Perfect for Me

The program is divided into two twenty-minute workouts, one for upper body and one for lower body, which you can do on alternating days or consecutively if you prefer. There is also an abs/back workout of about 10 minutes at the end.

I wanted a weight workout to add to my 30-minute daily walk for a complete program. This is perfect for me because alternating the upper and lower lifting on different days means my workout will be under an hour each day, making it something I can fit into my day and stick with. I do the abs/back workout on the days I do lower body.

The best thing about this video is that it accommodates people of all strength levels, and I will be able to continue using this same video as I progress. Two tracks run simultaneously, track 1 for beginners/intermediate, and track 2 for intermediate/advanced. I was recovering from surgery, so I had to start the video on track 1 using no hand weights at all, just for range of motion. I then moved up to 1 lb. weights, then to 3 & 5 lbs. Kathy also gives tips during the workout of ways to make the exercises harder or easier depending on your strength.

The pace is fast moving and concentrated. The fast pace helps me stick with the program. Other videos I've become bored with due to the amount of "down time" during the workout. Kathy doesn't stop. She uses basic tried-and-true exercises, but it did take me a few times through to make sure I had the right form. But I'd much rather take a few days to learn the routine, than have a slower routine that I would be very bored with later.

I think this is a program that I'll be able to stick with and benefit from for a long time. The only thing about it that bothers me is that the music must have been inserted later, because not all the moves are on beat with the music, but most of them are.

Results!

This workout is great. I have been using it for over a year and I love the results. I have recommended it to friends and they love it too. I too was a lightweight- I began this workout using 2 and 3 lb weights. You have to gradually work up to heavier weights. I now use 8lbs for most of the exercises in the upper body workout. I love Kathy's style- I do not think she is annoying. She is just trying to keep you motivated! At least she is not fake like other instructors- she is herself. Take it or leave it. I would take it though- since she must be doing something right (just look at her). If you are a beginner, make sure you have your weights ready to go, because it will seem fast at the beginning. After a few times though, you will get the hang of it. Results don't come easily. It will hurt. Your arms will feel like wet noodles afterwards (will hurt to lift an apple), but that means it is working! Do not be intimidated if you are a beginner- trust me- I had never lifted a weight in my life until I began this video. I prefer using a weight bench (40 bucks for a decent one at walmart) because there are certain exercises that are difficult to get good form on without a bench. Remember progress takes time! I also LOVE her step aerobic workout tape called Fat Burning Breakthrough, which combines step aerobics with upper body weights. Whew! It will do a number on you!

Fast Paced, It Works; Go Easy If You're a Beginner!

I exercise regularly, mainly Body Electric, Yoga, & Pilates. I wanted to "rev" up my workouts by adding aerobics (I'm waiting for K.S.'s aerobic tapes) & fat burning weight routines. In other words, I needed to "mix up" & add variety to my workouts. This tape really does it. While yes, she does go a bit fast, & there's intro that one will eventually skip, if one has the patience to "work into" the routine, you'll catch on, adjust the levels, and end up doing a fantastic workout that will keep your workouts fresh & have your muscles thanking you! I agree that a "bench" in not really needed for some routines, but this is a slickly produced product that gets the job done. Again, this is fast-paced & there really is not "warm up" involved. I would suggest a bit of stretching before "jumping" into the routine, or "warm up" during her intro. Also, as one becomes familiar with the routines, one can (and should) have all the necessary equiptment ready, because this routine goes quickly. Beginners, go easy & split the routines; die hards, do both routines in one session unless time is a problem. If that's the case, alternate routines & work to the max!