5 comments about Kathy Smith - The Rules of Fat Burning.

1. I love this exercise DVD. I owned a few other exercise DVDs, but this one, The Rules of Fat Burning, is the one that I always come back to. I had this DVD for about over one year and I am still using it. Over the time, using the DVD shapes my body and also keep me interested.



2. If I were to recommend any DVD to someone just starting out exercising, it would be this one. Kathy Smith doesn't just give you cardio workouts, high intensity workouts, or weight lifting. She gives you two sessions of each, allowing you to build your week. I have used this DVD five days a week for six months, and still find it effective. I like that I have the choice to pick and choose, and yet I also have the structure of something I am familiar with. I will agree with the other reviewers that the cardio workout is hard to learn at first, that the warm-ups are missing, and that there is no section that works out your abs. But you can easily overcome these flaws (take a little time to learn the routine, warm up yourself, and substitute your own ab workout). Rarely do you find such a good mix of workouts on one DVD. It's worth every cent.



3. In this video, instructor Kathy Smith has taken portions of her previously released workouts, chaptered them, and organized them on one nice, programmable DVD. The excellent chapter menu allows you to choose amongst each of the six workouts offered, and you can program them to play in any order you would like, doing just one workout or all six; you can even select the same workout more than once. The six workouts are comprised of two "long slow" cardio segments, two interval cardio segments, and two weight training workouts. Full descriptions are provided below.
   
   1) Long Slow 1, Low Impact (20 minutes). This workout comes from the Timesaver Cardio Fat Burner video. Kathy uses mostly basic steps--eg, v-step, knee lift, hamstring curls, grapevines, etc.--but the choreography becomes a bit more complicated as the segment continues, and Kathy frequently takes it from the top. However, the moves are fun, and it's a high-energy workout.
   
   2) Long Slow 2, Kickboxing (15 minutes). This segment is taken from the first half of Kathy's Kickboxing Workout. She leads simple drills using the jab and cross punches plus front and side kicks. Some jump kicks are included, and there's also an easy combination towards the end.
   
   3) Interval 1, Functional Fitness (20 minutes). This workout comes from Functionally Fit Peak Fat Burning, and it alternates two minute high intensity intervals with lower intensity recovery periods. During the latter, you get in a bit of lower body strengthening with moves such as squats and lunges. Overall, this program is more athletic-like, less fun.
   
   4) Interval 2, Jump Rope (17 minutes). This segment comes from Aerobox, a video Kathy did with boxer Michael Olijade, who leads the workout. Michael takes you through progressively more difficult jump rope variations; one of the background exercisers follows along without the jump rope. Simple boxing punches/footwork segments come in-between the jumping segments.
   
   5) Weights, Upper Body (20 minutes). This segment comes from Timersaver Lift Weights to Lose Weight. Here Kathy uses a dual track system which allows you to lift lighter with more repetitions or lift heavier with breaks between sets. Kathy begins with back work, moves on to chest, biceps, tricpes, and finally shoulders.
   
   6) Weights, Lower Body (20 minutes). This segment is also from Timesaver Lift Weights to Lose Weight. Most of the exercises are performed in a standing position (squats, lunges, side/front extensions, etc.) to work your legs, but it also includes some lying hamstring/glute work using a chair.
   
   Overall, this is a very versatile DVD providing a variety of workout options. However, there are a few minor flaws: 1) there are no warm-ups or cool-downs, so you'll have do some light cardio before as well as some stretching after, and 2) there is no abs work--the 7-minute abs segment from Lift Weights to Lose Weights is excellent, and it's a shame it wasn't included here. Otherwise, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this DVD for advanced beginner to intermediate exercisers.



4. Overall, this has to be one of Kathy's best DVD's! Not only does Kathy provide 4 different, challenging, and fun cardio workout, she also provides two weight lifting segments. ALL SIX of the workouts are challenging whether I've been doing them for weeks straight or have just popped one in to supplement another workout. Kathy is fun and lively--I always find her encouraging (even when she's pushing me to my limits).
   
   And, I love that Kathy doesn't repeat herself constantly. Sure, Kathy moves fast and you may have to rewind the video a few times when you first start out (which is the benefit of working out with a video and not with a live instructor), but this allows you to go through the workout without stopping once you have it down--a major plus if your going to continue to use the video for several years, as I have. Several previous reviewers have complained about this aspect of her video--they must not be willing to work hard. If you don't understand a move, rewind and push the option on the remote! Being physically fit doesn't just fall into your lap; it takes effort!



5. I was excited to take this DVD home, but discouraged as the first few minutes (what felt like an eternity) she was discussing fat and calories. I was hoping to get right into the aerobics.
   
   And then, the aerobics came on. There was no description on how to get into the moves. In fact, I felt like a complete idiot in the privacy of my own home, trying to keep up with her and get the correct moves. As soon as I thought I got the moves right, she went into a different set of fast moves. Perhaps I am not coordinated, or this is really not for beginners like it said.
   
   I gave up on the video after 3 minutes of trying to exercise. I may not return it, but I don't think I'll be using it anytime soon. I will move on to someone who helps direct you through the fitness. I bought this video in the discount bin, and was instantly reminded you get what you pay for.

No comments about Intro to Rolling Ropes.

5 comments about Jump Rope Dancing.

1. I'm new to jumping rope, so i'm glad that I purchased this DVD. The directions are easy to follow, espeically since the camera zooms in on the footwork. Ther is no doubt that jumping rope HAS to be one of the BEST ways to get very fit. I also like that the complete routine is a whole seperate segment! Sometimes, I just like to practice the steps with the instructional part. AND I can listen to my own music and it still works!!! That alone is a great workout!!!



2. I own what seems to be the previous version of this video, but I must say it did nothing for me. Apparently this new version closes in on the feet so you can learn how to do the steps better, which I imagine would be helpful. Version #1 has none of that, the music is boring and the tone of voice the trainer uses is mostly dull. No excitement, which to me is a MUST!!
   
   I'm afraid this is one DVD that will go back in the shelf for a long time.



3. I love this dvd. The video is well made. The dvd itself is well indexed and it is very easy to go to any part I want. The picture in picture is very helpful in learning the dance steps.
   
   Jumping rope is one of the best exercises available. It is both an aerobic and strength training exercise. It works and it is a real timesaver.
   
   The problem with jumping rope has always been that after a while it gets boring. Doing these dance steps while jumping rope gives all the benefits and is so much fun the time flies by.
   
   Annette Maria has an excellent presence and does a great job as an instructor. It's a relief after listening to so many "over the top" screaming instructors.
   
   I have read that in older versions of the dvd that the music was not in sync with the dancing. I can tell you that everything is in perfect sync on this dvd.
   
   I liked the fact that the instruction and the dance routines use real songs rather than the monotonous electonic beat that accompanies most exercise dvd's. In general, this dvd is quite good to jump rope to and I actually enjoy some of the songs very much.



4. Annette Maria introduces new steps to spice up jump rope routines, and that's great. Jumping rope is great for losing weight, and to be frank, it doesn't matter HOW you do it, as long as you do it. This is a video that I ran through once, picked up some favorite steps, then I just used those steps at the gym with only my iPod for company.
   
   The sound quality for this DVD isn't great; the microphone sounds like it's floating somewhere above the instructor's head, and as a result, her voice sounds kind of echoey and hollow.
   
   If I could do it all over again, I would rent this DVD rather than buy it. If you're a fast learner, you can just watch it once, and you'll do fine.



5. It helped a little but I was looking for more of a routine. This video just taught the basics of how to jump.

2 comments about Ropesport: Extreme Workout.

1. No industry secret left unturned in this DVD. Every move I've seen experts do is displayed in super slow motion with instructions narrated for better understanding. This is NOT a workout DVD, but a demonstration/instructional DVD instead. This is where you learn more "show off" moves that will give you boredom free workouts and a way to impress on lookers, and of course burn some serious calories.
   
   Every move is not for everybody but there are some moves for everybody, you just have to find those that are tailored made for you. I highly recommend you collect all 4 DVDs, from beginners to extreme or pick up from whatever level you are.
   
   You cannot get the rope from the ropesport website. I guess they no longer sell their own product, but the videos are everywhere including AMAZON.COM where I purchased all of mines.
   
   I honestly enjoy this type of workout that has stood the test of time for many boxers and other elite athletes, even though they don't jump at this level. This extreme lesson will allow you to set a goal to learn various moves that will burn calories just from practicing.



2. This went straight into the trash.
   I buy many workout dvds and this was the worst one I have ever seen.

5 comments about JUMP!: a documentary feature film about competitive jump rope and double dutch.

1. I saw this film at the Hamptons Film Festival and loved it!! Everything about it! The music, the athletes and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. So fun!



2. This is an excellent motivational film for our youth. Get them to put down their joy sticks and keyboards long enough to watch this documentary. They can't help but be affected if not inspired by the motivation, dedication , and work ethic of these kids and their accomplishments. Definitely a stand up and cheer(jump) kind of film. Congratulations to Helen Hood on her extraordinary her ability to capture the spirit of the athletes in this young sport.



3. I am not a regular documentary watcher of anything, so I was all the more impressed with this wonderful movie. Helen Scheer did a great job picking just the right number of teams to follow -- their stories were well weaved throughout the entire documentary. The sport itself is an inspiring and impressive one to watch. You will find yourself thinking about the people in this film long after you finish watching it!



4. "Jump is an extraordinary film; as mesmerizing as it is motivating! Here is one movie that will hook you with a great story, entertain you with all of its plot twists and turns, educate you about a thriving community that you probably knew little about, and leave you inspired and hopeful that, through the strength of a jump rope, kids lives can be changed for the better. This is one film not to be missed by you, your family, school, or community this year!"



5. My wife and I are both teachers and I thought I'd surprise her with this DVD while her school was doing a unit on Jump Rope for Heart. Although some of the story lines were a little advanced for her first and second grade class, the jump rope action was not. Any one who has never seen what these young athletes can do with a rope is in for a real threat. As you watch the DVD you will live through the rigorous training, dedication and injuries that happen along the way. You (and your children) will admire the athletes for their commitment, wonder at their ability, and celebrate their achievement. As a middle school teacher, I strongly recommend this video when you feel that you or your students need a little inspiration; you will not be disappointed!

5 comments about Ropesport: Advanced Workout.

1. I to skip the basic workout. Although I cannot jump using the jumprope, I use the handles and I get an excellent workout. I especially enjoy doing the situps at the end. I can really feel it in my abs. I really enjoy working out and its important to find something that you really enjoy doing.



2. If you enjoy jump rope for a great workout like I do ( too much running hurts my knees), then you will like this dvd. I've been doing jump rope for years, and even shop on line for the best jump ropes I can find. I have 5 different ropes.
   Anyway, you are taken thru a thorough warm up, a light stretch, then into the actual workout. It is composed of interval training, you'll do a little hard core jumping, then a little easy jumping. The jump tricks can be as fancy or plain as you like. At the end, you finish with push ups and ab work and of course a stretch. Run time for the dvd is about 50 mins. There are "extras" like a segment on how to perform the jumps in case you don't have the other dvd's in the series.
   Production value is very good, it is a professional studio with great sound and lighting and camera work. The music is awesome, it kept you moving. The cueing by the instructors is good, there are 8 other people in the background jumping too. I don't have the other dvd's in the series, but I will be getting them. I think you'll like this dvd.



3. I thought that "Advanced Workout" meant that it was for individuals who were prepared for a challenge, but the workout felt really short and I barely reached my exercise heart rate zone. Additionally, it didn't seem very planned out. The cast frequently would just start doing their own thing. It was fun, even without a jumprope, but I cannot believe that you're burning 1,000 calories an hour. I thought the most challenging part of the workout were the last couple minutes of abdominal exercises and push-ups.
   
   Overall, it was a decent DVD, but nothing impressive. At least the guy was sexy.



4. I went from the beginner Ropesport DVD straight to the Advanced and am glad I did. I was having to replay the beginner DVD at least 3 times to get the results I wanted. The workout on this DVD is longer and has some fun (new to me) exercises; that I'm still trying to master. I love it I can get my heart rate up and keep it up as long as I want or slow down and not miss a beat. I definatley recommend this after you've mastered the beginner DVD.



5. This went straight into the trash.
   I buy many workout dvds and this was the worst one I have ever seen.

5 comments about Ropesport: Intermediate Workout.

1. I am new to jump roping, I love the music and the instructors. To me they make it interesting and fun. The music makes me want to keep going and going. I would recommend this as it got my heart rate up.



2. Unfortunately, I cannot give this video a good or bad review. I made the purchase thinking, "this is going to be easy because I can jump rope". I actually LIKE to jump rope. However, when I made the purchase, I wasn't thinking that there isn't space in the house to watch the video AND jump rope. Therefore, I had to return it. Good luck to those of you who have purchased it and have had success with it. For those of you thinking about making this purchase, make sure you have space to actually use it.



3. You can get a good work out with this video. It would have been better if they would have shown the different techniques first instead of last and if they would have spent more time jump roping with each new technique. But it is a great video to follow along, learn how to jump rope different style and you will definately work up a good sweat once you finish



4. This workout was a good, fun workout. I worked up a sweat and stayed engaged throughout the whole workout. Louis Garcia is a good instructor, encouraging and easy to listen to. There was a lot of variety in the workout and I could feel each different style of jump requiring different things from my body. The workout had a lot of potential to be really great if a few changes had been made. First, I wish the actual jumping segments were longer. I felt like more time was spent doing resting moves that jumping. More jumping would have increased the level of intensity and made it a truly intermediate level workout. As is, I'd say this is an advanced beginner workout. Secondly, the workout, including warm-up and cool-down was about 30 minutes long. Again, if it's going to be that short, there really needed to have been more jumping. Also, I thought the warm-up should have been more movement oriented since the work-out is jumping. Instead, Garcia went with stationary stretches. The cool-down was a repeat of the same stretches. I had to add additional stretches to make sure that I stretched out each part of my body. Lastly the two "celebrities" are a real distraction and detract from the overall workout, especially Eric Nies. I feel that they should not have been such a prominent part of the workout. Nies even interjects purely superfluous commentary while Garcia is giving instructions. The two of them are just really unnecessary but at least Kelly Packard is tolerable.
   
   I really like this dvd series because it provided me with a repertoire of different jumping styles. While I'm not at the point where I could put together and follow my own routine, I've learned a lot about technique and so I think if I stick with it, I will get to that point sooner than later. Slowly, I am building endurance and coordination in jumping rope.. Overall, it's worth it to do this workout as an introduction to jumping rope for the cardio portion of your workout routine.



5. I'm 6 foot 2 inches, and found when I got home that the rope is much too short for me. i think anyone over 6 foot should avoid this product.
   
   I wrote ropesport's customer service once a week for three weeks to inquire about how to swap for a longer rope, and finally got a reply that dared me to write poor reviews (!)
   
   So, here I am
   
   If you are buying this rope for anyone big, or anticipate needing customer service for anything, beware!

5 comments about Ropesport: Basic Workout.

1. If you haven't looked at a jump rope since recess in the third grade, watch this video. The instruction is basic and it is enough to get you going but I'm afraid you only need to watch it once because it is that basic. And per the previous review, it is not really a work out video. Once you master jumping rope, all you need to do is put on your favorite music and jump. You don't need a video.



2. I like this DVD for several reasons. I am a complete beginner and I found the step-by-step instructions extremely helpful. It goes into detail about the type of ropes you can use, the proper sizing of the rope, the handling of the rope, the resting moves and finally, the actual jumps. This is a fantastic DVD for learning the proper moves. It is also a great DVD if you want to add something new to your workout routine. Once you know the correct way of jumping you can move onto the intermediate DVD.



3. Owning the complete series (Basic, Intermediate, Advance and Extreme) I can see how each program is strategically made. They keep the previous lesson in mind so you can improve smoothly.
   
   The Basic Program is strictly an intro to jump roping with a lite workout. It teaches you proper techniques and equipment to use with a lot of advice for faster learning. It is meant to put you well on the road to more skillful roping. Do not make the mistake of thinking you already know how to jump rope.
   
   The workout itself will introduce you to a jump rope workout for those who never did one before. It incorporates all the moves previously demonstrated at a beginners pace. If you are serious about using jump roping as your workout you will benefit from this dvd more if you collect the others since they build from one another. Otherwise you will quickly outgrow this one, which is good, but bad if you expect this to be a workout that will push you to the limit.
   
   If you are pretty skilled then move on to intermediate, advance, or extreme but be warned, if you get frustrated at the higher levels, you may find yourself going back to the drawing board (basic program) anyway so why not start there. Extreme, by the way, is not a workout but a lesson breaking down higher skilled jumps. You will appreciate the secrets revealed and look at professional jumpers with less awe and with more confidence that you can do it too.
   
   But until then, start with the basics. I'm sure the pros did.
   
   I purchased all videos from AMAZON.COM



4. First, let's forget the DVD instructions for a second which most everyone seems to be reviewing. I don't know about everyone else, but I got a jump rope in my kit.
   
   I've lost two or three jump ropes, one an expensive one and one a cheapie but somehow since this is a real set including "handle weights" and the fact, that it is a rather "deluxe" piece of exercising equipment, I don't think this one will get forgotten somewhere in the gym or other places, it's not a hassle to untangle, in fact, it hasn't gotten tangled up yet and the "rope" part is made of a strong plastic/rubbery material. The cost of the product all together is $10; this is more or less a $10 jump rope by itself so the CD and DVD are really freebies to an old hand at jump rope. I spent around $10 for a jump rope by another major exercise equipment manufacturer and that other rope was very flimsy and lightweight. From experience, I can say this is much better. If you don't have an adequate rope to begin with, your exercising can be significantly hindered. Go-Fit products seem to be of good quality. Everyone seems to be reviewing the instructional part of the video, but I think the jump rope itself is a grade A piece of exercise equipment.
   
   Jump Roping is a pretty basic act like learning to drive a car or ride a bicycle. Is there one correct way?? Not really. I do think in the DVD they do inform the viewers fairly well on the jumps covered like the cross over. Basic jumps are covered well but I would urge all who are really interested in jump or skip roping to look around, there are books on it and there are jump (or as in the UK "skip") roping associations where advice can be found as well.
   
   The rope itself is very good for all jump roping and sturdy with good handles, highly and easily adjustable versus some products out there and importantly, they do discuss how to adjust it on the DVD. I am about 6 feet tall, so I did not need to adjust it. The only thing is is if you need to make adjustments, be careful, because you may need to cut the rope. Some people adjust by tying knots. This might be possible too. It has a very good swing to it. This is important, because some jump ropes made of real "rope" often are too light unless say you tape a weight onto it like a quarter or something, otherwise, it can be a light slow swing with "float" but this has a real good swing to it. I do think, there are real nuggets on jump roping though to be found with each individual's research. Don't stop with what they are telling you.
   
   The DVD is basic teaching of jumping rope and with the DVD to watch and the additional musical CD as well as the jump rope, all at a reasonable price, I do give this product a top star rating though I didn't catch a real enthusiasm from the lessons or instructors, they were okay.



5. If you're considering getting to grips with rope skipping and are looking for a cardio workout that's not mind numbingly boring, once you forgive the corny american banter, this beginners DVD is excellent at outlining the fundamentals of working out with a rope. It places a lot of emphasis on correct form and an energy efficient jump which makes the workout very addictive and totally cool to perform and watch. I bought the Ropesport book along with the DVD and quickly progressed to the advanced workout. I found the product quite inspirational, especially the book. I didn't pick up a rope until I was 49. I'm now a qualified coach and in the best shape i've ever been.

5 comments about Jump In!.

1. Pulled in two directions, Izzy Daniels must find a balance between his passion for boxing and his promise to help his friends with an intense double-Dutch jump-roping competition. Live-action, Jump In! combines themes of friendship, hard work, and individuality with energizing hip-hop music and impeccable choreography. This DVD was selected by the ALA's Association for Library Service to Children as a 2008 Notable Children's Video, and it is the winner of the prestigious Andrew Carnegie Medal, awarded by ALA for excellence in the field!



2. A decent teen movie for a change! Too bad hollywood doesn't make more movies like this one! I recommend this one for the whole family.
   
   A family tries to unite while dealing with the death of their mom. Double Dutch jumproping comes onto the scene and things get stirred up. Relationships are challenged and friendships are developed.



3. Great Corbin Bleu movie with incredible music and fancy foot work from Corbin's big feet :o)



4. BROOKLYN TEENAGER IZZY DANIELS IS TRAINING TO BECOME A BOXING CHAMP- HIS DAD'S DREAM. BUT WHEN HE BECOMES INTRIGUED BY THE COLL MOVES INVOLVED IN DOUBLE DUTCH, AND WANTS TO DEVOTE HIMSELF TO MASTERING IT, HE LEARNS ITS MORE IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW HIS OWN HEART THAN HIS DAD'S.
   I PURCHASED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ,WHO LOVES HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL , AND FOUND THAT I ENJOYED THE MOVIE ALSO. GOOD MOVIE FOR KIDS AND ADULTS.



5. Very happy--great bargin. My granddaughter is on a jump rope team & I was looking all over for this--I guess it's "retired." Anyhow, it arrived as promised--brand new & a super bsrgin.

No comments about Jump Rope Training For Weight Loss And Toning With Buddy Lee.