Reviews

Here is a compilation of fitness DVD reviews from other sites.



Bob Harper's Pure Burn Super Strength

A good workout plagued by poor background exercisers, bad production
I am not usually one to notice background exercisers or their strange behaviors/tics, but this workout is an exception. Between Stephanie, the modifier who either can't handle basic strength moves or is a really good actress, and Francisco, the guy in the back who phones it in with bad form, I found this DVD extremely off-putting. The third background exerciser, Helen, seems to be the only competent one. As I said, I am usually not one to notice these things, but between bad form, phoning in reps, overreacting and just all around lack of regard for the work, this completely puts a damper on what is an otherwise solid workout. I also didn't care for the music video-style editing with the freeze frame shots, but I could have forgone that had it just been Bob and one or two better quality exercisers in the back. I'm still giving this workout a 3-star rating, as I like Bob and think there is a good product underneath all these flaws. I hope in the future, Bob chooses to uses better exercisers, though I would prefer an exercise DVD with just him.

source: Collage Video


 

Jillian Michaels - Kickbox FastFix
A nice sweatfest when you are short on time 
This is a nice cardio workout (with a little toning) that is good for when you are short on time, but it also works as a complementary workout to her 30 Day Shred or Ripped in 30 DVDs. The format is probably not for everyone, as Jillian moves fast between the circuits, the warm up and cooldown are shorter and some of the choreography will seem a little complex at first. Though there is a minor learning curve with some of the moves, Jillian does have a tutorial in the beginning that is a big help. As my title suggests, if you are looking for shorter workouts that will get you sweating or you want to pair it with a 30 Day Shred workout, I would definitely recommend this DVD.

source:  Collage Video

Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred
  Best short workout, June 14, 2010

I'm pretty much an addict when it comes to at home workouts and workout DVDS, so it was only a matter of time until I came across a Jillian Michaels workout. Although I only use it when I'm short on time, I have to say this is the best quickie workout on the market. I've always found Jilllian Michael's no-nonsense approach a bit intimidating on the Biggest Loser, but it comes into handy with this DVD. I've come to learn over the years as a workout video junkie that silly, over-the-top instructors are only amusing in the beginning, than get annoying really fast and can make staying consistent with the program tedious and lackluster. Jillian has yet to bore me, and breaks up her DVD into 3 levels. Although I consider myself in good shape and have done the likes of P90x and Insanity, I still find that even level 1 is a good challenge. For anyone who thinks it is too easy, just add heavier weights to really make the workout effective. Jillian is a big believer in the 3-2-1 method, which entail 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs. Not only has this type of interval training been proven extremely effective, but it makes the time fly fast as you are constantly changing up the exercises. I have to admire Jillian Michaels for creating something that can help people just starting to exercise as well and for exercise afficionados looking to try something new. I'll likely give her other DVDs a try if they are on sale as she has already won me over as fan. 

source: Amazon