Gorgeous Core with Suzanne Bowen

My opinion is one thing but my sister came over and we did it together and she got her own video

This DVD is ridiculously good! It had been awhile since I'd done anything more than sit-ups or crunches on an incline as the most challenging ab work... I used to do pilates through DVD's and knew I needed something that would be challenging to keep me progressing, and after looking at reviews I went ahead and ordered this. I've been using it a couple times a week for a few weeks now, and I still cannot do this thing all the way through. The review title really tells how this workout goes for me- "Wow! Suzanne has some sculpted abs and great form, she makes it look so easy" ...about 6-8 minutes later "Wow it's not... Whoa, I may not be able to finish this section of this segment!" "Whoo, that was tough, I made it through most of it! Whoo, I don't even want to THINK about making it through all of it" The first time I did this DVD I followed that sequence on three segments, by the fourth I just sat and watched the screen with contempt and started trying again about halfway through it, the fifth I started and questioned how much more I could take took a minute break and then I did the quick but pretty challenging sixth segment. I went back to do the fourth and decided I'd humiliated myself enough. :) The next time I did the DVD I started with that one and picked two others, then switched to another video before contempt could set in. Now I generally start with whatever one I had not done the last time and think of as most challenging for that particular day, then do two to three more and move on to other workouts I have. If I do more than that I just know I may need to take a mini break at some point and try not to fret about it because I will just make myself complete that segment before any others next time. It's definitely a challenge, and will strengthen the core. Some days I need some of the modifications and others I am up for some of the challenges, it definitely keeps it fun and varied for me that I never seem to know which exercise or segment is going to be the last straw for me. I've joked with my husband that I think Suzanne hates me on a couple occasions, but honestly I loved it. Once I can do this whole video it will be a huge accomplishment and will continue to help me get into better shape!

I purchased this DVD because I'm terribly out-of-shape (especially in the core region) after having two children by C-section in the last three years and not making the time to keep up my exercise routine with two youngsters at home. I love that the DVD is broken into short segments...good for busy moms who might not be able to dedicate a whole hour to exercise with no interruptions. I think the exercises were explained well and the segments were easy to follow. The music was fine to me, basically just background. I liked Suzanne Bowen...kept me going without being annoying or obnoxious and explains the moves well. My one disappointment with the DVD is that I purchased it to try to get back in shape but after attempting to do the workouts several times, I kind of feel like I have to get back in shape FIRST just in order to be able to do most of the segments! Even though it's a core workout...if your legs and arms are weak like mine are, you might have quite a bit of difficulty doing many of the exercises. That being said, Bowen does stress that you might have to work up to some of the exercises and offers easier alternatives to many of the moves. I was just a bit disappointed by how many of the exercises I really just couldn't do. I've decided to put this DVD on the back burner while I focus on some aerobic workouts to try to build up a little stamina and tone my arms and legs so I'm better able to do the exercises in the core DVD. My overall opinion is that it's a great core workout for someone who is in pretty decent shape but might be a little over-the-top for a beginner like me.

If you are looking for serious ab workout segments, this is a smart choice. It has 6 different workouts for abs -- each has a different spin from classic ab exercises to an advanced (and shorter) workout. Most are about 12 minutes each. I have done all of them except the 7 minute advanced one. Some are more pilates- inspired, others are more focused on other presentations. I like this one because I can do a shorter workout and tack this onto it or do 3 of them in a row (like the Metabolic Bootcamp which is part cardio + a ton of ab engagement too)If you are just getting started in a fitness regimen, I would hold off on buying this OR be prepared to work into this. Had I bought this when I was starting back into my exercise regimen (early 2015), I would have shelved this one till I was capable of doing it. I do planks on a regular basis and other workouts that focus on abs too. Ab engagement is something that can help you attain more functional fitness -- meaning you would use it in every day life.. not just as part of a workout routine. If you do a couple of sections at a time, you will feel it for the rest of the day. If can zip up those abs (not just pull navel to spin, but lift up -aka zip up- the abs and pull in at the same time, you will find that's the key to this entire DVD.I love all the sections I have tried. I have tried all but the 7 minute challenge. This looks like an early (younger) Suzanne Bowen but it's nice to see that side of her. I have 3 other DVDs of hers. I will be buying more.