Customer Reviews:
What I expected, but better!.......2008-01-01
I have only used Kathy Smith videos a few times. As a matter of fact, I have only bought them for cardio and was never too impressed. I've always done weight training by myself, never with a video. . . but, feeling as if I've plateaued, I bought a few weight training dvds. This was among them.
Wow. I am very impressed.
Both dvds are excellent, and I'm working muscles that I haven't worked as extensively for quite a while. She's just excellent and the cuing is fantastic.
Both dvds have upper body, lower body, and abs workouts, although I'm less impressed with the abs workout on the second dvd. Still, this is a great set.
I do the whole thing every other day and alternate with cardio (not included on these dvds), but you can divide it up and only do upper body on one day, etc., and then lower body. The lower body workouts, especially, are amazing. Add ankle weights if you want to really challenge yourself.
The upper body workouts on both dvds are also good, but the weight instruction is kind of confusing. For lateral raises, for instance, you may want a different weight than when you are working out your triceps. Because she moves fast, it may take a couple of watchings before you figure out which weight you should be using for each exercise.
The first dvd switches between some artsy cinematography which can get a bit annoying. She also is more upbeat during this one-- yelling WOO a few too many times. Still, in this dvd she looks absolutely amazing, so her "woos" are easy to ignore, since the whole thing is so motivating.
During the second dvd, she's put on a few pounds--- not a lot, but a few. Also, there is no more of the artsy and blurry cinematography. Instead of these unclear very short segments, she's inserted segments where you can see the form better each time. Also, she is still motivating, but has thankfully stopped yelling "WOO" every second. As a matter of fact, I don't think there was a "WOO" in the whole workout!
Good, home alternative to excercise classes.......2007-01-08
If, like me, you have been searching for an alternative, home version to a certain popular exercise class involving weights that will also work on Region 2 DVD players, then you can't go far wrong with this.
Or if you don't know what I'm talking about but like me, hate the jumping around getting sweaty part of exercising, then this could be for you. It's a great way to tone up.
Not only does it give me the workout I wanted, but it's broken down into two 20 minute routines, one for the upper body and one for the lower, so it doesn't feel like a hard slog and can be alternated every day (while you are letting the other muscles have a break). There are also alternative, less active routines for those with heavier weights, plus a short abs and back at the end that can be done every day.
You do need to own hand held weights obviously. She recommends 3 separate ones of increasing weight (starting low to begin with) to switch easily depending on what part of the body you're working. You would however need to eventually get heavier ones as you build strength. A bench would be handy also but not essential.
The down side to this DVD is the fact there is no warm up what so ever, you are left to do that on your own. There is no instructional section either, which I think, for those who have not done weight training before, can be a bit dodgy. Also the lower body workout is a bit more on the aerobic side for my liking, but hand held and ankle weights can be used and I try and simplify the movements where possible.
Otherwise this is a very good, all round workout that's not difficult to do and can accommodate any level of fitness.
Lifting weights is losing weight for me.......2006-05-21
This is a great dvd. As usual Kathy Smith motivates and encourages correct movement for best results and safety. I alternate this with her other dvd's. I won't use anyone else. This will work - 1 week and I lost 2 1/2 inches around my waist, amazing!!!!!
Customer Reviews:
laugh??? I nearly cried.......2004-08-24
when I finally got to see the Tai Chi section... it is ridiculous... there is no Tai Chi in it at all... just a mish-mash of rubbish that if you were to try in public with people who actually know the proper forms, they would fall about laughing at you.
Absolute rubbish and I want my money back.
UK DVD:
- Lean Strong And Healthy With Susan Powter [1993]
- Leslie Sansone: Walk Away the Pounds - 30 Minute Walk [2006]
- Leslie Sansone: Walk Away the Pounds - Walk and Jog [2004] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Leslie Sansone: You Can Do! Pilates [2004] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 2: Hip Hop Style [2005] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Medical Science Careers (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Molly Fox's Yoga: Stretches & Relaxes
- Moments to Remember: Golden Hits of the '50s and '60s - Live [2006] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Nicholas Perricone: Dr. Perricone's Guide to Nutrition and Supplements [2005] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Nutricion y Salud
UK DVD List
UK DVD