Review(s): DVD Trainer's Edge - Killer Abs and Back with Michael Olajide
One of my favorite workouts!
This is a very effective abs and back workout; yes it is challenging but doable! I love the enthusiasm and the simulated personal training that this video offers. Certainly, there are many videos that offer encouragement; however I actually feel as if I am actually being coached throughout the workout! I can honestly say that I can see a difference in my core because of this video!
Very good, unique program mixes cardio and toning work
Killer Abs and Back is a program which focuses on strengthening the core area of the body, namely your abdominals and back. Instructor Michael Olajide begins with a few minutes of some simple stretches (these days, it is usually considered a no-no to stretch the muscles without first warming them up). The cardio warm-up comes next, which consists of several minutes of high-impact moves wuch as jogs, knee-ups, and jumping jacks; I found myself modifying with marches here. Michael then moves into the core cardio work, which was thankfully low-impact. The moves are deceptively easy-looking: there are a lot of kickboxing-type moves such as twists, knee lifts, and punches, but they are performed at such a fast past as to make them quite challenging. Furthermore, Michael adds light dumbbells to some of the twists, which further increases the difficulty level; I found myself doing some of the moves at a slower pace rather than trying to keep up with Michael's double and triple time. At one point, a body bar is used for balance, but you could easily go without. This section of the standing work was about 18 minutes long, and the time went by very quickly. To finish off the cardio, there is a short (4 minutes) but intense jumprope segment. I did this section without the rope, but I still really felt it, especially because you're again doing high-impact moves. Before moving to the floor, I liked that Michael took just a few minutes to allow the heart rate to slowly lower back to normal.
In the 13-minute floor segment, Michael continues to combine traditional exercises with more unique moves. He begins with some basic crunches but does several variations with a high number of repetitions (usually 32, but he sometimes cheats and adds extra!). Michael adds ankle weights for just a single exercise (which I found to be a bit cumbersome): it's sort of like a Pilates teaser move in which you raise and lower one leg and then come up into a v-sit position; he then does a full v-sit move similar to a full Pilates teaser. The floor work finishes with a particularly difficult move in which you lie flat (supporting yourself with your hands under your buttocks), raise your head and shoulders, lower your legs to close to the floor, and then move your legs up and down in small range of motion. This was VERY challenging, especially since Michael performs MANY repetitions; I had to take breaks and substitute Pilates toe taps instead. Michael ends the program with a few minutes of seated stretches, bringing the entire workout in at about 40 minutes.
Overall, I really enjoyed this workout: I thought it was a nice blend of cardio and toning work, and at just 40 minutes, I know I'll be able to fit it in often. Although there didn't seem to be much work specific to the back, I felt it in my lats the next day as well as deep in my abdominal area. One thing I did not like is the way that Michael kept taking breaks from doing the exercises himself in order to instruct his two female background exercisers; he makes jokes about doing this, but I would have preferred to be able to watch him working the entire time. However, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this video to anyone looking for some unique core work.
surprise
I just want to say that I know I am in shape but the next day, my abs were sore. The twisting really works
Related DVD's Trainer's Edge - Killer Abs and Back with Michael Olajide
Okay, instead of "repetitive" some might actually call this workout "boring", which I probably would if it wasn't working my lower half so tough that I was screeching my teeth at various points. No, it's not gonna work your butt only - I mean, over 20 minutes of nothing but squats, plies and lounges are quite tough on your legs as well. And that is ALL you get in the standing work part of the DVD. Unless it's the first time you're making an attempt at firming your butt, you must've done all of them a million times. Doing them with Ms. Munoz, though, will make you do more repetitions than you normally would, making you work those muscles harder than usual.
Don't expect any great surprises during those more than 15 minutes of mat work either - do expect an unusual number of... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Dolores Munoz DVD Release Date: Released the 07 September 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price: $14.98 Your Price: $13.48YOU SAVE $1.5!
Buy it
I was looking for a swiss ball workout to really challenge me. Careful what you ask for- some of these moves are HARD. I cant balance myself on the ball with only my shoulder. BUT- most of these techinques are very doable- and explained at a rate you can understand. There are three 20 min workouts that will challenge you. I will spent alot of time trying to master this one. I am sure I will get in shape trying to accomplish that. This is DEFINATELY NOT for beginners. More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 28 December 2004 Usually ships in 1 to 3 weeks
List Price: $24.95 Your Price: $24.95YOU SAVE $0!
Buy it
If you are looking for a challenging yoga dvd.. this is it. Baron's latest in the Vinyasa Flow style we have all come to know, expect and love from Baron. There is a new strength sequence in the series... its incredible. Challenging. Men will love this DVD... for its challenge... Women for Barons graceful and soothing style. The message is a clear one...be who you are completely and fully.. .in your poses, on your mat, and in your life!!! My all time fav Baron DVD. More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Baron Baptiste DVD Release Date: Released the 07 September 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price: $14.98 Your Price: $13.48YOU SAVE $1.5!
Buy it
Leisa Hart is THE fitness guru for me! I loved her FITMAMA prenatal video when I was prego last year, then loved her FITMAMA Postnatal videos. I liked her even more when I was shedding more pounds and toning up even more with her new FIT TO THE CORE videos, which I LOVE, and now she comes out with an absolutely fantastic DVD called GYM IN A BOX. You have six different workout sessions you can blend together; with 80 minutes of exercise to CHOOSE from, you can always find something you are in the mood for, and i don't mean chocolate ice cream or french fries! The DVD is neatly put together with a "Sleek In A Week" program that is a one week concentrated fitness regime wher you can lose a dress size in a week, or the "My Personal Trainer" section has all the workouts to choose from(like a... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Leisa Hart DVD Release Date: Released the 03 February 2004 Usually ships within 24 hours
List Price: $24.95 Your Price: $22.46YOU SAVE $2.49!
Buy it
