mothers who have the luxury of taking time away from their baby. Before she gets into the workout though, Jennifer, 3 days post-partum and still in the hospital, gives new moms an idea of what they are in for, and some tips for recovery steps that can be taken while still in the hospital.
DVD 4: Exercises with Baby: is an incredibly challenging abdominal workout with baby. Jennifer demonstrates the whole workout with her 4 month old daughter, who is a full participant in the workout, occasionally trying to roll away as we all know our babies will do as soon as we put the DVD in.
Overall, this series is fantastic for new and expectant mothers. The only criticism I have is that, if I were to purchase this while pregnant, it wouldn't occur to me to watch the Post-pregnancy DVD until after the baby was born, and I would have missed out on the great "while in hospital" advice from Jennifer. I also think the triple threat workout could be used for anyone, pregnant or not, male or female. If you are thinking about getting pregnant, or know someone who is, the boxed set is a great bargain and, even if it's too late to get the "Triple Threat" in before pregnancy, it will be a great video for years to come.

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Everything You Need- Before, During and After PregnancyFOUR AMAZING DVD'S WITH EVERYTHING YOUR BODY NEEDS TO PREPARE, MAINTAIN AND RECOVER FROM PREGNANCY!The Fusion Pilates Pregnancy Series is best thing you can do for yourself and you baby.These four videos by leading pregnancy exercise expert Jennifer Gianni provide you with everything your body needs to prepare, maintain and recover from the traumatic effects of pregnancy. DVD ONE:FUSION PILATES TRIPLE THREAT: A dynamic combination of low impact cardio, Pilates toning and balance work. The three disciplines are intertwined in an intense workout that keeps the body guessing- and working.An informative introduction teaches the foundations of the Fusion Pilates basics so you get the most out of the Main Workout.This workout will get your body ready for pregnancy and is a great overall workout to keep anyone in top shape.DVD TWO:FUSION PILATES FOR PREGNANCY: Discover how yoga infused Pilates can keep you in shape during and after your pregnancy. Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy is the first Pilates based workout designed to give pregnant women a challenging workout, without compromising safety. DVD THREE:FUSION PILATES FOR POST PREGNANCY AND C—SECTION RECOVERY: A MUST for getting back your pre-pregnant body.Includes real footage of Jennifer immediately after her C-Section offering tips on what to expect and how to care for yourself during your hospital stay.Also includes a SAFE First Six Weeks Exercise Plan, which will gently prepare you for Jennifer’s Main Post Pregnancy Workout.DVD FOUR:FUSION PILATES – EXERCISING WITH BABY: Get in shape, have fun and spend quality time with your baby.Fusion Pilates Exercise with Baby is a fun and varied program that lets your baby take part in this quick head to toe workout that’s great for busy moms.

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Fat Burning Fusion Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a big fan of Ellen Barrett's, and have been for a couple of years. My favorite routine of her's, up to now, was the one she created for FitTV's "All Star Workouts" called Zen Sculpt. My next favorite, also from "All Star Workouts" was her Slow-robics. This new DVD, "Fat Burning Fusion" is from Ellen's Buff Girl Fitness productions, and does not disappoint! It is a great workout from start to finish, and is very challenging and tough if done correctly. You will get out of it what you put in to it. Her focus is not always on what is moving, but what isn't moving.
A little note about Ellen's style...she isn't for those who want a bulky physique. She is more about elongating and strengthening the muscles for a lean and feminine dancer's body. Her routines blend Plilates with dance, with mind/body integration. The entire program works all areas of the body--the powerhouse, the heart center, and the limbs. So, you burn calories, build muscle, and stretch through each move smoothly and gracefully. You will feel this the next day--especially in the legs and glutes.
Working out with Ellen is not easy, but it is gentle to the body. If you want hard-core cardio, with lots of jumping around and kick-boxing, she's not for you. If you want to look like Cathe Friedrich, Ellen won't get you there. However, if you want to be toned, flexible, long and lean, she's your gal. Done on a regular basis, you will see results. This is Ellen at her very best-great cuing, easy explanations, and fun!

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Item Name: Fat Burning Fusion; Studio:Buff Girl Fitness

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Susan Powter Burn Fat Lifestyle Exchange Exercise DVD Review

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(More customer reviews)This DVD is so wonderful. I just bought it and tried it out with my kids. It doesn't require any fancy shoes or equipment. It is fun and exciting. It has several levels of modification for ANY fitness level. I am a LARGE lady, and let me tell you I found I could do it. The great thing is I did it with out feeling like I was having a heart attack or was going to pass out! It has so many modifications, for any fitness level, I sincerely believe that anybody, including the incredibly fit and gorgeous can get some thing out of it. I recommend any body and every body try this fitness DVD out. A huge plus is Susan's great personality. She is so positive and non-judgmental in the way she addresses her audience.

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Georges St. Pierre Rushfit: Strength & Endurance Workout (2011) Review

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(More customer reviews)I took a chance on this exercise dvd series and ordered it direct from the manufacturer's website last December. I'm glad I did as these are the best fitness dvds that I own. The entire series spans six discs, but I'll just be reviewing the "Strength & Endurance Workout" here.
The dvd is well produced and offers a balanced, high intensity, total body workout. The trainer Erik Owings does a great job of demonstrating the proper form for each exercise and makes sure everyone follows it. Georges is upbeat, encouraging and really attacks the workout. A timer at the bottom keeps track of which exercise is being performed and tracks the time remaining for each round and the entire workout. All of the exercises are performed at a demanding, fast pace. If you keep pace with everybody you should be thoroughly sweaty and exhausted by the end. The workout has a wide variety of exercises which I go into detail below.
Before I do, I want to list any potential drawbacks of the dvd. The trainer Erik does a terrific job but comes across as being very serious. Personally I like this, but if you're looking for something with a more outgoing instructor like Bob Harper, keep in mind you don't get that in this dvd. Also, the workout might not be long enough for some people. Altogether, with the warm up and cool down included, it lasts 47 minutes; about 35 minutes of that I'd categorize as non-stop high intensity exercise. Lastly, this is a program designed for people of intermediate to advanced fitness levels. I would not recommend this dvd to beginners.
The warm up takes eleven minutes and consists of the following exercises which you perform for around 60 seconds each: 1) torso twists, 2) side bends, 3) walk outs (from a standing position walk out on your hands to a push-up position, then with your legs walk until your feet are right behind your hands and stand up), 4) backward lunges, 5) walk out push-ups, 6) lateral lunges, 7) push-ups + alternating lateral planks, 8) air squats, 9) opposite leg + arm extensions while on all fours, and 10) straight ups.
From there you go into the actual workout which is made up of five rounds, each lasting around 5 minutes. Round 1 consists of 60 seconds each of air squats, iso squats, hands off push-ups (like a regular push-up except you very briefly rest chest on floor and raise hands off ground in between), a back extension, and pop-ups (in a single hop you go from a kneeling position to a standing one; thankfully they demonstrate a modification for this one). For round 2 you do more air squats, then squat thrusts, push-ups, burpees, and alternating lateral planks. Round 3 exercises all involve two dumbbells and include lateral lunges, the overhead press, bent over rows, alternating upright rows, and rotating curls (go back and forth between curls and reverse curls switching at the top). For round 4 you use a single heavy dumbbell for around the world, single arm swings, high pulls, one leg single arm rows, and the diagonal press. Finally it all ends with floor exercises for round five which include the single hand twisting floor press, half get-ups, and finishes with prone alternating dumbbell rows.
Overall, "GSP Rushfit Strength & Endurance Workout" proves to be an exhausting but rewarding routine and I highly recommend it. A few of my other favorite exercise dvds are The Kung Fu Kickboxing Workout and the "Bob Harper: Inside Out Method" dvd series.

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This workout is broken down into five high intensity circuits designed to burn calories and simulate the intensity of a fight -- full-body exercises performed one after another with little rest in between. Train your chest, back, arms and legs at an elevated heart rate. Gain strength, lean out, and resist fatigue in less time for the best physique of your life. Train beside GSP and find out what intensity really means. This strength conditioning video gives you first hand access to the secret training approach of a champion. In 45 minutes a day, you will perform, feel and look better than ever!

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Denise Austin: Get Fit Daily Dozen (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This DVD is just perfect for me, a mom of three little ones. There are six 12 minute "daily dozens," such as Yoga Stretch and Cardio Kickboxing Burn. There are 12 moves in each daily dozen segment lasting a minute each. I always followed Denise Austin on her Lifetime TV half hour program, but when it was cancelled was at a loss for a short program I could do daily. Now, I pop this DVD in an am able to select one twelve minute workout, or several, lasting longer if I have the time. I would say the workouts are easier than some of her other workout videos, pretty much because once you get tired of one move, she is already onto the next. I would describe myself as a beginner to moderate "work-outer." Denise Austin, as always, is just an absolute sweet and encouraging person: I don't like to work out without her cheering me on! I have so many of her workouts already, and she has been doing this for years and years for a reason!

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Denise Austin does a body good with her effective new workout system, Get Fit Daily Dozen. With 12 easy exercises in 12 minutes a day, you can get and stay fit with a program that fits your schedule. This slim-quick system includes five 12-minute workouts with a different move for every minute to trim and tone from head to toe. Get your daily dose of exercise and get in the best shape of your life! Cardio-Athletic (12 min):Rev up your metabolism, and your athleticism, with 12 heart-pumping exercises that blast calories and incinerate fat. Cardio Kickbox (12 min):Punch, kick, and shuffle yourself slim with 12 cardio-charged moves that allow you to progress at your own pace. Lower Body Sculpt (12 min):Tone your hips, thighs, buttocks, and abs with 12 targeted exercises to slim saddlebags, shape the rear, and tighten the tummy. Upper Body Sculpt (12 min):Row, curl, and plank your way to sexier shoulders, arms, and abs with 12 super-sculpting upper body exercises. Yoga Stretch (12 min):Release tension and improve circulation with 12 yoga-inspired moves to stretch and soothe every muscle in the body.

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Bob Harper: Yoga for the Warrior Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this as part of the 4 box set from Bob's website. This is a power yoga workout which is an athletic yoga workout based on Ashtanga. This is not a bad workout, its just that there are so many power yoga workouts that are so very similar to this and many have better instruction (for example, Bryan Kest's 3 workout DVD series is a better bargain and has better instructions and a better price). If you already some good power yoga workouts, this workout will not really add anything new to your collection.
The level of this workout is pitched towards the intermediate/advanced exerciser. The demonstration of proper form is pretty minimal so this is best for someone who knows how to properly execute the moves. The workout also has some fairly advanced moves such as binds (moves in which one part of the body holds onto another part of the body or when two parts of the body are intertwined. These are great but you can injure yourself if you do not have good form).
There are three people going through this workout. Like the other workouts in this series, there is a timer counting down how much of the workout is left. The workout starts with basic stretching and then works into the sun salutation series (flat back stretch with palms to ground, downward dog, plank, chatkuranga, upward dog).
The workout coves all the basic power yoga poses: tree, triangle, reversed triangle, warrior 1,2, and 3, half moon, triangle, reversed triangle, chair pose, lunges, wheel, seated twists, bridge.
The first portion of the workout is standing poses, the last workout is seated work.
All in all, this is a solid power yoga workout that will work the entire body. However, there is nothing in this workout that really differentiates it from other power yoga workouts. If you already have a good power yoga dvd (Bryan Kest, Baron Baptiste, Beryl Bender Birch, Kristen McGee, etc) then this workout will not offer anything substantially different.

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This is yoga at its extreme. Bob has deconstructed the traditional concept of yoga with this vigorous, physique-refining yoga routine that recruits and trains every muscle in your body, stretching your limitations, and delivering powerful weight-loss results. Maximum output is required. Temperatures and heart rates will soar as you push your body to the limit, triggering both physical and metabolic responses that work to deliver your most streamlined physique possible. Go beyond where you thought a normal yoga workout could go!

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Bob Harper: Pure Burn Super Strength Review

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(More customer reviews)How in the world did I miss this guy? Well, I think it's because I stayed away from the dvds with Biggest Loser marketing. My loss. Bob kicks a**!! I love Pure Burn Super Strength! Definately not for the faint of heart. This has to be one of the best strength workout dvds ever - IMO. There are two workouts:
Workout 1 - One hour full-out (a little over an hour including warm up & cool down)
Workout 2 - 20 min. beginner workout
You need weights. I used 3lbs & 5lbs, however, will use 8 lbs next workout. Obviously, men will use heavier weights to start out with. Bob says up to 12 lbs...but for guys, I would think higher. If you have hard floors, you'll also need a mat.
BREAKDOWN - WORKOUT 1
Warmup
Squats with weights
Pushups
Bicep curl to shoulder press
Squats w/ weights - increase speed, then hold...BURNS!
Down & Outs - add push up
Pushups then go halfway down - hold
Bicep curl w/ shoulder press
Down & Outs - pushups
Fast Shoulder presses then hold....
Back Rows - then pulses
Deadlifts
Right leg in front - bent over rows
Arm Raise Combo - Front, Side, and Posterier pinky up side
Hold arms out to side - 3x
Left leg in front - bent over rows
Arm Raise Combo
WATER BREAK!! MUCH NEEDED =)
Holding one weight only - lunge forward
Pass weight under leg, back & forth
Bent over (squat) single arm fly - working deltoid
Repeat on opposite leg, and opposite single arm fly
Alternating lunges, then lunge jumps!
HALFWAY THRU
Bicep Curls - Bob points out not to worry about bringing weight all the way up. Helpful tip, felt a difference.
Squat position w/ elbows right above knees - little bicep curls
Tricep Extensions
DOWN TO FLOOR
Skull Crushers
Chest press (keep elbows close to focus on triceps)
Crunches - regular crunches, crunches with arms reaching out to sides of legs - then pulse, arms back behind head & raise one leg (knees at same heigth), switch legs while continuing to crunch, then both legs up
Back to standing
Single leg (balance) while doing hammer curls, switch legs continue with curls
Supination Extensions - forward extensions & side extensions, then squat down & do side supination extensions. OUCH.
Continue in squat position, put arms down...hold, then weighted jump squats, finish the burn with more weighted chair squat!
Tricep Extensions
Floor - Skull Crushers, Chest Press, Crunches w/ legs extended
Roll over to Plank position for Weighted Plank Rows
Weighted T-Stands - pushup w/ T-stand, T-stand each side, then pushups w/ T-stand again - Seriously Hurting
Hold Plank Position
Stand up begin Matrix Lunges
Matrix Lunges (holding one weight) - lunge forward, lunge side, lunge back (pay attention to the back lunge, form is unique)
Standing Weighted Pullovers
Matrix Lunges on other leg
Iso Arms - hold arm straight out, then arm out to side palm down, front, side...repeat iso arm other side
WATER BREAK
On floor in plank position on forearms. Raise/lower hips, then twist hips side to side for twisting plank
Press up to straight plank, back down on elbows, up, down, up, down, up..really it is torture
Side Knee Plank - bring knee to elbow, other side, then go really fast!
COOL DOWN WORKOUT 2 - 20 min
Warmup
Weighted Sumo Squat
Bicep Curls, then pulses, and lastly hold (arms 90 degrees)
Tricep Extensions
Tricep Kickbacks
Alternating Lunges - then hold leg in lunge position, alternate & hold, again...good burn
Front Raises - palms face eachother, lift to eye level
Lateral Raises - arms out to side, palms down
Posterier Lateral Raises - pinky up first side raise
Then do all together - Front, Lateral, Posterier
Dead lift - knees slightly bent
Slowed down dead lifts
Back rows - slightly bent over
WATERBREAK - stretch
Pushups - on knees.. 2 sets
Hold in Plank position
turn on back for crunches
Hold crunch & lift leg up..switch legs
Switch legs - crunches, other leg - crunches
Hold crunch
COOLDOWN
Fransisco, Helen, and Stephanie are the lucky exercise talent. Stephanie modifies for those who need to lighten up a bit because it gets TOUGH! Bob does an excellent job explaining form, cueing, and pushing you to the next level. I highly recommend this DVD!! It would be tough for beginners. I think intermediate to advanced fitness levels will appreciate this workout. You absolutely must get this workout!!
Please leave a comment if you have any questions =)

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Bob Harper: Pure Burn Super StrengthNo muscle goes untrained. A Get Cut Revolution for the upper body, lower body and core. 35 power surging moves, set to a dynamic pace, delivering an intensified burn that works to aggressively increase metabolism, attack fat, and exhaust calories so you lose weight and gain pure muscle. Get the results you have been looking for.

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