The Biggest Loser Workout, Vol. 1 Reviews

• Its a Keeper

  
  By A2ZW0UBKL35DQY on 2005-12-02
  This DVD has 5 different programs. You get 2 cardio segments 20 minutes a piece, a weights segment also 20 minutes, a bootcamp segment also 20 minutes, and a stretch segment which is only 10 minutes. The workouts are actually pretty challenging. The quality of the workouts are good, but there are a couple of reasons why I give this 4 stars instead of 5. This is very high impact. If you have joint problems this is not the DVD for you. There is ALOT of jumping. Also, this must have been recorded before the finale because the cast of former contestants were visibly unable to keep up on some of the exercises. Also, sometimes they would be going at a different pace, or be on a different foot, than Bob the trainer. These things can be pretty distracting. The versatility of this DVD is a big selling point. You can choose just one segment, or you can mix & match. Its really very user friendly. So, for the intensity of the workouts & the versatility of this DVD I give it 4 stars.
  
  

• Excellent Workouts

  
  By AUJNSTRIEMWIG on 2005-12-23
  I bought this mostly because I thoroughly enjoyed the show and definately preferred Bob's training style over Jillian's. I consider myself intermediate/advanced when I purchase workouts. After doing this workout the day I received - - I can definately see why the participants lose weight in the show. This is an EXCELLENT workout and it made me SWEAT. I programmed 60 minutes of workout my first time out and this definately will burn calories and get your heart pumping. The fact you can program what you wish to do is a wonderful feature that you don't receive with workouts costing twice this price. For this price you definately can't go wrong. This is definately a "keeper" workout in my workout regimen.
  
  

• The Biggest Loser Play at Home Version!

  
  By A3KMTOFTUUNFHG on 2006-01-21
  If you're familiar with the show, this is Bob Harper's routines on the DVD (Jillian Michaels is nowhere to be found). The segments offered include the trainer taking up to six of the contestants through a typical workout with him. They say what makes this DVD different than others is the fact they use "normal people" in the room with Bob. They are the contestants who have been excercising with him for a while. The difficulty level of these workouts are pretty accelerated if you've never worked out before. People with joint problems are going to find the constant jumping and kicking somewhat daunting. The worst aspect of this DVD is the people who will want to use it the most may not be able to. They do offer modified versions of the moves at certain times, but for the most part you better be ready to jump and do deep knee bends. Bob talks you through every segment, and thankfully you can choose a "music only" option once you have the routines down (a nice touch for people who do this every day).
  
  There are six routines to choose from, and you can mix and match from the following:
  
  Warm-up (5 minutes) - Basic stretching moves to get you ready to go.
  
  Low Intensity Cardio (25 minutes) - Some jumping jacks, some kicking and punching, and a lot of core strengthening excercises for the begginer.
  
  High-Intensity Cardio (20 minutes) - A more aggressive cardio routine designed for people who have been working out for at least a month. The moves are quick, and there's a lot more jumping. It's constant motion combined with boxing and kicking moves.
  
  Strength and Sculpt (20 minutes) - Use hand weights and a mat or towel to go through a circuit training routine designed to build muscle and sculpt.
  
  Boot Camp (20 minutes) - A combination of of cardio and sculpting that can be done with or without hand weights. This is for people who need a quick workout, and do not have time for both a cardio and sculpting routine.
  
  Cool Down (20 minutes) - Yoga style stretching to get you back to normal after an intense workout.
  
  You can select a combination of routines pre-matched for you, or customize the routines by choosing any combination of the above. Menus are easy enough to navigate, and you shouldn't find it hard to get to where you need to be depending on what your level is. Following along should be easy enough. The only distraction is sometimes the contestants are out of synch with the rest of the group, or they modify the movement according to their body type. I guess the trick is to zero in on the contestant that has your fitness level at first and follow them, but it does make it strange to see people doing variations of the same thing.
  
  The DVD itself looks fine for what it is. Picture and sound are clear, and we get them in fullscreen and simple stereo. Special features include a six week suggested plan, a cast and trainer intro, and Matt and Suzy's story for inspiration. Also tucked in to this package are corporate sponsor 24 Hour Fitness commercials, a message from the fitness company's CEO, and a certificate good for "30 Days Free" at a local 24 Hour Fitness gym. For less than ten dollars you knew someone was going to try and sell you something.
  
  The workouts are a great way to get started. Bob is a pretty detailed trainer even on DVD, but he still can't replace a session with a real fitness expert live in front of you. I'd say this is a good DVD for people who are pressed for time, can't get to a gym, or need to start off doing things in the privacy of the home before going public at the local fitness palace. Gyms can be intimidating, and as long as you move and do something it's better than nothing. If you're a fan of The Biggest Loser this is a good way to start moving with some familiar faces looking back at you. But don't expect it to be easy! It takes a lot of work to lose big.
  
  

• Real to life and the needs of an exerciser...oh, and fun too!

  
  By A2PB18QTRVF5WB on 2005-12-21
  I purchased this DVD on 12/20/05 in a local store. When I got home I looked to Amazon.com for a review and realized that I bought it on the first available date. I wanted to see how it was before I opened the package. In my opinion there is nothing worse than spending money on a workout DVD and then never using it because it sucks. Based on the other review of the product I decided to use it today.
  
  Now, I like the Biggest Loser but the show would depress me sometimes. I was wary about the DVD but thought that it would be a great option for someone like me. Due to massive changes in my life and schedule I've gained 20lbs this year. I recently decided that I could not continue sitting on my ass. I wanted a good workout DVD to use in the cold winter months (and get me through the holiday season).
  
  I put the DVD in my player today and was pleasantly surprised by the content. I like the 6 week workout plan and the different options that are available. What I like most was that the cast participants are "real" during the workouts. They do not act like "workout robots". They struggle, laugh, groan, and sweat. I actually laughed along with them. I love how Matt messes up- I think that would make alot of men more comfortable with doing it.
  
  Bob is really down to earth, too. He is motivating but sometimes I wish he would do more of the workout than "train" me. I glanced at the high impact workout and noticed that Bob barely did the moves. I guess that is probably better because I need someone to motivate me more than show me the moves. He stresses that it is more important to keep moving than to be perfect or hurt yourself.
  
  I really look forward to doing this workout again. I want to do the Boot Camp part next week when it comes up on the plan. I also can't wait to see how I feel and look at the end of the 6 week plan. I definitely needed a DVD that gives me options and is realistic. I hope this DVD helps to keep me motivated and allows me to have fun while getting in shape.
  
  
  

• Camaraderie between Bob & BL Gang is fun.

  
  By A3JCWGHCVC2ZNF on 2006-09-02
  This DVD features trainer Bob Harper and cast members from The Biggest Loser TV show (Seth, Gary, Matt, Suzy, etc.). The DVD is broken into 2 cardio workouts and 2 sculpting workouts plus 1 warmup and 1 cooldown that are used for all of the workouts. They have a menu that allows you to pick and choose a workout regimen from these pieces or pick a ready-made workout. Love that!
  
  Warmup (5 mins.): This is a stretch-type warmup vs. a cardio-type warmup--stretches, lunges and squats. Basic stuff.
  
  Low Intensity Cardio (20 mins.): Includes some basic cardio warmup and then moves into a light kickbox-style cardio. Being a kickbox fan, it was nice to see some basic kickboxing techniques here. However, just about every other kickboxing workout I've ever done has explained how to punch and kick to not injure yourself and Bob doesn't. As an experienced kickboxer, this was a minor irritation--I just did it how it SHOULD be done, not how he said to do it. But for people new to kickboxing, I am concerned that he doesn't explain proper technique.
  
  High Intensity Cardio (20 mins.): Begins with a faux-jump-rope cardio warmup and moved into some plyometric moves (jumping side to side quickly, etc.), football-style agility drills, high knee lifts and also some kickboxing techniques here too. Definitely intense.
  
  Strength & Sculpt (20 mins.): He does 1-minute circuits of upper body then lower body activity--upper body is lifting weights and lower body is squats and lunges while holding weights. I felt almost every exercise, especially when he has you pulsing or holding those squats and plies. About half of this workout is standing and the rest is on the floor. The floor work is mostly abs but with some buns and triceps.
  
  Boot Camp (20 mins.): Starts out with kickbox punches using weights and moves into calisthenics in 1-minute intervals like in the previous workout. The pace is intense...right when you finish one exercise and you're begging for rest, he pushes you right into the next exercise.
  
  Cooldown (5 mins.): I LOVE this cooldown. It is filmed on a rocky outcropping on a hill that looks like the one they made them climb on the TV show. They do multiple stretches and balance moves in this beautiful outdoor setting.
  
  The biggest weakness of the cardio workouts is that they use only that generic Biggest Loser background music from the TV show. As a result, with no beat, the exercisers get out of synch with each other, with the trainer, and I get out of synch with all of them on a regular basis. This is a REAL PAIN because I otherwise like this DVD quite a bit.
  
  If you are a fan of the TV show The Biggest Loser and especially if you watched the season that included these people, it is a great benefit because you feel like you already know them. There is a great sense of camaraderie and history with Bob and the group. It is obvious that they have all been through this hard work before and it is motivating to see what they look like and feel like now and realize the hard work it took to get there. The only person who really gets on my nerves is Drea during the sculpt workout (too much ego).
  
  
• Low intensity does not mean "low impact"
  By A2O6R4B7NR2EAG on 2006-01-03
  While I love the customization features of the DVD workout (the user can select which of the 6 workouts to complete) and also the suggested workout schedule for those new to working out who need a set regimen, I was surprised to see that the "low intensity" workout which is suggested for "beginners" is extremely high impact (lots of jumping jacks), although modifications are shown briefly. The personalities of the group are fun to watch while exercising, although it would have been nice if either Bob or one of the others would have been able to be consistent with the exercises the entire time (some of them stop momentarily or lose the routine briefly) it is difficult to follow in sections because of this. The aspects I really like are the fact that the workouts are very vigorous and that I'm able to pick and choose the sections I'd like to complete in my workout session.
  
  
• good workout
  By A3AQ655BSFMVO4 on 2006-01-05
  Real people doing a real workout...I really enjoyed this season of the Biggest Loser and it was a pleasure to watch and follow along/exercise with the people in this DVD. Sure, they didn't do each exercise perfectly or at the exact tempo (they're not robots afterall) but it's a lot of fun.
  
  The exercises are manageable, that is, you can choose the intensity of the workouts and not feel like you're not "doing it right." You can pick and choose/program the type of workout you want to do: 1. Warm-up (5 minutes) 2. Low-intensity cardio (25 minutes) 3. High-intensity cardio (20 minutes) 4. Strength and sculpt (20 minutes) 5. Boot camp (20 minutes) and 6. Cool down (20 minutes). I felt very motivated to continue to exercise with this DVD unlike some other exercise videos.
  
  
• It's good but it all depends what you want from it
  By A1Z6OGVIHAG9X1 on 2006-01-11
  I guess the first thing I should mention is that I lost about 80 pounds a few years ago through circuit training (weights and cardio). I decided to check this out both out of curiosity and also as a possible addition to my current workout schedule. While I do think the show can be exploitive and send self-defeating messages to people (like being able to lose over 20 pounds in a week), it shows real people as they lose weight and that can be very inspirational.
  
  I just watched the dvd for the first time yesterday and I have mixed feelings on it. Personally, I don't like it but it really depends on what you want out of an exercise dvd. Someone who's just starting out would prefer to see "real" people and that provides this. A newer exerciser won't mind that you have three different people all exercising off cadence while a veteran, or someone who becomes fitter in time, would be thrown off by it and get confused at whom to watch. The background music is way too quiet and it's also monotonous. Again, something some will find important while others won't. Personally, the workout itself is great, albeit high impact which I think was a mistake. Some people on the show (and at home) will be either way too heavy or out of shape to do jumping jacks or other high impact moves. They could become discouraged very quickly and need to learn of appropriate modifications BEFORE doing it first. They could also just march in place if it becomes too tough.
  
  In summary, I think that newer exercisers who struggle with motivation will really appreciate this workout. It features people they saw on tv, has a personal trainer type of feel and helps them feel they're equal to the exercisers in the background. Btw, I don't know if it was intentional but the people in the video are actually heavier than they ultimately turned out to be. This is could be good visually for someone starting out but I think it would have been better for them to wait a little until they lost all or most of the weight. Then, people could see evidence of how THEY could realistically look by doing the workout and implementing the dietary suggestions. Even if you do end up outgrowing the video's drawbacks, if it gets your foot in the door to becoming a new you, it's certainly worth getting.
  
  
• Gets you sweatin'
  By AHF3SFNI7RON8 on 2005-12-27
  I just got this DVD, and I really like how I can customize my workouts. It definitely gets you sweating. I have tried other videos, and those do not get my heart rate/sweat going. The one thing that bugs me is that the music isn't very loud, and it seems like Bob and the gang are out of tempo. you do go at your own pace, so it really isn't a big deal. So, that is why I gave it a 4. (I would give it 4.5 if I could) I haven't tried the other workout rountines yet. I have only done the low intensity and I'm scared to do the high intensity! This is sure to get you into shape. No wonder those people on the show lost so much weight!
  
  
• Not Pleased
  By A35IFYJUA9BSI0 on 2006-01-26
  I only tried the warm-up and the Low Cardio workout. You could hardly hear the background music, but it didn't matter because there is no rhythm at all to the exercises they are doing. I consider myself to be seasoned at working out to aerobics, and I have to have a beat, and a rhythm. Everyone was doing their own thing, and I thought I'd be able to follow Bob, but he just mainly walked around and did not lead. I was extremely disappointed and will most likely return the DVD.
  
  
• Never watched the show
  By A3L8XRYMLZZES6 on 2006-10-12
  Somebody gave me this workout, and it is really working, I ve lost 7 lbs in 2 weeks. 5x a week. I am 60 years young and this workout definetly makes you work. All the people whom are whining in the reviews are people who will never lose their weight, I ve seen it over and over,, They whine about this,whine about that, something is not perfect, so they stay 50 lbs overweight because they can never find the "perfect workout" Then, you have the exercise freaks who have been working out for years and are in great shape, whining that the workout is too easy.. Remember who this DVD is made for "Average, overweight, couch potatoes. In sum, a great exercise workout that will get you where you want to go, if you use it.
  
  
• The best exercise DVD out there!
  By A3PDCJX45BZ9B1 on 2006-01-11
  Like others have mentioned, this is the best workout video out there! As a huge fan of the show (way to go Matt!!) I thought I just had to have this DVD. Now I am glad I got it. I have purchased other exercise videos in the past but found it hard to watch a group of size 3's bending this way and that. This DVD is great because it has to me what I call "real people" who are not size 3's (yet) working out and sweating just like I was. Bob is a great motivator and keeps you wanting to go on. I even find myself laughing a little bit during it because of the comments Bob will make or something one of the cast members is doing. None of the exercises are hard and it's great there are alternative ways to do certain exercises if you are limited in one way or another. I would have to say, BUY IT, you'll not like it, you'll LOVE IT!
  
  
• best workout DVD I've tried.
  By ARN55IG8OQK33 on 2006-12-14
  After being thin my entire life, I've gained 15 lbs in the past few years as I approach 40. I consider myself in reasonable shape b/c I walk and do yoga. I was worried this DVD would be too easy. It is definitely NOT too easy. I did the low impact cardio on the first day and it kicked my butt; however, unlike some other videos, I was able to do it from the start. It is terrific and motivating and I can see myself sticking to it and losing the weight I need to lose. None of the moves are too easy or too hard. Bob always shows an alternate move in case the moves are too difficult. He constantly says to work at your own pace and listen to your own body. Once I master the low impact, I can move onto the more difficult high impact. I've tried numerous videos in the past and found them so difficult (all of the "FIRM" videos) that I couldn't complete them. Sometimes even the alternate moves were too hard. This DVD is by far the best workout DVD I've tried.
  INFO ABOUT THE 6 WEEK WORKOUT PLAN:: As for the complaints that there is supposed to be a 6 week workout plan and there isn't, those people did not notice a small misprint on the workout plan screen. It says weeks 1 - 3 (meaning 1,2,and 3), alternate workouts #1 and #3 (6 days a week). Then it says weeks 2 - 4, alternate workouts #2 and #4. It SHOULD say weeks 4 - 6 (meaning weeks 4,5, and 6), alternate workouts #2 and #4 (again, 6 days a week). Hope that helps!
  
  
• A real people person workout
  By A1H6JJ83HOF42V on 2006-01-07
  I am a huge fan of this workout. It's fun and it kicks your butt. I think one of the reasons it is so good is because you see real people doing this workout who are struggling as much as you are and want to quit as much as you do, but BOB Harper talks to you the whole time and pushes you to keep going. It's not one of those videos where everyone has the perfect body and can do the workout with no problems. You see Matt and Andrea and the others from the Biggest Loser working hard and pushing themselves to complete the workout just like you are doing at home. You need a set of dumb bells for one of the workouts, I would suggest starting off with a small weight. If you do the workout and stick through the whole thing, you'll feel it afterwards. It has a plan where you can do the 6 week workout or customize your own. I hope this helps anyone out there. Good luck and Keep going!
  
  
• This one just may work!
  By A2H6IVJ11QK5TB on 2006-01-10
  I just recently bought this dvd after watching the show and seeing these folks have such great results. You have to remember that the people on the show were under strict dietary and exercise control, and had their entire day to focus on these two essentials. The regular joe doesn't always have that luxury, so I don't expect to lose tons of weight in 6 weeks......however, I do think this workout video is one of the best I've seen. I have to say I have not seen the high impact cardio, but the low impact cardio, although it does have a jumping jack segment, offers alternative positions if you are not able to jump or bend, etc. I enjoyed the fact that you did not have to be extremely coordinated or focus entirely on the "steps" to get a good workout. One thing that I did like that the reviewer below did not, was that these ARE regular people who are struggling through their workout just like I am!! It made it even easier seeing them want to quit, cause I did! But they kept going, and so did I....like we accomplished something together. I think this is something the workout video industry has been missing for a long time. Real people doing Real workouts.....
  
  
• WORST workout video EVER.
  By A38HCEKG6AF2U6 on 2006-01-17
  SAVE YOUR $$$ and DO NOT buy this dvd. The only reason why I gave this review 1 star was b/c there wasn't a NO star option. The 4 contestants behind Bob are terrible! They were never in sync--so it throws you off, Bob doesn't count--so you never know how many more of each exercise there is (he goes by length of time) and there's just a lot of jumping around and walking side to side. There is an option on the menu screen to either work out w/ the music & trainer talking, and another w/ just the music. But--how can anyone know which move to do next with only music??? To make things worse, two of the contestants--Dre and Andrea are SO annoying. They don't shut up sometimes. Now I can fully appreciate the models in the background of most workout videos who just smile! At one point, Andrea is just about ready to quit! Ugh! I wasted $10 on a dvd I'll never use again. Don't waste yours...go buy a jumprope and the good old Buns of Steel series!
  
  
• ONE OF THE BEST EXERCISE VIDEOS YET!!
  By A1DL6NPS58RKID on 2006-01-19
  This is a fantastic dvd! I am 44, in I think fairly good shape at l25 pounds, and parts of this puppy wore me out! BUT don't let that discourage you if you aren't in shape -- Bob is absolutely amazing at telling you and showing many, many various ways to do all the exercises to keep you moving and build up to different levels. It's funny, REAL people exercising, not little skinny mini's that make you feel like turning it off, these folks are dying right along with the rest of us as our muscles say "BOB QUIT!!!" All that makes you realize you ain't alone in this battle of the bulge (and age!!) and it's just inspiring and fun to work out to this video! I have everyone's video from Denise Austin to Kathy Smith to various yoga, pilates to Kathy Kaehler (who is very much like Bob, another of my favorites) and this one is doing more for me to get motivated than any of them. Bob and the guys working out are so fun, inspiring, funny, and real it just makes you want to get going! I also LOVE the fact he has the cool down and warmups included in any of the main workouts so you don't have to stop the dvd and go back to them on your own, they just automatically pop up there! It's varied enough to keep your interest but routine enough to make you not have to overthink. EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT VIDEO! I'd recommend it for ANYONE wanting to workout, regardless of fitness level, weight, age etc. PUT OUT MORE VIDEOS YOU GUYS!!! I'll buy them ALL!!!
  
  
• I'm Confused!
  By A1D24UGK7W0CTY on 2006-01-22
  I recently bought this video and started using it. I love the workouts, although they are very challenging for a beginner like me. However, I am confused about something. In the 6-week plan menu it tells you to alternate certain routines between weeks 1-3 and 2-4. This is not six weeks. Should it have been 1-3 and 4-6? I can't imagine after only one week going on to the high intensity and boot camp segments. I can barely make it through the low intensity. Otherwise, I think this video is great. I love that it's real people. People who struggle and mess up occasionally. This is me, it's who I am right now. Maybe when I am perfect (ha ha) I will want a video with perfect people. But, for now, this is the best thing I could ask for. Oh, I almost forgot, it's great that this can be done in a small space. I don't have a very big living room and I'm not ready for a gym. I hope they come out with another volume soon and when they do, I hope they use some really upbeat music.
  
  
• The Best Workout Ever
  By A1WW7NPD0X3ENK on 2006-04-03
  These are real people and gave me encouragement to workout. I have done the workout for 6 weeks now and my body is changing dramatically. I now do 2 of the workouts back to back in one day to increase the results. I was pushing a size 14 and this weekend I bought junior 9. My friend has done it longer and looks incredible.
  
  
• I'll join the bandwagon... what a great workout video!
  By A195GMC8TGVQWL on 2006-05-02
  As you can see from my other reviews, I'm not an automatic five star reviewer; I'm not afraid to say when I like something and when I don't. But let me tell you, I love this workout video! It features a low intensity cardio, a high intensity cardio, a fairly easy weight training section which is meant to be added onto a cardio workout, a tremendously difficult bootcamp workout, and beginning and ending stretches. The best part is that all the workouts are 20 minutes, and they fly by so quickly you'll barely realize you worked out at all (but believe me, you'll feel the results). Having tried a number of yoga workout routines which often take at least 45 minutes, I've come to the realization that anything that takes that long, I won't actually do on a daily basis. And it's a lot more important that you do a little something every day, rather than do a whole lot every now and again. This workout, however, fits perfectly into my day: I always have the time and motivation to put my 20 minutes in. And you'll get all the benefits of some of those longer workouts, because of the way everything is effectively crammed into short, intense bursts of activity.
  
  What's also great is that these are truly real people doing a realistic workout. You won't feel defeated when by the end of the kickboxing section you're wobbling around, because the people doing the workout are struggling right along with you! It really feels like a social experience doing these workouts, all in the privacy of your own home. I honestly cannot recommend this video highly enough! My only criticism is that it may be a bit too intense for people that are really out of shape. This isn't solved by the low intensity version of the workout, either; its focus on lunges and squats (and holding those poses for long stretches of time) seems to me even more difficult than the faster-paced movement in the high intensity workout. Anyhow, before you give up on the video after trying the low intensity routine, see if you don't find the high intensity cardio actually easier in many ways. And after a few weeks of doing this workout, you'll be ready to get in the game!
  
  
• Great and Inspiring Video
  By A1NJ3ZT1OQLI9D on 2006-01-10
  I purchased this last week and have viewed the entire DVD. It is amazing. Simply put..the best workout video I have ever owned. The routines are simple, yet challenging. You will feel that you have accomplished something when your done. Unlike most workout DVDs this one does not have complicated steps to follow, it is very straight forward. I will throw away all of my other workout videos. Bob makes you feel that you can accomplish anything. I cannot wait to see the results after trying the 6 week challenge. I would highly recommend this DVD for anyone who needs inspiration and wants to see results.
  
  
• I love this DVD
  By A186A8OBIUB0X8 on 2006-01-18
  I bought this DVD to get into the habit of working out. Being a fan of the show I thought this would be fun and keep my interest. I absolutely love this DVD and the workout. At first it was really challenging, but little by little it's getting easier and the workouts are great. I already notice a difference in my stamina and endurance, not to mention losing three pounds in the first week. I highly recommend this workout, and it's great that you can pick and choose the workouts you want, or follow their weightloss plan provided.
  
  
• Not for everyone
  By A14ZIW4WQF70N6 on 2006-01-21
  The workouts are good, and the features are great, but this is not for everyone. This workout includes jumping jacks and lunges- I would not reccomend it to anyone who has knee problems. The other problem that I had with the DVD is that there was no information included with it. Bob says "pick up your weights" but never reccomends what weight of dumbells to use. I haven't seen the book- maybe the combination of the book and DVD would work better.
  
  
• Good but could be a little better
  By A3R74EHB34JTTP on 2006-04-23
  I didn't see the show, but on the DVD the workouts are effective and *mostly* easy to follow. I like Bob's encouragement, and I like that the real people in this look like they really are enjoying it, versus the pasted-on tight smiles so typical in other DVDs of this type.
  
  However, the cardio can be a little hard to follow. Bob does more coaching than actual doing, and the only reason that's bad is because his exercisers are all slightly out of sync with each other. Since the music doesn't have a heavy downbeat or bass, it doesn't help you to find the correct tempo. You'll have to find your own tempo and be content with that.
  
  Overall, though, it's a good workout DVD that requires a minimum of equipment and is very time-effective. It's also good for small-to-moderate sized spaces.
  
  (Note to the ladies: You'll need a good high-impact sports bra for the cardio workouts.)
  
  
  
• Great For Beginners And Experienced Alike
  By A2ARCBWDJSKUZ on 2006-09-18
  This is the first DVD that I could actually work out with. Mainly because I could relate to the people that were working out. I'd watched them during the previous seasons of The Biggest Loser and knew they had weight problems like myself. Call me silly, but I have a hard time being motivated by workout models that have never been a pound overweigt in their life. Seeing the former cast members made me feel like I could achieve the success they did.
  
  I found the DVD easy to follow along with. I also found that the testimonials from Matt and Suzy very inspiring. Whenever I didn't feel like doing my workout, I'd watch their story's and I'd be motivated to get up and moving.
  
  At the beginning, there were times I'd move in place because I could not keep up. The DVD will let you select your own workouts. If you want to do the Cardio with a warm up and cool down, fine, you can select it to do that. If you want to do 2 segments of the Boot Camp back to back, you can select the DVD to do that. After about 3 weeks, I found that I could do two of the workout routines along with the warm up/stretching routines without stopping. And boy did the weight come off! Over 30 lbs my first month!
  
  My wife has bad knees and could not do all of the exercises on the DVD. So if you have joint problems, this DVD will have limited value for you. Other than that, this is a great starter DVD to get your weight loss going.
  
  
• Never had a better workout
  By A2BNTST9UKRXIH on 2006-01-09
  I'm 25 - just started going to the gym and get focused about my body before it is too late. Loved the show, so thought I would give this DVD a try. I have never had a better workout before. I love how you have the option of 4 different workouts to vary your workout schedule. Furthermore, it combines cardio with weight training, which I find very useful. It is nice to see "real people" on the screen rather than pros, and bob is an excellent motivator!
  
  
• Love this DVD!
  By A29HYV0ES044OV on 2006-07-27
  Being a workout DVD junkie you find out very quickly that it's hard to be dedicated to one DVD. Not only is it tricky to stick to one DVD and remain motivated, most of the workouts simply get predictable and boring. This DVD just isn't like that. Although the mention of the workout having a 20 minute cool-down stretch is a big fat lie (it's more like 11 minutes), this DVD is totally worth the hype.
  
  First and foremost, Bob Harper is fantastic. He's super motivating - when he tells me to hold on and not give up I totally make the effort to do so. He isn't over the top or annoying and he doesn't grate on your nerves like some other DVD instructors (like Denise Austin can - especially when you're working out early in the morning and you're not a morning person). He makes you sweat and your muscle burn. I've never sweat like this before...So much sweat I had to change how often I wash my hair, I had to buy new workout wear (the less the better), the whole nine yards. But if feels good - so good. I like it too that he sneaks in a little yoga here and there throughout the cool-down that is doable for all levels - nothing to make you dizzy or anything yet still provides a good stretch. And, might I add, it doesn't hurt that he's a complete cutie. Just one of those guys that's hot because he's good-looking on the outside and has a great personality to boot.
  
  Second, the fact that the people working out with Bob are real people makes the whole process so much easier and your plight seem much more manageable. I'm by no means a big girl. For the most part I stay around 130lbs which is pretty good for my 5'6½" frame. But my goodness, I can only take so much of watching tiny and skinny women workout behind equally tiny and skinny trainers on other DVDs. Those chicks don't even break a sweat! They don't motivate me nearly as much as the real life folks from the show The Biggest Loser that are sweating and moaning and strugglin' just as much as I am. It makes me feel that I'm not alone in my struggle to stay fit. I complain and sweat and moan and groan and fall over just as much as the cast and I don't feel bad about it - I feel human.
  
  Third, you will see results. I'm only looking to loose about 5-10lbs and to tone up and the 6 week program on this DVD is definitely working! My arms, legs, hips and butt are really starting to take shape. Like I stated earlier, you will be sweating, your muscles will burn (Bob apparently loves squats and lunges - a lot), you will be moaning and complaining. You can totally feel the body getting a good healthy warm-up, workout and cool-down. Just what most of us need!
  
  If you are looking to loose weight, tone up and work towards a healthier life style this is the workout DVD to get. It will benefit anyone at the beginner and more advanced levels and make definite changes in your body. But if you're afraid to work up a little sweat, prefer sitting on your couch and you're wanting to make your contribution to the obesity trend that this country is currently riding, this is not the DVD for you.
  
  
  
• Good workout, great interactive, honest feel
  By AQF3D0KX5SFCM on 2006-11-18
  Many people already reviewed that it's 4 20 min. programs of toning & cardio that can be customized with 1 warmup & cool down program.
  The difference why everyone bought this is they don't use over amounts of makeup, perky workout outfits, or stop the workout to wipe off sweat, fix hair, etc, like most fitness dvds. They show you the real deal with them breathing hard, messing up & wanting to stop. You know how they feel, they aren't doing the fake smiles & editing all the minor errors, etc. It feels like a regular gym claass.
  Bob, the personal trainer from the show even jokes that he doesn't have to do the workout, just guide the others & talk us into not giving up. I was pleasantly surprised with his style. He is very sweet, knows it's not fun & is really good at motivating you. He says happily it's ok if you can only lift your knee a little, etc., he never puts you down. He does show some modifications, etc. He talks 75% into the camera/you as if you were there. I've had other dvds where the instructor were very callous about saying not to stop, don't be a wimp, etc. which is very negative & studies have shown negativity rarely helps people challenge themselves.
  Warmup: little over 4 min down outsides w/basic stretching, lunges, squats, side torse stretching, shoulder rolls, etc. shown with one contestant at a time.
  Workout 1: Low Intensity Cardio: step touches, jumping jacks, lunges, squats, etc. The issue I have to thiw workout is the kickboxing segment, there is a lot of kicking & punching, but he doesn't tell you how to avoid injuries.
  Workout 2: High Cardio: fake jump roping, skiing/skating, football running, tire running, punches/hooks, knee kicks.
  Workout 3: Scuplt & Stretch: starts with weights for arms in different positions, then lungest, squats & plies. Next is floorwork for abs with reverse crunches, crunches for obliques, reg crunches & weights for triceps. Bridge pose in yoga w/1 leg up for the back/butt, the yoga plank kinda on elbows for abs & ends in child's pose.
  Workout 4: Boot Camp w/weights: punching, arm raises, jumping jacks, push ups, plank, jumping, squats, simulating wood chopping, repeat 2x.
  Cooldown: 10 min with Bob leading 5 of the contestants on a mountain doing basi stretches & some yoga like side angle, tree
  
  There's a trailer at collagevideo com
  
  
• love it!
  By A125YON5HAQGJ1 on 2006-01-09
  After having watched several episodes of the show, I was really excited to get the exercise DVD. And I was not disappointed! Like other reviewers have said, the fact that there are several segments that you can custom-select is a great feature of this DVD. Some days when I have the energy, I will choose to do both the low and high intensity at once, other days when I am tired I will just do one or the other or a body sculpting segment. Although I am a huge fan of the show, you don't have to even know about the show to enjoy this DVD. My parents (who have never seen the show) asked me to get them a copy when they saw me exercising to it-- and they are always cautious to buy anything! So it's great for the beginner as well as someone more advanced.
  
  I don't want to repeat others as far as the content goes, but one thing I really like that others haven't mentioned is the 2 feel-good 'inspirational stories' at the end-- Matt and Suzy's (two contestants). There are 10 minute clips of both of them showing how they started their weight loss journey, and how they continued to succeed. It shows them in the beginning, and then 60-80 pounds later. I thought that was great, and I watch those clips when I feel unmotivated to workout.
  
  Also, another reviewer mentioned that there was a nutritional segment-- maybe it was just me, but I didn't see any nutritional segment on the DVD. There were 2 exercise tips given, though. All in all, and excellent buy-- worth more than 3 times the price.
  
  
  
  
• A Great Workout DVD!!! I Love It!!!
  By A2C3P4QHL51NMH on 2006-03-10
  I bought The Biggest Loser Workout, Volume 1 based on watching the television series. I thought if those trainers can get the contestants on the Biggest Loser to lose all that weight it has to be worth the money to purchase the DVD. I wasn't sure what to expect of the workouts on the DVD, however, I was pleasantly surprised when I tried the DVD for the first time. There are four different workout routines, then within the four workout routines there are two workout routines(cardio & strength training) that they want you to rotate between a six week timeframe. For example the first week you do low intesity cardio three days, alternating the other three days with the low intesity strength training (you will need hand weights). These routines breakup the fact that you are doing the same workout everyday. Then the second week you would do a different number workout routine. Alternating again between cardio and strength training. The DVD also allows you to customize your own workout routine. Each workout has a warmup and cool down period.
  As far as the exercises I loved them from the first time I tried them. The movements are very easy to follow and Bob, the trainer, is VERY encouraging that if you can't do a exercise movement, stick with the exercise movement that you can do for your body, as long as you keep moving. And the best part is that you see the Biggest Loser contestants struggling with the workout just like you are at home in your own house. It's not a fake DVD where there are skinny models who don't break a sweat or have no problem doing the workout. You will enjoy seeing that they are sweating and struggling along with you! I love this DVD and would recommend it to all my friends who want to lose weight like I do! Hey, I lost 20lbs in less than two months! So try this DVD today, you won't regret it!
  
  

• The Biggest Loser Workout, Vol. 2
• The Biggest Loser Workout: Cardio Max
• The Biggest Loser Cookbook: More Than 125 Healthy, Delicious Recipes Adapted from NBC's Hit Show
• The Biggest Loser Workout: Power Sculpt
• The Biggest Loser: The Weight Loss Program to Transform Your Body, Health, and Life--Adapted from NBC's Hit Show!