The “Biggest Loser” instructors lead a no-nonsense series of varied muscle toning moves. The cleverly designed DVD keeps you challenged as you get stronger with three progressively more intense premixes (e.g. a 30-minute Level 1 workout or a 50-minute Level 3 program). The exercises are proven classics, but they’ve been “tweaked” to maximize effectiveness (e.g. a small jump added to a squat, a lateral raise blended into a bicep curl). Jillian Michaels begins with a series of body-sculpting basics. Then Kim Lyons boosts the intensity with faster-paced “power blasts.” Bob Harper completes the sequence with challenging isometric and plank exercises. The exercisers are contestants from seasons 3 and 4 of the TV show (“if they can do it, so can you”). Requires 3 to 10 lb. dumbbells. DVD has: 3 premixes (30-50 min. alternate workouts), Programmable chapters, Music only option.
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Workout-Not (just for) Beginners, January 21, 2008
By April E. Gap "attiesgirl05" (Chicago, IL)
I was really excited to get this DVD, especially since you can pick your level and make it "last" for 6 weeks while adding new levels and new moves throughout the 6 weeks. Now let me preface this with saying, I am extremely fit. I work out 4-5x a week doing cardio for 30-45 minutes at a time. (And when I do cardio the sweat is literally dripping off me in waves.) I also have been doing sculpting DVDs 2x a week for the past 6 months. This workout kicked my butt! Level one is definitely easy enough for intermediate, yet will still challenge those who are in good shape. I just added Level 2 today, and I actually had to stop the DVD and take a 60 second breather because I thought I would either throw up or pass out! You've gotta work me REALLY hard to make that happen!
My only "criticism" is that I don't think this DVD is appropriate for beginners. However, after reading some reviews it is clear beginners are doing it and thriving on it. My advice to a beginner would be to concentrate on form before you concentrate on reps or how heavy your weights are. In the DVD a lot of the participants have really poor form. (Even though the trainers give them a thumbs up.) Watch the trainer and copy them. Once your form is perfect add weights and/or increase your reps. I'm sure any trainer will tell you they'd rather you do one really good move than 10 of the same move with poor form.
If you want to loose weight and you stick with this DVD I can't imagine you wouldn't change your life and body. And on the same token, if you are already in shape this DVD will add variety and excitement to your workout as well as giving you a really challenging workout.
