Shrink Your Female Fat Zones Reviews

• Quick lil' tape to get you toned!

  
  By A1P4F6HIXU6WYE on 2005-01-31
  Denise Austin's "Shrink Your Female Fat Zones" is an effective tape that can be split into two 20 minute sessions or one 40 minute workout.
  
  Women are often told that to prevent bone loss, we should workout with weights, but many tapes on the market are overwhelming. They use very heavy weights, are very long, lack clear directions or are just plain boring.
  
  Denise's tape gives you a simple workout that you can do 3-4 times a week to build strength, preserve bone density and get toned.
  
  The first section is a simple 20 minute light weight routine. You will do a few pushups, lat rows, light ab work, bicep work etc. Very simple. No jumping around. Clear direction. The second session adds in the balance ball. The ball is not included in the tape but is sold by places like Wal-mart for under $20.00. With the ball you work your core, legs and more.
  Pick one or both workouts depending on your mood and needs.
  
  The setting is a studio with a calm background, one that will not date in the future. Denise leads the exercises with a small group of exercisers behind her, following her directions. It would have been nice if Denise had included some older exercisers, but she didnt. The music is relaxing. Though Denise is her usual chatty self she is not overbearing. Denise uses the same set of weights throughout the workout which could be a drawback for those who like to vary their weights as there is not a lot of time to change poundage.
  
  My goal is not to be a fitness buff, but to be healthy, strong and slender. I don't want to kill myself working out but recognize that in addition to aerobic activity (which this tape is not) I need weight bearing activity. This tape is just the perfect fit for my needs.
  
  
  

• a good dvd

  
  By A2NBVPO9P2AHPI on 2003-09-22
  After reading all the negative reviews, i had to write one of my own for the positive side of this dvd.

  I believe this is geared more for the beginner -- and it was perfect for me. after doing this workout, i actually felt "good" -- not worked to the point that my legs and arms are jello. i have a lot of "toning" videos that are going to pretty much sit on my shelf til i am more into that fitness level, but this is one toning video i will reach for again and again while i classify myself at "the beginner" stage.

  i havent done the stability ball portion yet, but the 1st 20 minutes worked all the right places for me. as for the 2 20 min. segments, there *is* a clear end and beginning to when one section stops and the other starts. the only issue there that i had was that the final stretch was mixed in with the stability ball section, and it wasnt a direct "next chapter" to get there.

  as far as Denise Austin's chattiness -- i am able to tune that out, and just hear her instruction. If this isnt your first Denise video, you are already well aware of her chattiness, so if it doesnt bother you on those videos, it probably won't bother you here either. its nothing out of the ordinary.

  I can't give this 5 stars only because of the lack of usage of dvd technology, but then again, that's probably why this dvd is as inexpensive as it is. For the price of this DVD, i thought it was well worth it.
  
  

• I love the DVD!!!

  
  By A36KRXY62ZVADF on 2004-02-13
  This DVD is awesome!! Denise Austin is very motivating. I do this entire workout everyday but Sunday. I have been using it for about 1 month and my body is actually starting to look like it did before I had my 2 children (my son is 4 and my daughter is 1). I started out using 2lb weights and now I am using 5lbs. The stability ball is really fun to work with. Using this DVD and eating right I have lost 20lbs in the past month. I actually have definition in my arms and legs (still working on the abs!)!!! This is a great DVD for any woman that wants to tone up.
  
  

• good work out - bad advertising

  
  By A119R8I6QPVUFG on 2003-08-26
  This video is advertised as 2 complete workouts, when actually it's 1, 40 minute workout. It's 20 minutes of toning with weights going right into the stability ball workout. I bought the video because it said 2, 20 minute complete workouts. 20 minutes is just right for me to get done before work in the morning. I thought it was perfect for me, but I was wrong. The workout is good, I like her use of the stability ball and I love the Denise Austin videos that I have. This one is good, I just wish it had been the 2-20 minute complete workouts like the cover says.
  
  

• Good routine for overall toning

  
  By AOEP96629WHHA on 2005-05-31
  I went from sedentary to relatively toned primarily through the virtues of this routine, which I have been doing now for about 6 weeks. The DVD bills itself as containing two separate routines--weights and exercise ball--but as other reviewers have noted, it's really one workout you can break into two. The warm-up is clumped with the weights; the cool-down is with the ball. It would have been nice if they had taken advantage of DVD technology as they do in Denise Austin's Personal Training System to allow users to stretch & cool-down with either routine. I had intended to break them into two, but gave in and simply do it all at once. If you choose to do the ball portion only, you might want to do a few warm-up stretches of your own before you start. Cool-down after the weights may not be necessary for you, unless it leaves your muscles feeling tight.
  
  Many people find Denise Austin grating. She talks nonstop. Some of this inane chatter ("That's right; you've got it!"--which I still find cheering even though I know she can't possibly know), but some of it is pretty informative. She tells what each exercise is meant to work and discusses proper form--though not always early enough in the exercise. Sometimes we'll be halfway through something, and she'll suddenly say, "Exhale when you lift up." This can be a bit of a problem when you first start doing the routine, but as you get used to it, you'll start anticipating these belated reminders.
  
  The best part about this workout is how fluidly Austin moves from one part of the body to another. It keeps the cumulative impact of the exercises from overwhelming you--you don't exhaust your arms, for instance, by doing them in one fell swoop. They get a bit of a rest while you work the legs and the abs before you come back.
  
  I love this DVD. I'm still finding parts of it challenging, though I can now do all the exercies, but I can see an incredible difference in the muscle tone in my body. I am now varying it with Denise Austin's Personal Training System for variety, but I can say with all confidence that whether my female fat zones have shrunk or not, they're definitely better sculpted.
  
  Equipment required: 3 to 8 lb. handweights & a stability ball. Be sure to get the right size: the one I started with was too big for my 5'2" frame, and I eventually had to replace it.
  
  
• Good for small apartments!!!
  By A2OPAAOWH9QXI4 on 2004-08-25
  I know that sounds weird, but I have had a hard time working out at home because I always live in confined spaces. This one is good because you don't flail about too much and it works out all your muscles, especially arms, abs, and BACK FAT (what I was really wanting to trim and how I found Denise in the first place). Even the balance ball is do-able within like, 6 square feet or so...(I'm serious). I have never pulled anything and found that I could actually do the workout (minus a few difficult things I sat out but can now mostly do after a few months) without getting discouraged. The strength training produces almost instant results in terms of making you feel more substantial, strong, and energetic. I was *really* out of shape, just got out of grad school and started teaching middle school! Ack! Denise is getting me through it. Her voice is annoying at first but her insipid EASE can be motivating becaues she makes you so mad. At the end of the work out her words are motivating and sweet. She encourages you and says funny things when you are in your moments of pain (like, "let's see that smiling face" when you're trying to roll up vertebrae by vertebrae... ACK!) - now I totally LOVE her! I yelled and screamed obscenities for the first few weeks, but I have been doing this workout since June and I look MAHVELOUS! I recommend this DVD for people who are having a tough time getting motivated... it's easy enough to do and challenging enough to make you want to do it all. This is the first exercise DVD (VHS) I've ever liked enough to actually stick with. And I've been trying for a while. It's also nice at the end because she encourages you and tells you "you're getting fit because you're worth it... keep it up" - maybe there's subliminal messages in it. (just kidding...)
  
  
• This workout gets a bad rap, it is great for beginners!
  By A3UXIZIFY5V7DL on 2005-09-15
  I have read a lot of negative things regarding this workout. Much of the negativity seems to be directed towards Denise Austin's personality and it seeming to be "fake". The rest of the negativity seems to be directed to the ineffectiveness of the workout itself.
  
  If you are a beginner to core workouts, THIS WORKOUT IS WORTH THE MONEY. Read my story for more.
  
  I am female who turned 30 in January of 2005. I gained ten pounds this year quite suddenly and my pants were extremely tight and uncomfortable. I had always eaten whatever I wanted and never exercised except for occasionally so I should have known the weight was on its way (in all the wrong places).
  
  In July I was going to be attending a special event and wanted to look my best so I began a food plan. 1800 calories per day, 40 grams of fat (good fat like nuts and olives not cheetos), whole grains, no white sugar or flour, no junk food, two - three servings of fruit daily, including 64 ounces of water daily. I cut out the soda, take out food and only had two major carbohydrate servings per day, usually a serving of brown rice (1/2 cup) and a serving of whole wheat bread (usually 1 slice). I starting reading nutrition labels more than ever before and nutrition books as well. I also began doing 30 to 40 minutes of excirsize every other day which consisted of walking & stationary bicycling.
  
  Three weeks after starting the regime above, I was starting to lose weight and get a little bit smaller. I lost 5lbs and 4% body fat. I was thrilled but needed something more. I wanted faster results and I wanted to transform my body.
  
  I was in a local Music & Video Merchant and saw Denise Austin's Shrink Your Female Fat Zones. I had heard of her but never researched her or her products online to see what she was all about. When I turned over the DVD, I noticed she was posed on the back cover with a stability ball. Having purchased one myself two months earlier or so, I was immediately intrigued.
  
  I began with a workout each day of the entire DVD. I then rested for two days. I proceeded to complete a workout each day of the entire DVD for five consecutive days. A few times on certain days if I had extra energy, I went on 30 minute power walks.
  
  In that period of I lost five more pounds and 6% more body fat. I had hit my target weight of 135 (I'm 5'6). I noticed IMMEDIATE results with this workout, the FAT MELTED AWAY! This is not an exaggeration. My arms were beautiful and shapely, my thighs were becoming less jiggly and more toned, my abs are extremely hard and beautiful and my butt is a lot smaller, thanks to this workout! Overall, I am thrilled and do this workout five days consecutively and skip it for two days to rest. IT IS WORTH THE MONEY if you follow it, eat healthy food, drink plenty of water and get a good amount of sleep each night (at least 7 hours per night).
  
  Denise's voice is somewhat different (I've read a lot of negative comments about her voice) but who cares? If this quick, 40 minute workout reshapes your body, who cares what her voice sounds like? I've also read that people think she sounds fake. She's high energy. Do you really want someone leading your workout who has no energy and sounds blah? I don't think so. I not only have more energy but I have more stamina as well. I also feel great about myself and my body. It's been a long time since I've been able to say that. Again, this workout is great for beginners.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• I love it!
  By A3JVWD2GVGMFBO on 2005-11-21
  After reading the negative reviews on this DVD I have to put my opinion in here also. I love this routine, sure if you are a beginner the ball moves are a little challenging. My kids love this part...they think of it as mommy's circus and have a great laugh!
  I love Denise, she is the reason that I can stay 125 pounds (5'4"tall). Need proof? I stopped doing the routine in August, too busy with home improvements, didn't change anything else in my life. Still drink water, keep Calories to around 1800 average per day but guess what. It's November now and I weigh 138. Needless to say its time to make Denise a part of my day again. Her voice doesn't bother me and neither does her cheerfullness. Yea when she says "Smile your doing great" I usually have a few choice words for her, but I do smile because I realize that I am arguing with the tv! For those of you that are beginners, this tape will do great if you only need to lose a few pounds or tone what you got.
  Denise makes me proud that I am doing this for myself. Most of all you have to work hard, and put your heart into it. And remember as Denise says, "Your butt is the last thing that leaves a room so make it good." But please as I leave this review don't look at mine, it has so much jiggly stuff on it now that its prolly wavin at ya!
  For those who are annoyed by her voice....maybe you should beg the Visine commercial man to make a workout tape...maybe his cheerfulness (or lack there of) is more your speed.
  
  
• Perfect for the moderatly overweight/moderately out of shape
  By A1W14PKMCSM5LQ on 2004-05-17
  I just got this DVD today and finished the workout a few minutes ago. I can definitly feel the burn in my abs, and I can tell my arms and legs will be a bit sore tommorrow! I am a 20 yr old college student, about 30 lbs overweight, not toned at all and pretty much out of shape but not completly (I can jog a 12 min mile and then I have to walk for a few minutes before I can even think of jogging some more). I found this video to be at a good level for me, and I think if I was less or more in shape it would still be good. I could do all of the exercises, although I could not get the full range of motion on a few (that was in part because while Denise reccomends 3-8lb weights, I only have 10 lbs). Denise talks constantly, and I found that motivating, although I would definitly not buy a yoga or other relaxing workout from her! The first 20 minutes uses free weights and the second 20 minutes uses a stability ball and free weights. The DVD does not pause in between the workout sections, but it is clear that if you only want a short workout, the time when Denise gets her stability ball is the time to stop the DVD. I did the first 20 min, made a 10 min phone call, and did the second 20 min. I am pretty sure I could have done the tape straight through with only a quick water break in the middle, although I was definitly breathing hard and sweating light-moderate. (The workout is not exactly cardio, but since I am out of shape, the effort of lifting weights and switching positions brought up my heartrate to where it would be maybe a minute or two into a slow jog)I also really liked that there were many excersizes to work each muscle and very few reps of each, so the muscle was worked for enough time without the movements getting to repetitive. I also liked how a boring movement such as arm curls with weights was made a little more bearable by rocking back in forth. Overall, I liked this tape and I feel it really worked my muscles, and as I strengthen I can increase the weight and range of motion and still be challanged.
  
  
• Perfect for the moderatly overweight/moderately out of shape
  By A1W14PKMCSM5LQ on 2004-05-17
  I just got this DVD today and finished the workout a few minutes ago. I can definitly feel the burn in my abs, and I can tell my arms and legs will be a bit sore tommorrow! I am a 20 yr old college student, about 30 lbs overweight, not toned at all and pretty much out of shape but not completly (I can jog a 12 min mile and then I have to walk for a few minutes before I can even think of jogging some more). I found this video to be at a good level for me, and I think if I was less or more in shape it would still be good. I could do all of the exercises, although I could not get the full range of motion on a few (that was in part because while Denise reccomends 3-8lb weights, I only have 10 lbs). Denise talks constantly, and I found that motivating, although I would definitly not buy a yoga or other relaxing workout from her! The first 20 minutes uses free weights and the second 20 minutes uses a stability ball and free weights. The DVD does not pause in between the workout sections, but it is clear that if you only want a short workout, the time when Denise gets her stability ball is the time to stop the DVD. I did the first 20 min, made a 10 min phone call, and did the second 20 min. I am pretty sure I could have done the tape straight through with only a quick water break in the middle, although I was definitly breathing hard and sweating light-moderate. (The workout is not exactly cardio, but since I am out of shape, the effort of lifting weights and switching positions brought up my heartrate to where it would be maybe a minute or two into a slow jog)I also really liked that there were many excersizes to work each muscle and very few reps of each, so the muscle was worked for enough time without the movements getting to repetitive. I also liked how a boring movement such as arm curls with weights was made a little more bearable by rocking back in forth. Overall, I liked this tape and I feel it really worked my muscles, and as I strengthen I can increase the weight and range of motion and still be challanged.
  
  
• Horrid
  By A19IKD6SAI4A50 on 2003-09-20
  Denise Austin won't keep quiet. She annoys me with her constant babbling about your jiggles and cooing 'gooooood job' when all you did was stand up tall. I don't need that kind of motivation. The 'female fat zone' idea is not so scientific-- arms, legs, and abs are the zones-- just like any other workout. It is not two 20 minute workouts, it's one 40 minute. Also, the other women in the background are Denise Austin clones (all tiny white women). It is weight only-- there's really no attempt to mix cardio into it. Parts of the workout are OK, but other parts put you in odd and possibly unsafe configurations. I was excited about the stability ball section but it is not challenging at all. Try Quick Fix Stability Ball instead for an invigorating and fun workout. For a better combo of weights and cardio, try Crunch Boot Camp-- the instructor motivates you to get strong and healthy, rather than to become eye candy. If you have managed to tolerate Denise Austin in the past, and you are a beginning exerciser, you might benefit from this workout. Otherwise, save your money.
  
  
• A Great Toning Workout with Denise Austin!
  By AVKY4878DFRDY on 2006-04-14
  This is my favorite toning workout with Denise Austin. After looking at different workout DVDs from other fitness experts, Denise is my favorite. I love her energy and enthusiasm shown in all of her workouts.
  
  For this DVD, you'll need light weights (3-8 lbs probably) and a stability ball. The workout is broken into two segments, one with weights and the other with the ball & weights. You'll get to do a lot of great exercises that tone your tummy, arms, legs, and butt.
  
  I like to alternate between cardio and strength training/toning workouts while always remembering to stetch too. Using Denise's DVDs, I have lost about twenty pounds. I use to weigh about 150 and now weigh about 130. It took several months to loose the weight and my goal is to be more toned and healthy. I also highly recommend Denise's indoor walk DVD. I can't always do all of the moves either in Denise's DVDs, but I really enjoy them.
  
  I give this DVD four instead of five stars because of several reasons. 1) You get to do stretching in this DVD but I feel there's a lack of stretching for your arms with the amount of lifting weights you do. 2) The two twenty minute sections run into in each and there's no pause between the two, so you may be confused when first doing this workout if you just want to do the first segment.
  
  
• The Feel Good Exercise
  By A1OHU14KM62M73 on 2004-09-23
  This DVD is now an essential for me. I hadn't really exercised regularly since I quit dancing years ago. I wasn't able to cope with the fact that I was out of shape and had been diagnosed with exercise induced asthma. I picked the DVD up after I bought an exercise ball (it looked like fun!). This exercise not only made me feel better and more awake, I started to see results after doing the exercise 3 times a week for two weeks(I could fit 40 minutes into my college schedule). I was worried that it might be too strenuous for my asthma, but it has turned out to have a nice steady pace.
  It rotates through the sections of the body many times during the 40 minutes, so even if you can't do the complete workout, 20 minutes targets all the "female fat zones".
  Denise also encourages you through the whole thing. The positive tone she sets makes the exercise easier and makes the time fly.
  Denise says the exercise can be done without a ball. However, I haven't tried this. If you don't already have a ball, I bought my ball at Wal-Mart for around ten dollars, and it came with a pump! It's a small price for an excellent tool.
  Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who needs an easy, at home exercise that brings results.
  
  
  
• Promising workout for both beginner and advanced
  By A1GU47IHKSPZG8 on 2006-04-08
  Having spent many years as a full-time ballet dancer, I have always been quite body conscience. After recently retiring from dance, my hectic life got the best of me and I found myself gaining a few unwanted pounds and losing my prized muscle tone. After spending nearly a year stubbornly working at developing my own exercise program, I finally realized that my needs had changed and a few plies and grande battements would no longer keep me looking young and lean. I decided to invest in some minor workout equipment, such as 5 lb. weights, a stability ball and a yoga mat, and start doing some workout videos. Since I lack both the money and the motivation to actually go to the gym, this proved a great alternative, especially since my first purchase was Denise Austin- Shrink Your Female Fat Zones.
  Because of my past dance training, I still find that some workouts don't actually get me to the point of breaking a sweat. This is not the case with this workout! The first of the two workouts gets my heartrate up and works all the female trouble zones as promised including the abs, hips, and upper arms. The second half of the programe involves a stability as well as light weights and it certainly works well, although I'm experiencing a bit of difficulty due to investing in a poorly designed stability ball. Overall this is a great workout, and Denise Austion has a wonderfully positive attitude during the entire workout which really pushes you to do just one more leg lift! If you're a beginner, the first 20 minutes workout should be sufficient and once you work up to a more intermediate level, you can continue through the stability ball segment. Definitely worth the money!
  
  
• Her best video yet!
  By A3BDDH1GS4NK46 on 2003-08-28
  This video is great. Denise combines small weights with the stability ball for toning. Though I am not a beginner, I believe this video is good for all fitness levels. I enjoy working out with the stability ball because it adds that extra challenge.
  
  
• OK, but not what I'd hoped for
  By A2RPQ46JO27G5M on 2003-09-23
  I'm a Denise Austin fan, and have several other videos by her. I like her chatty style, it keeps me going through the tough spots. Also, I'm 68 and badly out of shape after recovering from a back injury. I wanted a "beginner" type workout. I bought her book of the same title and love it. I hoped the DVD would have the exercises broken out the same way they are in the book, and I would be able to skip from track to track with the DVD technology to create a custom workout that got tougher as I got stronger. Wrong. This is two twenty minute workouts, although the transition to the second part is not well marked and makes it hard to stop the DVD at the exact point so you can do the second part at a different time. The exercises on the DVD work well for me, but it is still not what I hoped for, so I'm afraid I can only give it 3 stars.
  
  
• A great overall toning DVD
  By A1R1EBKHAADRH2 on 2005-03-15
  Okay, let me start by saying that this was my first ever Denise Austin video. After reading about how much she annoys so many people I had no idea what to expect. Initially she's almost laughable but it seems she calms down after a while and I found her motivating and extremely genuine. She seems to sincerely care about what she does and how it can help you, she really reminds me of a kindergarten teacher.
  
  The routine was great. As many other reviewers have pointed out, it is not a cardiovascular workout (nor does it claim to be). However, for someone who is as out of shape as me, it is quite a workout in itself. I found myself working up a bit of a sweat and my muscles were shaking at some points because they were working so hard. I did the full 40-minute segment which seems to be the most effective. There is a short break in between the "just weights 20-minutes" and the "stability ball and weights 20-minutes" where you could pause and come back to later if you wanted.
  
  One of the things I really like about the routine Denise walks you through is that she alternates from legs, to abs, to arms, etc. She doesn't have you working one muscle-group too much at one time. It seems like she covers most the areas I'd be concerned about and explains why she does each exercise and which areas you're targeting during the workout, which I liked a lot too. She continually motivates you and tells you to hang in there and lets you know how much longer which I also found extremely helpful.
  
  The one downfall is that the transition time is very quick and I would sometimes miss the first 1-2 reps trying to catch-up. However, I think after I do this DVD a couple more times I'll be right in line with her. With that, its probably better in the long-run so you don't feel the routine moves to slowly.
  
  I highly recommend to anyone looking for an overall strengthening video concentrating on all the areas we are looking to tone.
  
  
• Losing weight FAST!
  By A2UD5Z85V6IH5U on 2006-11-04
  Once again Denise Austin is there to help me out! Many years ago, I bought a denise austin tape because I wanted to loose weight and I did fast! Unfortunetly, I did not keep it off and am now going to be married. So, I searched and purchased other tapes and no real results were happening. I found this DVD from Denise Austin, purchased and have been doing it every week at 3x a week minimum, for about 2 months and I cannot believe the results. I am getting so many compliments, something I have missed for the past 2 years. She has given me my confidence back and I now look forward to my engagement party. This work it amazing! Honestly, before you know it you are done. To advance the workout, I have added heavier weights so that I can continue with this same DVD and get a harder workout. I know this is something you hear about almost all workout DVD's, but this DVD is honestly easy to do and the results are so fast and amazing I honestly have no words to describe it. Best part is that I really am not dieting, just working out. I don't know how she does it, but if I could talk to her I would say, "Thank you Denise for saving me yet once again!" I have 9 more months until my wedding and I am no longer afraid that I will not loose the weight, I know I am. That is how much confidence this DVD gives to you. Oh! and I was completely out of shape when I started this DVD, but not any more. Literally, everyday I feel better and better about myself and that is something that you cannot get from most DVD workouts, but you will from this one. I give all you women who are reading this review my word!
  
  Tip: I never take this DVD out of my DVD player so that it is there constantly reminding me that I need to work out. I put in a movie and I see there's Denise and I need to work out. And that little "trick" has really helped me out. I am starting to feel like my old self again and not that somewhat depressed woman who never wanted to dress up.
  
  
• This is the one! Read review.
  By A7HX48F8LMRA0 on 2004-03-05
  I do not usually take the time to write reviews, however, I must write a review for a few of Denise Austin's newer videos that I have been seeing fabulous results from recently. I am the 35 year old mom of 3 young girls under the age of 8. I had gained more than 40 pounds that were (VERY) unwanted, from having kids, and dating my honey in college. Using a sensible, nutrition plan like Denise descibes in her "Shrink your female fat zones" - which means moderation, not short term deprivation which eventually results in you bouncing back and gaining extra pounds: Thus, I watch my carbs (focusing on consuming the "good" ones, eat lots of fruit and veggies, drink lots of water, and do have a sweet bite if I feel like it - but KNOW I must then go exercise it off). I have focused on learning about "proper" nutrition - what foods do to me literally, and sucking it up and cutting out the bad things like transfats, refined "dead" flours, and soda (yep, sorry - it can be tough to quit - but it's worth it!! And PLEASE do not drink diet sodas - unless you really are willing to accept that you may end up with Fibromyalgia or other negative side effects. I honestly feel fabulous since cutting out soda! I do have up to 2 cups of coffee per day - using Splenda to sweeten the coffee. For my exercise routine I am walking on my treadmill about 3 days a week (walking 2 miles at 4mph, takes 30 minutes = excellent cardio fat burner - put music cd on headset, read while walking or just get into the music and 2 miles goes by quickly) and then using Denise Austin's Get fit fast 3 video set (Abs, Arms and Shoulders, and Legs and Buns) a couple days per week, then also I have added the new Shrink you female fat zones video which is 2 - 20 minute segments - one with a stability ball, and one without. I am telling you that this simple easy-to-follow plan rocks! The short videos are awesome spot training - and you WILL know you worked your muscles! Each of the 3 videos has 3 different segments on them; advancing in difficulty as you go. All the newest, most effective moves are used - like ballet, kick boxing, etc. Then as far as the "Shrink your female fat zones" video - I just got it and I LOVE the workouts - both are short (easy to fit in with kids - you can workout while a baby is strapped in a high chair eating breakfast...hint, hint) yet like the other 3 videos, you'll KNOW you got a workout! And the stability ball... I LOVE IT!!! I noticed immedietly it gave me added support for my back and neck and it eliminates the need for a fancy, space-consuming weight machine! The results: I have gone from a size 12 medium/large to a size 8 small/medium - in only 2 months!!!!! I do not weigh myself often as per Denise Austin's teaching - because she is so right - the muscle I am creating is heavier than fat, BUT takes up MUCH less space! I do know from the last time I weighed myself, that I only have 20 more pounds to reach my target weight of 120 pounds for my petite 5'2" body - and I feel great! My husband told me a couple of days ago when he pinched my rear end ;-) that he noticed how firm I am getting!!!!! YES! I also have noticed that my abs (even after having a c-section 5 years ago) are very firm, my thighs are finally toning and shrinking, and my upper arms are finally near strapless-top condition!! The muscles are defining and cut! I have only made changes that I could keep for LIFE and done a little exercise nearly every day, just like Denise said. It has set the example for my children as well - since I have explained to them that the importance is that I am physically fit and strong and taking care of my muscles (which includes my heart!) I also highly recommend getting on Denise Austin's daily motivation and nutrition/exercise email list via Lifetime - I have gained so many nuggets from Denise! I also wanted to comment that I have been a long time (5 year) user of TaeBo - and it also is very effective and great for adding to Denise Austin's workouts for diversity. Using TaeBo over the past 5 years I have lost more that 3 inches in each thigh, my buttocks, etc - over 25 inches lost using the diverse but simple program I described - and YOU can do it too!
  
  
• Awesome!!
  By A3L9MHYYYFFM8W on 2005-04-14
  This is a great DVD! I have tried them all, and this by far showed me the best results. I did this DVD 6 days a week, added some cardio a couple of days a week, ate about 1300 calories a day, and I lost 20 lbs in 3 months. It helped tome my body without bulking up, and helped me lose weight. I would reccomend this to anyone! It's great because it is easy to follow, it's not really strenuous, but your heart is beating the whole time, so you kow your getting a great workout. Once you master it, and can do it easily, try using a little heavier weights, and really challenge yourself. It will get you results!I really can't say enough about this workout, it made all of the difference for me!
  
  
• It really works
  By A11A55AN1UXAEY on 2005-10-29
  I was skeptical at first, now I love it. It really is one 40 minute workout, but it really works. If I do not do it for 4 days or so I still get sore the next day, even after several months. You really need the weights and the ball (I love the ball!)
  She can be at bit much at moments, but just as you feel like you can not do another rep she pushes you on, then moves to another move. I saw a huge change in my body after 5 weeks. It does target the areas women have the most trouble with and it manages to slip in a lot of ab work without feeling like you are doing abs, abs, abs. I highly recommend this DVD.
  
  
• Just what I needed!
  By AKJQZANZYOF7N on 2006-09-10
  I'm a mom of 2 kids and finding time for a workout is really a problem. With Denise's workouts which are quick and fun, I get to finish it to the last minute and I feel very accomplished! I've tried Taebo but I feel like a loser towards the end when I don't finish it coz of time constraints and difficulty. I definitely recommend this for those like me who has less time and who's just starting an exercise routine. This is worth it! A great workout video indeed!
  
  
• Great Workout
  By A31NEMMDQZN5VV on 2004-08-14
  This DVD was exactly what I was hoping for. I felt like I had worked out harder with this DVD then when I was walking 3 miles. My muscles were sore the next day and I could tell the workout had targeted the areas I was hoping to work on.
  
  
• Size of the stability ball
  By A37ZZ6F7RPOV3T on 2005-03-15
  The workout is very effective if you do it in the correct way. However I don't recall it telling you the size of the stability ball that you should be using. (Correct me if I am wrong)
  
  I personally suggest the 75cm ones. I got a 65cm one and it is a bit too small. Hope this info helps.
  
  
• One 40-minute workout in 2 sections
  By ALS438382HNI8 on 2005-05-03
  I am annoyed that this dvd is advertized as "two complete 20-minute workouts." It is not two complete 20-minute workouts. It is one 40-minute workout with two 20-minute sections. If you only want to work out for 20 minutes you have to memorize where the chapter breaks are and keep reaching for your remote. Also, the cool-down is not its own chapter, so you have to fast forward to it. In my book, two complete workouts are two separate choices on the menu, each with their own warm-up and cool-down. That is not what this is. This is a 40-minute workout that you can cut up if you want to. As a 40-minute workout I am pleased with the dvd (see other positive reviews). It just isn't what it is advertised to be.
  
  
• Great workout
  By AIR73B0WRSZPL on 2006-03-16
  This video really works you hard. I've been working out on a regular basis for about 2 1/2 months now and I think this video is great. I have the Metabolism boosting workout by Denise Austin and was using that in the beginning. I became bored with it and bought this one to try. I love it! I do the whole thing 3 days a week. It has a great warm-up with stretching. I don't find Denise chatty - she keeps me entertained and makes me laugh with some of her comments! I love her. I will keep buying her videos even after this one. I trust her with giving me the right exercises to get me, and keep me, in better shape. I can see such a difference from the beginning. I've lost a total of 9 inches in 10 weeks with a balanced diet, her workout videos and using the treadmill on the weekends. Denise is the best!!
  
  
• Don't be fooled- not a cardiovascular workout!!
  By AR3YYBBJCMRZ1 on 2004-12-08
  I purchased this DVD because it advertised to have "2 complete 20-minute workouts" to help us ladies shrink our female fat zones. However I feel as if I was misled because in my mind, I'm thinking that these workouts are actually aerobics/cardiovascular exercises with weights and a stability ball, BUT THEY ARE NOT! I did not feel "worked out" after doing both exercises like I normally do with any of my several Denise Austin workouts. This workout is good if you are looking only to tone up your muscles or do simple weight training; not necessarily to get a good workout that has you sweating. But if you are looking for an aerobic workout with weights, try Denise Austin's Personal Training System instead. I feel this is better because you get a cardiovascular workout AND several toning sections of beginner, intermediate, and advanced for your entire body. She basically does the same exercises anyway in both videos. You definitely get a better deal buying the latter.
  
  
• Great workout video.
  By ASDCDCSMWVQF on 2006-03-20
  I have several of Denise's videos and this is now my new favorite. I love it! Denise keeps it interesting by alternating between upper body, abs, and lower body. She's good about instructing you on doing the exercises the right way, so you get the most out of your workout.
  
  Since I no longer have time to fit in a gym workout I have had trouble keeping myself motivated to workout at home, but Denise's enthusiastic attitude wakes me up and gets me going for my 5am workout. :)
  
  
• Great Workout...
  By A2J4EH0HNMYG4M on 2006-07-27
  I really enjoyed this workout DVD. I thought the results to be rather quick. Combined with a diet you will lose inches fast. I dropped 2 or 3 inches within a matter of a couple of weeks. The segments do run into each other. I think that is a ploy to get you to do the whole tape at one time. Just work on doing as much as you can and eventually you will end up doing the whole thing at once. I do give this dvd 5 stars.
  
  
• Great Toning Video
  By A2LHJJTMY3AMTN on 2005-01-12
  I LOVE this workout - there are two complete 20 minute workouts which easily combine into one great workout. Two dumbells (for first 20 minute workout) and an exercise ball (for second workout) are needed. Although this workout is about toning (not cardio), it still gets my blood pumping. And Denise is really good about telling you what each exercise will help you achieve (i.e., toned upper back, flatter lower belly). Again, GREAT video!
  
  

• Personal Training System
• Denise Austin: Boot Camp - Total Body Blast
• Hit the Spot - Pilates
• Denise Austin: Hit the Spot - Core Complete
• Denise Austin: Fat Burning Dance Mix