The Biggest Loser The Workout

I bought this DVD because I LOVE the show! I have lost 50lbs in the past and know what it's like to struggle with weight, even if I didn't have as far to go as the contestants. When I watch the show I wish I could have trainers like Bob & Jillian! I now run marathons (training for my fourth) so I am in great shape. Anyone who is a runner knows that many a runner's downfall is a lack of cross training. I decided to get the Biggest Loser DVD to see if it would help me focus on strength training and low-impact cross training. I couldn't believe how it kicked my butt (and arms and back and abs and calves and quads...)! I thought I was going to cry during some of the squat segments! Even the knee raises had my hip flexors working and feeling it about as hard as running 20+ miles feels--no joke (although recovery is MUCH shorter doing the workout)!!I have spent a good deal of my life dancing and am very coordinated, so complicated, dancy workouts are just fine for me. This one isn't that and I love it too! It's simple; I don't have to think too hard. Each workout starts with a basic step, making it easy to fall back in if you lose your place/balance. The exercisers are contestants (YAY), so they are real people who mess up the steps on occasion, laughing at themselves all the while. It sounds cheesy, but I feel like I am working out with friends. Bob makes it fun--I was smiling despite my gritted teeth! The customization of the workouts is a great option!I agree with another reviewer that the "6-week" program is a little confusing because it says "Weeks 1-3" and "Weeks 2-4"--perhaps it's supposed to be "1-3" and "4-6"? Regardless, anyone can figure it out. Also, the DVD cover says that the Cool Down segment is 20 minutes, but it's actually 10 (good to know since some people tend to skip cool downs and might shy away if they think it's 20 minutes). I did find that I needed to stretch more after though--it worked my muscles so hard I felt I needed more long stretches!As for needed equipment, all you really need is dumbells. You can use a mat or towel for floor work, but the plain old floor will work just fine as well (the ab work can be tough on the back without a mat though). As far as weights go, I have been using 3lbs weights (yeah, haven't been focusing on the upper body much lately)--I am hoping to move up to 5lbs in a couple weeks, then maybe (MAYBE) 8lbs. If you're new to weight stuff, start light! You will still get plenty of benefits from lighter weights--there's lots of reps, lots of isolation, holding. I had to put down the weights for part of the Boot Camp section and I even grabbed 1lb ankle weights to use for the rest of the section! Yee-ouch!The DVD isn't perfect models/perfect form/perfect music. You shouldn't be looking for that. What it IS is a great workout that's fun, real, not too difficult (as far as coordination goes) and a real challenge to your body--without being intimidating. Bob is light hearted, friendly and will kick your butt! I think anyone who uses this program will be able to see real progress as they work--I look forward to seeing mine! I am feeling muscles I haven't felt in a long while and I look forward to seeing how everything improves--including my running (upper body and core strength really help with speed and endurance!). Maybe now I will able to shed those LAST 8lbs!Oh yeah, and after only one workout, two co-workers bought the DVD based on my recommendation!

I purchased this video because I love the Power Sculpt and Cardio Max DVDs. I have only done the Boot Camp, High-Intensity Cardio, the Sculpt, and the Stretch workouts (being an intermediate/advanced exerciser, I bypassed the Low-Intensity Cardio segment because they said it was for people who have never worked out before). I must say, overall, I am impressed with this series of workouts. I love the "mix and match" option, so you can construct a workout that is designed for you. The Boot Camp is a nice addition for those mornings when I don't have time to do a full cardio and strength workout.The High-Intensity Cardio is very good--it is a bit repetitive, but Bob really gets your heart rate up, especially during the tires and football runs. He works the lower body first, does upper body, and then goes back to the lower body with some kicks. I like it because the moves are not complicated and can be done easily, but very effective at getting your heart rate up and moving. No, the contestants in the background don't always keep together, but I try to ramp up my own intensity, and end up being out of rhythm with them anyway. I tend to go faster than the people on the DVD, to really push my heart rate to its limit. Let me tell you, I was drenched in sweat after those 20 minutes!The Sculpt/Strength workout is good as well; it is a basic strength workout without any combo moves that work both upper and lower body together. Bob focuses on upper and lower body separately, but I really like his core moves towards the end with the reverse crunches, regular crunches, oblique crunches, and ab holds. I have a tendency to like the old school moves, so I didn't really mind the absence of the combination moves. However, I do other workouts during the week that have those, such as a plethora of Jillian Michaels workouts and some of the Women's Health workouts, to balance out my weekly rotation. Just because one workout you do doesn't have some of the moves you want doesn't mean the DVD is worthless. Also, I have read some complaints about the music; music is never (and shouldn't be, in my opinion) a factor in my decision regarding whether or not a workout is worth buying--if you're focusing on the WORKOUT, you shouldn't even notice the music!Overall, this DVD is worth investing your money in. All of the Biggest Loser workouts have a solid foundation, and this one is no different. It will make you sweat and help you sculpt at the same time, and will help you get the results you're looking for as long as you put the appropriate effort into it and see it for what it's worth--a very well-put-together "back to basics" workout.

What a fantastic DVD real people, challenging exercises to get the heart pumping. This is a breakdown of what you get:5 minutes warm-up2 cardio segments 20 minutes a piece (low/high intensity)weights segment also 20 minutesboot camp segment also 20 minutes, and a stretch segment 10 minutes.The quality of the workouts are good, but big 'BUT' if your suffer from any joint problems or find jumping jacks a challenge do the modifications that are included, as each segment will have one or the other. However, these exercises are designed for fat burning so you will have to move that body! Some reviewers have mentioned the contestants inability to keep up in some of the segments. I personally feel this adds to the whole DVD, you really do not have to focus on all of them just find one that is on the same par as you fitness wise (this is not really a big deal). Bob the trainer is as nice and fit as he is on the show so is pleasant to watch. Yes there are one or two who comments during the exercises but not enough to irritate as some reviewers have mentioned. I am currently in my third week of using this ( have gone down from a size 22 to a size 20 ) and boy do I feel and see the results and so does everyone else. This is a must let's be honest many of us who have purchased this have seen the show and know it works and it does.

I have watched the biggest Loser on Sky for ages now and love it. It always keeps me motivated. Anyway after watching the biggest loser i decided that it was time to get off the couch and loose some weight so I brought this and it is great. YOu sweat loads and Bob is great. As well as being Gorgeous and having a lovely body he inspires you to keep going and the exercise is great. This DVD and Gillian Michels DVD are helping me to loose weight I love it!!!!!!!!!!!

It's really easy to follow exercise and fun but really work! I do the exercise 6 days/week and each time I sweat like crazy. My weight has been down and my muscle toned. The exercise overall only 30 minutes but Bob created a winning exercise routine, you just need to get up from your sofa and do it!

Love these workout videos! My only "complaint" is the one girl who has sarcastic comments during the video. Get it but really dont want to hear it during my workout.

I'll admit it, I quit easily, I don't enjoy exercising and yet this exercise dvd is difficult but not so difficult that I give up and end up on my couch. It's a challenge and yet doesn't discourage me. Bob provides a lot of alternate moves if you're not as flexible or as in shape. Speaking of Bob, he's so encouraging. I realize he's just talking to a camera but I still find his words encouraging and I feel great after my workout.