A programmable workout DVD featuring trainer Bob Harper and six contestants from the TV show The Biggest Loser. There are four 20-minute segments, two cardio and two strength training, plus a warm-up and cool down.

Advanced beginners to intermediates. The workout segments, short as they are, can be pretty grueling for exercise newbies. A couple of segments are higher impact. If you are as out of shape as the Biggest Loser contestants were at the opening of week 1, you may want to start off with an easier exercise routine for at least a few weeks before trying this DVD. You will need a mat or towel and at least one or two pairs of dumbbells (3, 5, 8 or 10 pounds, depending on your gender and ability).

When you see that this workout DVD features contestants from The Biggest Loser, you might immediately assume that this is an easy, beginner's workout. Not true — keep in mind that these people went through weeks of demanding workouts, so even if their bodies are not absolute perfection, they can still handle some pretty tough routines. And even they have a hard time making it through some of these quick, 20-minute segments. Oh, did I say they were quick? They won't seem to zip by when you're in the middle of them. There are four segments, and while two of them are called "cardio," in reality all of them combine elements of strength training and endurance — you just get them in different doses. The low-intensity cardio segment involves strength moves like lunges and squats, while the higher intensity segment involves intervals that include kickboxing and a lot of jumping around. One strength-training segment is your traditional weight training session, and the other is a "boot camp" workout using light weights, cardio style (you will never make it through this segment with the same weight you used in the first strength segment. Trust me on this, and use your lighter dumbbells, or none, to start). As for cueing up the workouts, you can either use the pre-programmed feature, which gives you a choice of four 34-minute workouts — warm-up, one of the 20-minute segments, and cool down — or you can program your own workout. If you're in shape and you really want to go for it, you can program 2 20-minute segments (plus warm-up and cool down, of course).

 

The best part of this DVD? The exercises are very basic, so almost anyone can follow along. The worst part of this DVD? The exercises are basic, so those who enjoy highly choreographed DVDs may become bored (on the other hand, cardio dance enthusiasts may welcome the occasional workout where they don't have to think so much!). As for the personalities, they are also either inspiring or frustrating, depending on how you look at things. If you want to see real people (probably not unlike you) working out, talking back to the trainer and even starting to poop out when the going gets tough, then you'll feel right at home with these folks. If you prefer seeing perfectly toned bodies performing every move precisely and in unison, then perhaps this DVD isn't for you. If you've seen the show, you already know Bob Harper's training style. If you haven't, he's a likeable guy who cheerfully encourages you to keep going... even when you think you're done. You may even find yourself talking back to him as he grins at you from the TV screen, but you'll still appreciate his enthusiasm nonetheless. And if you're wondering what happened to the show's other trainer, Jillian Michaels — she has her own workout series.

 

 

Name

Email

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment