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.
Just try and see it for yourself.
This is the most effective abdominal workout DVD, currently available on the market. Adam Ford could not have created a better self fitness guide program as he did in the "Swiss Ball Abs".
Healthy and strong.
This workout intelligently exercises all three planes of motion and leaves you feeling strong and healthy. The enthusiasm of other reviewers is justified.
Requires: a Swiss Ball; a Medicine Ball for Level Three (medicine ball not absolutely necessary).
Challenges Balance: I agree with the comment by another reviewer that the "stability element" is key to this method. This program capitalizes to great effect on the instability/balance element of the Swiss Ball. It is probably my unfamiliarity with this element that makes me so amazed at the effects of this workout.
Total Body: In Level Three especially, one gets a total body workout. And yet the results show up primarily in the core (and the entire torso). All three levels work the back and entire core in balance rather than doing abdominal work in isolation--I think that's what makes one feel so healthy the next day.
Nit-Picks: 1) Insufficient oral rep counting, on the one hand this is easy to figure out based on the pace and the amount of time allowed but on the other hand the video has in places been edited which alters the time-allowed per exercise [I finally just fast-forwarded through and counted--its usually 10 reps per but sometimes its 20]; 2) Ford should give us some guidance on how often to do these workouts. However, experimentation gets to the bottom of this issue fairly quickly. ...for myself, I alternate Level Three with yoga on different days and that is sooooo good that I have to recommend others try the same (or alternate days with other activities of choice).
A Caution: This is really a high-intermediate/advanced workout. Many non-athletes or non-previous-athletes should begin with an easier DVD. If you are fairly coordinated then it should be possible to begin with Level One of this DVD and work up.
Also Note: extreme dieting would be a necessary co-commitment if aiming to achieve the extreme six-pack look Mr. Ford is sporting--but the appearance aspect is not the main thing is it? ...On the other hand this DVD has stripped some pounds off me even though I'm aiming strictly for function and health and it is nice to see some definition again even if I'm too old to aim for hunkhood.
Non-affiliation: I am not affiliated with the producers of this DVD in any way. I just wanted to express my amazement that my health is improving so much from such a minor time commitment. Functional core workouts are clearly the way to go and this is a great one that will leave you far more comfortable being in your body.
Compare: The DVD entitled "3D Abs" also intelligently capitalizes on the balance/core connection in all three planes of motion but without using a ball.
I bought this DVD after reading the reviews written on Amazon.com and I have been rewarded beyond my expectations. It has only been few days since I received the DVD and already I can feel the adjustment that my body is going through after each exercise. I feel the pain in my muscles and I can see that the "Swiss Ball Basics" DVD by Adam Ford is a serious workout program.
The picture quality of this DVD is excellent and Mr. Ford gives a clear guidance how each workout should be done. This is the best DVD in its category that I have seen. In the past, I bought many fitness DVDs; including two by John Basedow (Fitness Made Sipmle - Unlock Your Potential and AM-PM Workouts), one called 8 Minute Workouts and another by Gunnar Peterson called "Core Secrets", but non were as good... More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 28 December 2004 Usually ships in 6 to 8 days
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I found this workout too easy (I am in shape and work out daily for 30-60 minutes)..
I think this is a great dvd for people that don't have much experience on the ball .. people that are just starting to work out again-- or people that work out regularly but need something for their off/light days.
The instructors loud sniff-like breathing from time to time in attempt to remind viewers to breathe made me laugh* I'm easily distracted and eventually annoyed by instuctors that over-do movements, and breathing to remind me to do so. I'd reather them just talk.... I dunno-- It's like... falling asleep in class and having the instructor walk up to you wide eyed or something. (bad example... i know--- sending anyway) More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Lizbeth Garcia DVD Release Date: Released the 09 September 2003 Usually ships in 24 hours
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There's no doubt that that adding an exercise ball to your routine will perk it up, but--depending on your sense of balance--it may also land you on the floor. Instructor Keli Roberts and her two able assistants make no such descents, but beginners are bound to wobble, which Roberts acknowledges with reassuring frequency. The three 10-minute workouts can be done individually or combined since they focus on different areas. Round 1 concentrates on the lower body with squats while holding the ball, balancing on it for a variation of the yoga bridge and squeezing it with the upper thighs. Workout 2 tones the arms and back by lifting dumbbells while sitting or leaning on the ball and using it for pushups. The final routine is specifically for the abs: sit-ups, curls, yoga's plank and downward... More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 28 January 2003 Usually ships in 24 hours
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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! More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Michael Olajide DVD Release Date: Released the 10 February 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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this video challenges your abs in whole different arena than traditional ab workouts. i've got a book and another video with some similar routines, but found them hard to incorporate because i couldn't really follow what the writer/fitness expert was trying to say. this video clearly describes what you should be doing and how you should be doing it as well what you should feel. i love to train my abs and this video is definitely a keeper because it ads a lot of non-traditional ab-work that keeps a workout interesting. if sitting on the floor doing crunches is not your cup of tea, then you should without a doubt try this video. More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 01 August 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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