Personal Training System Reviews

• Really good addition to home DVD collection

  
  By A3ALKIKFGRXGFV on 2004-09-10
  I bought this because I like the option of short workouts and the programming ability. I am a beginner and this is a DVD I can grow with. This would also be good for intermediate. If you are advanced, it would be good for light days or you could do more of the workouts back to back.
  
  Here is what you get:
  
  2 - 20 min. Cardio (low and high intensity)
  3 - 10 min. Upper Body (low, med., and high intensity)
  3 - 10 min. Lower Body (low, med., and high intensity)
  1 - 10 min. abs section
  1 - 10 min stretch section
  
  These are good workouts especially the toning sections for medium and high intensity! The cardio isn't exciting but it gets the job done. These workouts don't require much space. All you need is weights and a chair for the toning.
  
  If you don't take to Denise's personality style then don't buy this. I personally feel she really cares, is sincere and wants to motivate you so she does not annoy me.
  
  This one DVD will add a lot of versatility to your exercise routine!! (and you get alot of different routines for the money!)
  
  

• Denise Takes you from Unfit to Fit in Just Weeks

  
  By AT3WW8Z91Z41S on 2004-11-27
  Having recently decided to get fit, I searched and searched for an exercise video that could take me from beginner to as advanced as I want to be in just a few short weeks. The custom workout is perfect for gaining not only strength but confidence in the fact that you know you are getting better with each workout. I have only been using this DVD for 5 weeks and can now make it through 95% of the abs workout without missing a beat...and that's after laying on the floor through most of it the first time (I'm 44)!! I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to get fit and stay fit.
  
  

• Nice Use of Technology to Personalize Your Routine

  
  By AOEP96629WHHA on 2005-05-31
  I have been doing Denise Austin's Shrink Your Female Fat Zones for 6 weeks, and 2 weeks ago added this DVD to put some variety in the routine. I love it!
  
  What I love most about it is the technology in the DVD, which allows you to customize your routine, choosing from a menu (in most sections with subcategories covering your level of expertise) of arms, legs, abs, stretching & cardio. If you pick one from each category, you'll get an hour long work-out, but you can go as low as 10 or 20 minutes.
  
  Denise is her usual chatty self in these routines, offering you encouragement and explaining what muscles you're working--occasionally piping in late with an essential bit of instruction (like how you're supposed to be breathing during a particular exercise) and on one exercise forgetting a step (which she does perform on the other leg). As with my other Austin tape, I like her and her presentation enough to make allowances for this, but you do need to remember these belatedly mentioned techniques so that you can begin to anticipate them on later use of the DVD. When you're familiar enough with the routine, if you like, you have the option of shutting off Denise's voice and working out to the music alone. Since I can't watch the screen during many of these exercises, I'm not sure that's a route I'll ever go.
  
  The cardio routine seems a little complicated to me. It feels like a slightly frantic line dance, but it does get the pulse going, which is the point. The stretches, arms, legs & ab exercises are nothing too unusual, but as with the other tape I have, Austin presents a good variety to cover all the major muscle groups involved. I find some of the workout here more difficult than on Austin's Shrink Your Female Fat Zones, which moves around from area to area, even though I suspect you're hitting the same muscles with the same intensity. When you group the exercises together as they are here, you really feel it. By the end of the 10-minute arm workout, my muscles are really straining.
  
  Equipment required: 3 to 8 lb. handweights, a towel & a dining room table type chair (I'm using my stability ball).
  
  

• L-O-V-E it!

  
  By AUX129909MZE8 on 2006-09-03
  I ordered this DVD with high expectations after reading all the reviews! I've got to tell you... it met all of them. You can choose an all Low level, Moderate level or high intensity workout (which includes abs and full body stretch) or you can truly customize your workout. The DVD lets you preset what level you want for every specific workout before you even start so that there aren't any interruptions between the chapters. I almost hate to admit it but... I choose the Low intensity workout starting out. I was sweating more than what I thought I would. I even still found some of the Abs and thigh exercises challenging!! I think that Denise is EXTREMEMLY motivational and can really help you keep up your momentum. I know many times I would remember to tighten my Abs while exercising with her catch phrase, "Zip up those Abs!!"
  *I would recommend this to everyone at any fitness level because this is a workout that than "grow" with up as you become more fit! 5 stars from me!
  
  
  

• Denisa Austin Excellent!

  
  By A3TCWR6BJSYPH7 on 2004-09-14
  This is a great Dvd by Denise Austin. Very easy to follow. Create yur own workout to fit into our own time schedule. Very motivating! Great variety of choices for your own customized workout!
  
  
• A lot of customization in this workout!
  By AVKY4878DFRDY on 2006-04-13
  I really like how you can customize your workout with this DVD which includes everything in various levels:
  
  Twenty minute cardio, low & high levels
  Ten minute Lower body toning, low, medium, & high levels
  Ten minute Upper body toning, low, medium, & high levels
  Ten minute Abs (only one level)
  Ten minute stretch (only one level)
  
  Sometimes I like to incorporate different levels for my workout, like for instance I'll do medium upper body but both low and high level lower body.
  
  If you get this workout, try all three levels. Some levels I liked more than others and my liking of them didn't go by low, medium, and high. For instance, I dislike the medium level lower body using a chair but I love the high level with no equipment needed.
  
  I can do most or the majority of these exercises which I like, and the only equipment needed is a chair and weights which are only used in certain workouts.
  
  My least favorite component is the cardio section. I don't really feel like you get to do enough so that's why I rate this DVD 4/5 stars. However, if you're on a budget crunch and/or are looking for a DVD that includes everything - cardio, toning, and stitching - then I highly recommend this DVD. Plus, you'll get Denise's bubbly personality to go along with your workout, and I enjoy her moreso than any other fitness expert out there.
  
  
• Great concept = Great workout
  By AR3YYBBJCMRZ1 on 2004-12-08
  This is the best fitness concept that I have run across in a very long time. All fads and trends aside, this is a basic necessity for anyone who is trying to get fit, lose weight, or stay fit. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you can use this DVD. You have your cardiovascular/aerobic workout, upper body toning, lowerbody toning, and ab workout all on one DVD, with different fitness levels included. No more popping in several tapes to get your daily workout. Everything you need is all on this one DVD. Simple as that. What could be better?
  
  
• Perfect For People Who Are Over 75 lbs. Overweight
  By A4GL9I7QBZHC8 on 2005-11-21
  If you are anxious or apprehensive about exercising - then this DVD is for you!
  
  This is a perfect DVD for those of us who have more than 50 lbs. to loose. The segments are only 10 minutes long - not at all overwhelming. You can add as many 10 minute segments to your workout as you want.
  
  You do not need ANY equipment - not even shoes! I did this workout on the first time in my PJ's - without even a brassiere!
  
  The exercises are the same as I did when I was in the Army - basic stuff that even the most uncoordinated - like me - can easily do.
  
  This is a great DVD to build your self-confidence.
  
  
• If I could only have one workout DVD, this would be it
  By A2AA0RC6RPZMSY on 2005-03-09
  There is just so much on this DVD:
  
  Two cardio workouts: one low intensity, one high intensity.
  
  Three workouts each for the lower body and upper body. You can pick from low, medium or high intensity.
  
  One ab workout. Denise incorporates three different levels for many of the ab exercises, so you can stay at one level or step up the intensity as the workout goes along.
  
  There's also a separate "chapter" for cool-down and stretch.
  
  You can customize your workout in many ways. You can choose to have music only or music with Denise talking. You can simply choose "low", "medium" or "high" and it will put you through the cardio and appropriate toning segments or you can go to custom workout and put together your own. Since you pick everything out on the custom workout all at one time, once it's playing, it's seamless...no flipping back and forth to the menu at all.
  
  Because you have so much variety to choose from, I think this is a DVD you can really grow with.
  
  Denise is Denise. If you've never enjoyed working out with her, don't buy this. But for those of us who enjoy her "company," I unhesitatingly give this a strong recommendation.
  
  
• You really can personalize it...
  By A2654ODSPOPC31 on 2006-08-09
  When I read the description it mentions being able to personalize your workouts. I thought, "Yeah, right." But you really can pick and chose and combine what you want. You can combine high intensity arms with low intensity abs and medium intensity cardio. It is up to you. Or you can choose from the basic low, medium, or high intesity workouts. This is a great workout DVD and Denise is pretty easy to follow for the most part. I'd recommend it for anyone of any workout level who wants to exercise in the privacy of their own home.
  
  
• Great, easy workout
  By AZ81AU315G1YT on 2005-01-08
  I consider myself moderately fit - I walk about 1.5-2 miles per day. I was looking for something quick to add to my walking routine for a little bit of strength training, and this is perfect. After my walk, I choose abs, arms, or legs, and the stretching segment, and I've got a well-rounded workout in about 45 minutes (including my walk). The cardio segments are also good for a rainy day. Highly recommended.
  
  
• More like an exercise library!
  By A1SWMOHC2S4HB5 on 2005-06-26
  Being in New Zealand, I went on an internet shopping spree recently, purchasing a whole lot of DVDs not available in New Zealand while the exchange rate NZ/USD was competitive. On the whole, I probably was taking a rather large gamble with my exercise DVD purchases since I have very little idea as to who many of the personalities are and what sort of credibility they have.
  
  Out of the DVDs that I have ordered, Denise Austin's Personal Training System is one of my most valued purchases. It takes into consideration everyone's personal fitness ability, and as always, Denise shows her understanding that there are only so many minutes in a day. This is a DVD that I can develop with, and I can customise my workouts to match my mood, time, and progress.
  
  I find it very difficult to get myself motivated to exercise, and any form of exercise that encourages me to stick at it and is convenient is valuable. It is only with Denise Austin's workouts that I have the enthusiasm to make exercise a habit.
  
  On this DVD, you get:
  2 x 20min Cardio - Low and High Intensity
  3 x 10min Upper Body Toning - Low, Moderate and High Intensity
  3 x 10min Lower Body Toning - Low, Moderate and High Intensity
  1 x 10min Abdominal Routine (3 levels, but one rountine)
  1 x 10min Stretch
  
  I have one of Denise Austin's other toning DVDs, 'Shrink your Female Fat Zones', and there is an overlap with some of the exercises in that DVD with the toning segments on this DVD, although because on SYFFZ she moves from zone to zone, while on here she spends a targeted amount of time on one zone, you 'feel the burn' a lot more, even if the exercises are similar.
  
  My only gripes are related to the Cardio routines. The high intensity cardio routine is not as difficult as I thought it would be. The choreography for both routines isn't very exciting, and the music isn't totally synchronised to the movements, I have been known to 'switch off' and work out to the music rather than to Denise - though for a DVD less than $15 and purchased on a whim, I didn't expect rocket science. And as I said before, I have respect for any exercise that I can stick with, and despite these flaws with the cardio routines, I still do them regularly and feel good about myself after I've done them.
  
  The set is gorgeous, and Denise is her usual, perky self - and if by now you are fed up of her catch phrases and her 'unorthodox' referrels to buttocks and abdominals (Tight tushies! Flat tummies! No more jigglies! Am I the only one that finds this sort of chatter cute?), don't expect a personality metamorphosis in this DVD.
  
  
  All in all, I think this DVD is great bang for your buck and would recommend it to anyone as a good base for their exercise collection.
  
  
• Be very careful with this one
  By A17CKF3I5SQMCQ on 2005-11-28
  I have never been a Denise Austin fan. I just find her to be too fake and really can't stand her airy, constant jabbering on about nothing. It distracts from the workouts. Anyway, this DVD sounded interesting and seemed to offer a lot of options so I gave it a try. Without her voice the cardio, lower body and abs were ok. Not awesome but ok. Problem being is that without the voice you don't get any ques. I found that the sections with arm weights are very poor in terms of form. BE CAREFUL WITH THIS ONE. She combines moves that have your joints rotating in unsafe ways and the pace it too fast to do it in good form and actually build any muscle. This is aerobic weight training! I am not in bad shape and do work with light to med (3-5 lbs) hand weights at least 3x week. High intensity is one thing but that doesn't mean do it faster when it comes to working with weights. Slow down and Denise, and put more emphasis on proper form and less on your senseless babbling and toothy grin.
  
  
• A great workout!
  By A7K50QXKOPXBG on 2006-03-29
  I love this DVD! As one who loves to exercise and who training to become a personal trainer, I always go with the high intensity workouts. Denise Austin is perky (immensely), but sometimes when I'm tired her contagious smile is helpful. The ab workout is great, and I love the lower and upper body sections, also. However, I rated this DVD 4 stars, because of her Cardio workout segments. Even the high intensity workout is too repetitive and without difficulity! If you're looking to get flat abs, a tight butt, lean thighs, and sculpted arms, this DVD is for you; but if it's cardio you're looking for, I'd recommend another DVD.
  
  
• User-friendly!!!
  By AKJQZANZYOF7N on 2006-10-08
  I love this dvd. It's very easy to use and you can pre-program what workout you want to do, depending on your time constraints, your own physical needs and level.
  
  1. 20 minute cardio workout. I'm doing the low intensity (a high intensity is also available) cardio and I find it very enjoyable to do. I love all the workouts in this segment - those which include the grapevine, shuffle, lunges, rainbow, and almost all the movements. Even my 3-year old daughter loves them, so she imitates me while watching me workout. I went through the high intensity and for me, the low intensity is a lot more fun.
  2. 10 minute upper body. I'm also doing the low intensity (but dvd has medium & high too) but instead of the chair, I use the stability ball when I'm doing the weights. I find it's more flexible to do it with a ball than on a chair.
  3. 10 minute lower body. I don't consider my lower body a main problem spot, so for now, I skip this section due to time constraints. That's why this dvd is so good, you can choose what you want, depending on your needs! This is also available in low, medium and high intensity. I went through the section, though, and find variety of lower body exercises which I haven't seen some yet. I have to try this when I have the luxury of time. ;-)
  4. 10 minute abs. This is my problem spot so I always make it a point to do this all the time. This is tough and you would really feel it working in all sections of your abs. There are a lot of variation in the basic crunches which I find very useful. I hope it works visibly, though! I have a lot of flab hiding my 6-pack. LOL!
  5. The last segment is the stretching which is basically the usual stretching we see, but of course, very important in the cool down.
  
  All in all, I give this dvd a 5+ stars for being easy to use and the workouts being doable but effective. I guess I'm fast becomming a Denise fan. I enjoy her workouts and for me her talkies are not distracting. But if you get annoyed with her voice, there's also a function to play music only. Buy this, it is worth it!
  
  
• Awesome for even the beginner
  By A3V17MXJ6P4CE8 on 2004-11-05
  This is a great DVD workout. I love the flexibility with being able to chose the workouts I want to do. I have many videos/DVDs in my collection but this one I keep coming back to again and again. Many times, I do a different video, but put this one in for a round of legs and abs. The sections are only 10 minutes each, so there is plenty of time to fit it all in. For anyone trying to lose weight and just starting out, this is a must have!
  
  
• Great workout!
  By A1JIFZ0QIFH3T1 on 2005-01-02
  This is the first workout of Denise Austin's that I have tried and I'm loving it! Already all the other ones I have are gathering dust on the shelf as I find myself reaching out for this DVD everytime. I can customize my workout which is super convenient, i can tailor it to exactly what i need for each part of my body and vary the intensity of cardio or have no cardio at all! you can't get bored, cos its several workouts in one! plus she has an excellent abs and strech section. After just the first 2 days of the workout I found my abs and my body feeling tighter, my muscles stronger and I can't wait to work out everyday even after a long, stressful day at work. I love her energy, I don't think she's annoying at all, ok the "beautiful face" thing she says is cheesy but such a small and insigficant detail compared to the great workout you get. Try it!
  
  
  
• Denise-As good as ever
  By A1WS91RM9WOZYJ on 2005-10-29
  I purchased this workout because I had used Denise's videos in the past (WAAAAY past-we're talking the 1980's..) but had gotten very lazy in the meantime.I started using them again,but wanted something more recent.This fits the bill for people like me,and for beginners,as well as those who are more advanced.It can be totally customized to each user's level,for example-LOW on cardio,but MEDIUM or HIGH for each segment on arms,abs and thighs.It also incorporates a bit of yoga,and the stretching segment is WONDERFUL.Denise,as always,inspires you with her encouraging and positive message,"YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!" I have lost 12 pounds and two clothes sizes...Yeah,it's worth it!
  
  
• Just what I needed to get moving!
  By A1Z15ZGVPHJSVO on 2007-08-28
  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this DVD. I hadn't worked out in years and needed to get my booty in gear having gained 50 pounds over the past 4 or 5 years. I started out slow and LOVE the custom workout option on this DVD. What a great use of technology! I mostly do the high intensity upper body, medium intensity lower body, abs and stretch routines on a daily basis. For cardio, I've added walking, as I don't care for the cardio routines on this DVD. I've lost 25 pounds over the course of 3 months and I haven't felt this good in years! Anyone can start and grow into a workout program with this DVD!
  
  UPDATE (October 26, 2007): I've added running to my routine and I've made it up to running one mile straight! But for strength training, I STILL go back to this DVD. Love the high intensity upper and lower body workouts. Eating right and moving has really paid off! I've lost 45 pounds to date and I'm 8 pounds away from the goal that, at one time, seemed so impossible! This DVD was the BEST investment I've made in my health and fitness - and potentially my life since it helped start it all!
  
  
• great workout
  By A2ADCH0RZXWMGT on 2004-09-27
  an easy to learn but challanging array of workouts, my new favorite. Denise makes a variety of options available with this dvd. It's her best.
  
  
• This is an awesome DVD
  By A2IXL0B9XNFYBB on 2005-07-07
  I own over 100 exercise videos. I had this one for several months before I finally tried it this weekend. It is without a doubt, one of the BEST videos I own. I thought Denise was great (and she usually annoys the heck out of me). But, I felt the routines were great. I automatically chose the "low" routine and still felt like I got a great workout. My lower body is very weak, so the low routine was perfect. My legs weren't screaming like they usually do from other routines. I thought this video would be great to finally start building up my leg strength. Because other lower body videos tend to work your legs harder, I'd be in so much pain, I wouldn't want to do the video ever again. This is one that I will continue to use. And since you can customize your routine with the DVD, I can choose a harder upper body routine (since my upper body is stronger than my lower body) and an easier lower body routine. I'm so excited to say I own this video and I'm glad I FINALLY tried it.
  
  
• This product is AWESOME! If you're annoyed by Denises motivation style..it doesn't matter! You can turn her voice off.
  By A1R53CQZJI878K on 2007-01-21
  I just put in my DVD for the first time and I am amazed. I'm 19 years old turning 20 in Feb. I was a captain on my varsity volleyball team through out high school...since I've graduated I've done NOTHING...no working out no nothing. I played the first 5 minutes of the low intensity workout and I was pumped up! It was a little difficult but I felt so revived! My husband (yes I married young) wants to do it with me! And the options on how you want to customize is so neat! I'm so excited!
  
  ********I've been reading on here a lot and noticing that there are a lot of people who dislike hearing Denise talk and motivate you through the whole thing. I'm not one of those people but IF YOU ARE...before each workout you can choose whether you'd like to hear Denise & music, or just the music itself through out the workout. And the music is very upbeat and motivating. So, if Denise gets on your nerves...turn her off and just listen to the upbeat music!
  
  I think this is a great product! If you are just looking for an all around good workout you can customize yourself (you can choose not to customize too).....look no further! =D
  
  
• Denise Austin is the Best!!!
  By A2ZQQC3OKDEWXP on 2005-01-05
  This workout dvd is wonderful. It lets you choose what level of intensity you can do. I am starting out with the low and working my way up to high. Even at the low intensity level, you are really burning energy (or as Denise says "burn that butter") and toning your muscles. I can't wait to advance to the next level. Denise Austin is a good role model. I just had a baby and my main problem are my stomach muscles. Her exercises for flattening your stomach really work.
  
  
• Not a good workout for intermediate or advanced users
  By A3RPIWCD656PMH on 2005-02-18
  First thing I thought when I got this DVD was who is this lady and how and why did she get so popular?? I can see how this workout may be good for someone who has never worked out a day in their life, but for someone who works out regularly, this DVD is not for you! First of all, the cardio section was horrible! Denise just kind of jumps here and there and throws her arms about. She doesn't really give any instruction or cues and even the ladies behind her had no idea what she was doing as they were frequently getting lost trying to follow her as well. For me, Denise is just strange. She opens her eyes really wide when she talks and is kind of like "weeeee", I guess to try to motivate you, but it is not motivating at all. I would say that the only "ok" portion is the ab workout. Overall, I would not recommend this DVD or any Denise Austin workout DVDs. If you are looking for a good workout with good instruction then I would try any of Tami Lee Webb's exercise DVDs.
  
  
• I Love It!
  By A14FAOOIBR477T on 2006-01-30
  I am very pleased with Denise's new Personal Training System DVD. I have been working out for 23 years so am not new to the fitness world. I now belong to a gym. Like most people, I am very busy and there are days here and there that I can't get to the gym. That's when I love to pop in Denise's DVD to get a workout in. Sometimes I just do aerobics; other times I do the strength and stretching only. Whatever you choose is available on the tape.
  
  Love the fact that there are different levels of workout as well. So, this would be a great DVD workout for beginners, too. Another great feature is that when you pop in the DVD, you can have "music only" to workout by; or have music AND Denise guiding you (just like you are at an aerobics class in person).
  
  Denise makes it fun and she is energetic and supportive.
  
  Love this DVD!
  
  
• Great Workout!!
  By A2SZ4KO1TILLWW on 2004-10-27
  Denise Austin is one of my faves. I have both of her Pilates tapes and she really is motivating. This is the first cardio-type workout I've done with her and she was so upbeat and energetic! Much different from her relaxing tone in the pilates tapes. I love how I can choose which workout to do...this way I won't get bored by doing the same thing over and over again. What a great way to keep things new and exciting. Overall, I love this video and can't wait to see the results!
  
  
• Weights recommended
  By A16NGD9UDR7FB9 on 2004-12-11
  I bought the DVD without knowing that weights are recommended for the weight exercises. I think it's importat to know that small dumbells are used for the upper body workout. Anyway, overall the DVD is good because you can customize your workout.
  
  
• Very good workout
  By A3BDDH1GS4NK46 on 2004-12-12
  This workout video is a good idea. You choose low or high intensity cardio and upper/lower body workouts. I am at the intermediate/advanced level and I didn't feel completely challenged at the high intensity level but I still think it is a good workout.
  
  
• Not Impressed...What's All the Hype???
  By AXHZHU9UHOKH3 on 2005-01-06
  I bought this DVD based on other reviewer's comments and it's 5 star rating. This DVD may be good for beginners but if you have been working out don't bother!!! The routines are boring, monotonous, and very uninspiring. Also, the routines are not long enough to actually have any effect. I have other DVDs that are set up like this in which you can choose which routines to do and even those, in 10 or even 8 minute intervals, give me more of a workout than this. The only good thing about this DVD is that you can shut out Denise's voice and just follow with the music. Save your money.
  
  
• Great Value for the Money
  By A3M8JWDKN375LE on 2005-09-07
  I really like this one because of all the options you get for the price. You can customize your workout to adjust the intensity for your abs, upper body, lower body and cardio based upon what is best for you. You can increase the intensity as you get stronger, or you can decrease it on days you want a break. Denise is definitely beyond perky, however, you can choose to listen to music only (i.e., no Denise talking) if this bothers you. I've found this to be an effective workout.
  
  

• Shrink Your Female Fat Zones
• Denise Austin: Boot Camp - Total Body Blast
• Hit the Spot - Pilates
• Denise Austin: Hit the Spot - Core Complete
• Denise Austin: Fat Burning Dance Mix