5 comments about Denise Austin: Hit the Spot - Core Complete.

1. I had never seen this woman before. She's a female version of an enthusiastic Mr. Mackey from South Park. I didn't find her tolerable to listen to. Good exercise though and good variety.



2. I recently received this video and have done the workouts twice, and at first I didn't feel like I was working very hard, but my body said different in the morning! I think this is a good workout if you are short on time. And I know people think Denise is nuts, but I think she's funny and she keeps you motivated while you work :)



3. I had high hopes for this workout but it is definitely more of a core workout. The upperbody workout spent about 5 minutes working the arms and the rest was core while the legs and buns spent an adequate amount of time working those specific muscles.
   I am glad I did not spend money on this and rented it from the library because it was not worth my money.



4. Great workout. Denise is a bit perky, but she gets the job done and I enjoy most of her videos. She keeps me motivated throughout. I would like to see her use people in her videos that aren't quite as stick thin as she is.



5. Denises Hit the Spot- Core Complete is great. She is encouraging, and does routines that are good for a beginner. She moves a little fast, during changes, but she always supplies the participant with easier or more difficult challanges for most exercises. I could really feel this in my core, as well as my extremities. It really irritates me when others complain about her voice, and if you have never heard her talk before, she is squeaky, and horse sounding at times, but she is so positive and explains every detail of her moves. I do not know how anyone could complain about her, except that maybe they are just too picky or cranky or something. She has a great body, and has been a guru at being fit since forever...and it shows in her DVD's. Thanks Denise!

5 comments about Rachel Brice: Bellydance Arms and Posture.

1. When I first ordered this DVD I was a little nervous because Ms. Brice is such an incredible dancer that I feared it would be a very complicated series of movements. Imagine my delight when I realized that the movements are really really SIMPLE and what makes them look so beautiful is the fact that you drill them over and over again! I was delighted that I can do a lot of these exercises right at my desk at work!
   
   A definite must-have for ANY level dancer!



2. I cannot believe how amazing Rachel Brice is! Definitely a must for any bellydancer who wants to improve her overall performance. Beautiful arms are for everyone!



3. This video is awesome from the very beginning..not to mention the performance and interview at the end are just phenominal. I took her advice and bought some wrist weights to do this DVD with..and that is definitely a MUST. Once you do the dvd a couple of times and get used to the movement..add the 1lbs wrist weights one set at a time..as if to add jewelry. It hurts..but I've never seen my shoulder muscles work so good! Excellent video for tribal dancers.



4. This video only furthers my love of everything Rachel. She talks to you like a competent, equal, friend. Stays focused and keeps the mood steady. She is so fluid that she makes everything look so easy, even when its not, but that is extra motivation that it CAN be done, I am just not at that level yet. LOVE the video, Rachel kicks butt. Only wish she had MORE instructional videos out there...



5. I am new to belly dancing, but not new to dance. This DVD makes a lot of sense; starting with build up the strength,great exercise stretching the muscles.Rachel Brice doesn't promise quick results, but mentions the necessity of consistent practice.And I see the exercises are great for me: they relax muscles when I am tired after computer work, or after driving on those horribly congested Southern Californian freeways. I would recommend this DVD not only to people who want to learn belly dancing, but also those who would like to add creativity to their daily stretches.I found the interview not too interesting, but the added bonus for me was Rachel Brice's performance, and what a dancing goddess is she!

5 comments about Classical Pilates Technique - The Complete Mat Workout Series English & Spanish (Modified Basic / Basic / Intermediate / Advanced / Super Advanced).

1. I spent 3 years taking a group pilates class, but lost most of my strength and form after 3 pregnancies. Trying to get to the gym with three kids is impossible, so I purchased this DVD to guide me back to my glory days. Had I not had years of experience in which to perfect these exercises, this video would had been a horrible introduction to Classical pilates. However, because I was trained and simply out of shape, it was a great refresher. I do find the pace a bit fast--yes this is part of the challenge--but I prefer to slow down a bit and focus on my form rather than be sloppy and race through it. My advice? If you're a beginner, don't buy this video unless you are in a class or taking other instruction. If you aren't a beginner, but aren't in top form either, watch the video in its entirety several times and determine what level matches your fitness level. Listen to the pointers (which might not be mentioned until repetition 4 of 5), make mental notes, and write down the workout sequence on a piece of paper. With this sheet as a guide, I can slow down when the exercises are tougher for me than they are for the instructor, but still keep the video on for inspiration and guidance. Yes, it's a bit dry. But the focus of classical pilates is your breath and form as you perform these exercises. Music, color, and flashy instructors would only be detractions.



2. I am not in an area where pilates instruction is offered. I have tried other pilates DVDs and found them to be too difficult. This program, though not 'fancy,' is thorough, well-organized and easy to understand.
   
   I am still only at the basic modified work-out but do not believe the program is too fast. It may seem too fast if you jump in at the more advanced levels without going through the first level at least once.
   
   The voice-over instruction is clear and well-timed with the exercises. I didn't find him hard to understand at all.
   
   If you're interested in a thorough instruction in pilates, this is the DVD for you!



3. All the glowing reviews made my decision to buy this DVD, and boy, am I glad! The only other experience I've had with Pilates is the Winsor, but was very frustrated at how long and drawn out her workout was. Not this one! When I finish my -short- workout from this DVD, I feel the results without wasting an extra 30 minutes. Of course, since I had done the Winsor DVD, and she explains slowly and carefully, I already had a basic grasp on doing the poses. But once you have the hang of it, you don't really feel like listening to the explanations, you just want to work out!



4. The exercises are the same that Ana Caban's video has, but she goes slower and that is good for me. I couldn't keep up with this program...one needs to be young and vigorous.



5. I have been practicing beginner pilates 3-4 times a week for 2 months. I purchased this dvd to get more out of the classical pilates techniques. The workouts are short! This not for a beginner, it is very fast paced.
   I found this on a site, and I couldn't state it better myself, it tells you exactly what this dvd is about, it is by Christian Perring, PHD:
   
   Classical Pilates Technique is a 75 minute DVD. It has a 2-minute introduction, and there is a 17-minute discussion of the benefits of Pilates with 3 people, Bob Liekens, Alycea Ungaro and Peter Fiasca. The rest of the DVD is divided up into five sections introducing different levels of Pilates Mat Workouts. These are
   
   Modified Basic (6 minutes)
   Basic (4 minutes)
   Intermediate (13 minutes)
   Advanced (21 minutes)
   Super Advanced (4 minutes)
   The mat used is not just the regular Pilates mat (which is thicker than a yoga mat) but rather a T-shaped mat with a couple of extra features. This mat is available from Grantz-Pilates online, where they call it the "low mat." Other equipment that gets used includes a short pole just to keep the hands parallel when doing sit ups, and a foot loop attached to the top of the mat for doing sit ups. However, it is possible to do these exercises using a couple of yoga mats, one on top of another, and improvising a way to hold your feet still when doing the sit ups -- such as putting your feet under your bed.
   
   The workouts are demonstrated by Peter Fiasca, Junghee Kallander, and Jamie Trout. The DVD has very simple production, with a mat on a wooden floor with a curtain in the background. The camera shows the instructor from a couple of angles, tending to hold the shot for about half a minute before switching to the other angle. Bob Liekens gives instructions about how to do the exercises in a voice over. For each different exercise, the name of the exercise appears on the screen, along with the number of repetitions that should be used. So it is a very plain and static production. There are no special DVD features used, except dividing the different parts into chapters so it is possible to select which chapter you want to view.
   
   This is not a particularly easy DVD to use if you are looking to start out with Pilates. The pace is fast, and the switches between one exercise and the next is rapid. If you want to watch carefully and get the movements exactly right -- and in Classical Pilates there's great emphasis on being precisely right in the movement -- then you will need to use the pause button on your DVD remote quite often, and you will need to watch the exercises carefully first. It might be more suited to people who have gone to a few Pilates classes already and need a reminder about how to do the exercises and what order to do them in.
   
   The individual workouts are short: even the advanced one is only 21 minutes, and the most elementary one is just 6 minutes. The exercises will be challenging for people who are not used to them and who are not already strong and flexible, and they are probably very beneficial so long as they are done carefully so as to avoid injury. However, most people who go to a Pilates class will be used to a longer workout -- 30 or 45 minutes is quite standard. It is not very clear how to use this DVD to provide such a workout.
   
   So overall, some people may find this a useful DVD if they want what it provides, but for those who are looking for a more general guide to doing Pilates, they would be better off looking elsewhere.
   
   An excellent beginner classic pilates dvd to start with is by Alan Menezes, it may be older, but everything is so clearly and fully explained
   from the B-Line, right down to proper breathing, you couldn't ask for a better, beginning, intermediate, or advanced pilates workouts. He is fantastic. You will get proper and complete training and it cost me a mere dollar. Get one and see if it is not the most thorough dvd on pilates you have come across. Another great one is, Heart of Pilates, put out by PBS, it is fantastic, it comes in a 3 dvd set as well, bit more, but fabulous. If you want complete, nothing left out, proper breathing and alignment, these two are fantastic. Try Ebay for the Heart of Pilates, they have it for a very good price.
   
   Good luck!

5 comments about Yoga for the Rest of Us - Back Care Basics.

1. The DVD is good. Some of the exercises are the same ones I have used in therapy. The dvd is easy to listen too.



2. This DVD is OK for beginners but not challenging enough for anyone who have practiced yoga even for a short time. Soothing voice. The moves are basic but could be more advanced. If you're looking for a real workout try another DVD. If you're new to yoga it's OK but could have some more of the basic poses.



3. this is a great dvd if you are out of shape. I started this dvd and did the whole 2 hours of it. I did not have any pulled muscles and believe me
   I'm out of shape. triple a plus for this video.



4. I've studied dance, pilates, yoga, horseback ride & have a physically-demanding job. I've studied with a variety of teachers & professionals over the years, and have a pretty good sense of safe stretching & working one's body. Like most yoga DVD's & tapes, this one is appropriately slowly-paced (which always seems annoying after time). This session is also a little dark, but the stretches & explanations are clear, safe & effective. Peggy Cappy knows what she's doing & you're better off with her than many of the hacks out there charging a pretty sum to injure you in person. Pay attention to her instructions, your body's pain signals & breathe. For the average back-pain sufferer, Peggy, along some regular, safe sit-ups will help tremendously.



5. The quality of this production is excellent, but it is the quality of the yoga instruction and the program with Peggy Cappy that are outstanding. The poses, the pacing, the demonstrations and the voiced instruction are excellent. It is clear, uncluttered and focused. I think this may be a perfect or near-perfect practice and the DVD presentation of it is a blessing for which I am very grateful. Most highly recommended. There are additional features, beyond the yoga programs, and some of it describes Peggy Cappy's attitude and philosophy about yoga and this is very refreshing and encouraging as well. There are also interviews or testimonials with some of her students - "real people" - and those are very inspiring and encouraging,too. Excellent. I love this DVD.

5 comments about The Firm - Tight Buns & Killer Legs.

1. I wanted a workout that was effective and time efficeint and this is it. As a single mom, short on time, can't reach the gym and loves to exercise, this is the workout for me when i don't have the time to train for an hour and racing to get to work. The combinations are effective and i am seeing results on my legs when i want to target train my legs once a week in combination with my other workouts.



2. I love this workout featuring Firm master instructor Kelsie Daniels! The workout lasts about 30 minutes (perfect for me with a busy two-year old) and is a super blend of firming exercises and cardio. The workout provides intense lower body exercises with the use of medium (I use 5 pound) and heavier (I use 8-pound) weights. Moreover, I really appreciate the cardio bursts. This workout, overall, keeps your heartrate up and strenghthens you thighs, etc. I'm very pleased with this DVD! Kelsie is awesome!
   
   FYI, you can preview the DVD on the Firm's website. That's what I did, but I bought it on Amazon (cheaper) from one of their sellers. GREAT BUY!!!



3. This is a great, short workout to add onto other vids or to use in a time-crunch. Kelsie is a GREAT instructor, very pleasant and natural as a lead. She is probably the first instructor I have worked out to thinking that she would be a perfect personal trainer.
   The workout includes target toning of the lower body, with 30 second cardio bursts.. once I did the video once and knew what was coming, I started the movements at the "advanced" level to up the intensity. It is a solid intermediate workout, which you can customize by adding more flair to the movements. I also loved the cool-down, the stretches felt sooo good. Definitely worth the purchase if you want to tone your legs and lift that butt!



4. I recently purchased several Firm DVDs and this is one of my favorites. I love that it really does target the lower body and that it doesn't involve some of the tricker moves that the others do. (for those of us who are have coordination challenges). Kelsie is very motivating and does a great job. I think it could have been a little longer though - I like the 40-45 minute workouts.



5. I love this video! Yes, I am sore for 2 whole days after each session, but seeing my bottom lift makes up for the pain.

5 comments about Shrink Your Female Fat Zones.

1. I received this DVD today. After doing the workouts, I feel good, refreshed and renewed. I had to pause the DVD every so often to get a move right or to catch my breath. It is challenging but not too difficult either, most people should be able to do this. I plan to keep at it, along with other exercises and a healthy diet and hopefully I will see results. I urge you to try it too!



2. I like Denise Austin..I think she's cheesy, but I think the concept of targeting those "female fat zones" is great.
   
   I think it a good body workout minus the cardio. I don't think my heart rate got to a high point at all with this routine.
   
   I think it's more strengthening then anything. I like this workout..not to difficult, the pace was easy to keep up with and all in all great for when i was just starting out..I never felt overwhelmed with it.
   
   I thinks it's a great starter workout..not to easy where you get bored, good enough to feel like you have worked those muscles, and easy to follow.



3. I love this video. It is easy to follow and the exercises aren't very difficult. I liked that you didn't have to have much coordination to follow along. It doesn't seem like it's doing much but after using it for several weeks, you start noticing clothes fitting better. The only bad thing is that Denise Austin gets a little annoying-too cheerleaderish-but you can always mute the sound.



4. This is a great workout with a lot of tips to use. What I don't like is that her smile is very fake, her voice is weird and she doesn't cover posture, which extremely important.



5. This video is good to break a sweat, but the lack of time spent showing proper form when setting up your body on the yoga ball could cause some serious injury. It is also not possible to always be watching the TV and maintaining proper form at the same time. This does not help the workout because Ms Austin moves quickly from one side to another and doesn't keep count or a specific beat for each motion. She also glides quickly over the warm-up leading into some strenuous exercise before the body is ready.
   This DVD/video also is not broken up into 2 distinct workouts (like it is said on the back cover). Instead, it has two parts intertwined without a warm-up/cool-down in between. As a 22 year old teacher, I was disappointed with this because I don't often have time for a full 40 minute workout.
   "Shirnk Your Female Fat Zones" would be a good purchase if you are already experienced with free weights and a balance ball, and don't have knee problems (squats are a huge part of her routine). Overall, I rate this workout a 2 out of 5.

5 comments about Freestyle: Made Easy.

1. This was a great video. Watching and applying it consistently transformed my swimming for the better. It actually made me look forward to practicing my swimming where i didn't before.
   
   Only one thing - i could have done with less - better, no - music during the verbal explanations of the swimming and drills. that could get annoying, if like me you watch the video closely over and over.
   
   Overall - i recommend it for anyone who wants to improve their swimming.



2. I took 8 half-hour swim lessons at my local gym, which got me started with a rudimentary arm stroke and leg kick. I then bought the Freestyle Made Easy DVD and the book, and 3 months later managed a 1.5k triathlon swim - I was pretty slow! But a few months ago, I did another one and I did an average speed. This DVD is so clear and helpful and easy to follow. The filming of the drills is so good that it is not difficult to emulate it when you do your own practices. I watch it time after time, and regularly do the drills, and I now feel so relaxed in the water, I could swim forever. If it got me swimming without huffing, puffing and panting, it can help anyone
   Alison
   Alison J. Macmillan
   WordisWorth.com writer, editor and designer



3. I was very pleased with the Freestyle DVD. I purchased a book by the same author titled Total Immersion Swimming: The Revolutionary Way to Swim Better, Faster, and Easier. I found the book contained a plethora of great information, however, I am very visual and when I bought the DVD it opened my eyes to all that the book was saying. I began swimming in February 2008. By performing the drills in the book and swimming 5 days a week I was able to swim 500 yards in 11 minutes and 30 seconds in a race on May 18 2008. Right after that race I purchased the Freestyle DVD and by the next race on June 8 2008 I decreased my 500 yd pace to 10 minutes 30 seconds. With practice I have since decreased my pace to 10 minutes and plan to continue to practice the total immersion method to swim an 8 minute 500 yd race by next May. Thank you Terry!



4. This is a great dvd with amazing explanations. If someone has little or no knowledge of swimming, this dvd is perfect.



5. First, yes, I echo what the other positive reviews have said. Music is cheesy, production is cheap-ish, examples are very clear and immediately useful, provides the clarity that the Total Immersion book doesn't.
   
   But really, I should not have had to get 1/3 of the way through the book before finding that I needed a $40 DVD (or, alternatively, a $500 weekend seminar) to really make use of its techniques. C'mon guys, raise the price of the book by $5 or whatever and include the DVD with it!

5 comments about You: Staying Young Workout (DVD).

1. I purchased two DVD's so my sister and I could both workout and compare notes. It is a great workout for us--we're both in our 50's and I believe this will be really good for us IF WE WOULD KEEP USING IT!!!



2. Short doable little workouts (3). The thai chi is nice little 15 minute workout, and low impact. Thai Chi actually lowers blood pressure (no kidding as I monitored my pressure before and after).



3. I was very excited to see that there was a work-out video recommended by Dr Oz. His no nonsense attitude towards being a healty person made me realize that I have no excuse to not be exercizing or eating right. I could hardly wait to get the dvd once I ordered it. Well the video seems made for people who are already in good shape, and have no physical limitations. I could hardly do the warm-ups, and once the instructor decided to spend a massive amount of time having you put your weight on your knees, I was done. I can't kneel on the ground due to surgery, and his suggestion of putting a towel underneath to cushion you was not helpful. If you know these excercizes will not be comfortable (or possible) for a large number of people, how about modifying them so we can do them?



4. I have the You on a Diet Workout also and thought that was much better and more effective.



5. From start to end, this book is more insightful and helpful than all the years in a school classroom. This should be required reading for all human beings.

5 comments about New York City Ballet: The Complete Workout, Vol. 1 and 2.

1. My ballet experience has been limited to attending a cousin's dance recital when I was about 10 years old, but I find this workout fun. It is somewhat difficult for one who hasn't been exercising (me) and takes a little practice, but it's worth it. I am already more flexible and am more aware of the way I move. It's a great workout for anyone who wants to see quick results.



2. Only if you adore ballet. You definetly need a little background to do the standing up part. Whats really good about it is that they selected basic ballet exercises which you can actually do without the complete turnout in the hip joint expected from pros. If you aproach it with the love for the art it will be worth your while but if you want to work out NOW its not for you; it takes a little more time and patience to imitate the form and develop balance. The visuals are wonderfull and so is the music.



3. I have only watched and worked out to Volume 1 of this set so far and I am very impressed. It is almost relaxing to work out to this as the background music is classical and the narrator's voice is very soothing. The exercises themselves are very good and with work I can see how they would tone muscle. It might be a little difficult for those who don't have any dance background but with anything there is a learning curve that must be overcome. Once you get it, its an easy to moderate workout and I found myself with better posture afterwards as a great bonus!



4. I loved this workout. This is something anyone can do and work up to. You can tailor this individually based on your technique and abilities.



5. I've seen the product completely and I must say YOU DON'T NEED ANY PREVIOUS TRAINING IN BALLET/PILATES. I am a little overweighted and I was scared to buy an exercise package that I can't follow.....I was surprised with this kind of program.....the exercises are tough, bc they are made to sculpture your body.....but they are not difficult to follow. The only part you could get lost is the warming....and you just have to pay attention......everything else is easy to follow. The music will make you forget you are working out....you will be relaxed breathing. The dancers who participate are an inspiration!!! they make everyy move look so natural!!!!
   I give this product 5/5.....It's incredible how they conceived this kind of workout and adapted to normal people like us. This has worked for me better than the gym I've paid for 4 years.
   You won't regret of buying this product. Besides this reccommendation, getting ballet shoes would help even more.

5 comments about Denise Austin: Fit & Firm Pregnancy.

1. I had read other reviews that this workout DVD was a little easy for those of us who work out on a regular basis. Something still told me to order it (thinking maybe I'd use it later in my pregnancy), and now I'm very glad I did! When we found out we were having twins, my doctor put the kibosh on my harder workouts I'd been doing up to that point (i.e., no more cardio kickboxing!). This DVD is perfect for me, as it's nice and low impact, but still lets me feel like I did something, and gives me that mood boost that working out provides. Since we are a unique group, wanted to share that if you are expecting multiples, this might be the DVD for your pregnancy too!



2. If you can take her annoying, "soothing" voice, the workout is probably pretty good. I could only watch it a few time b/c as my hormones increased, the more annoyed I got with her. I almost threw the remote at our plasma tv when I first heard her utter "I worked out everyday of MY pregnancy - even on the day I delivered my first." Luckily, my husband was there to restrain me.



3. I rented this from the Library to check it out and yes its a little easy but its great. You do sweat but its not where you are out of breath. Fun workout DVD~!



4. I liked that this DVD had different workouts for different stages of pregnancy. Since I was a moderate exerciser before pregnancy with a background in dance, I found the routines a bit boring. This video would be good for a pregnant woman who has not exercised in a while or is a beginner.



5. I was really excited to get this one in the mail ,but once I did and started the routine I was really bored! I am pregnant and want to feel like I have exercised. This video should be labeled beginner, beginner!