Excellent non-stop legs, abs, and arms
935137
This is a quick and challenging workout, easily modified if your flexibility isn't quite to the level of the DVD, and the lead is very chipper and encouraging without being irritating.  She's also good to talk about being stronger, healthier, picking your goal, thinking strong, etc., rather than focusing all her comments on skinny and sexy as the goal (which happens in some of the other videos).
A really great half hour!  But beware: if you're doing this during your toddler's naptime, or another occasion where you may not be guaranteed the full 30 min, you'll need to finish the workout later as you do one side of the body in the 1st half and the other in the 2nd half!
3660250
The Ballet Physique Workout does NOT fool around!  If you want to get muscle definition, you WILL get it with this!

This collection contains two killer ballet barre-style workouts:  the 60-minute "Signature Sculpt," and the 45-minute "Amped Up," billed as a shorter but more intense workout.  You use a barre (no need to buy one, a chair that's high enough is a perfect subsitute), light weights, the inflatable medicine ball that comes with the DVD...and good old gravity! The moves all ballet/dance based:  a lot of plies, leg lifts forward and back, hip rolls, tucks, pulsing on bent legs...You get the idea.  There's video of it online; check it out!

Though it's a pricier DVD program, you actually get plenty for your buck:  2 well-produced, incredibly challenging and effective workouts and an inflatable medicine ball (referred to here as a playground ball).

I wanted to try this style of workout because I so enjoy pilates and dance-based sculpting workouts (for example, I LOVE Tracy Anderson's sculpting workouts and the Exhale Core Fusion workouts).  I like using a chair and my own body weight to sculpt that long, lean look.  Soo...this was my first barre-style workout...and I think it may be my last.  I'll explain why.

My biggest issue with the workout is what it did to my body.  Mind you, I only used this once a week, for 3 weeks, when I noticed a difference in my body.  I am a high intermediate exerciser, and am happy with my body the way it is and pretty much work out for maintenance.  Within just a few performances of this workout, I noticed that I started to get RIPPED.  My abs, though already toned with nice lines, began to actually develop, if not yet a 6-pack, then definitely a 4-pak!  :-)  My thighs became thicker, albeit with muscle, and my calves started to get a muscular ripple in them (all those darn releves!!).  All of this would have made me astoundingly ecstatic...IF I desired those changes!  However, I loved the challenge, but did NOT want to develop my muscle tone beyond where it currently is.  I have nothing against very, very developed feminine muscle, but it's just not for me.  It's not a look I'm personally interested in. I was actually surprised at these results, because there is so much beautiful stretching in between the exercises.

So...for this reason alone, I have already, regrettably, retired the Ballet Physique DVDs.  But I AM going to keep them!  You never know when I may need an aggressive but gentle toning workout to jump-start a lazy physique (like post-pregnancy!!)  :-)

I highly recommend this workout; it does what it claims and is fun and challenging...but unfortunately, it's just not for me.

UPDATE:  So when I got tired of my previous Pilates-type workout, I finally took another look at these discs, collecting dust on my DVD shelf and thought, "I miss these!"  I mean, they are a lot of fun, and I LOVED the challenge, so I pulled them out again...and fell in love!  The key to not overdeveloping, it finally occurred to me, is to just pull back on the strength intensity on one of my other workout days.  So since I work out 3 days a week, if I do this workout one day and Tonique another day, I just do something like gentle yoga or bellydance on the 3rd day, and presto, beautiful definition with no overdevelopment!  :-)  Ha, duh, it's so easy to manage!  And this DVD is a BALL!  So, 5 stars!!
2589107
Was excited to try it when i got the package. You can really feel the abs on work during use. Packaging was superb and assembly was easy! You will need a very good mat for your knees during exercise.
1968734
This is a terrific workout. It's quite challenging even for an advanced exerciser like myself but offers the opportunity to do a "quickie," because the primary workout is only 30 minutes but you can add on the 21-minute step extra, which is also a low-impact workout. This one, like her other recent low-impact workouts, proves that you don't have to jump and pound the joints in order to burn calories.

I've been working out to Cathe for over 10 years and keep coming back because she keeps it interesting and worthwhile.
3921832
I love the dance moves. I use this DVD set to get back into working out and oh my goodness the first three days after doing it my body was so sore. This is definitely a high intensity workout but if you stick with it it will greatly improve your endurance .The dance moves are fun but they are repetitive so they're not hard to do. They definitely give you time to catch you on. A lot of the Latin moves are focused on shaking your midsection so I found that helped me melt off my love handles very quickly.

I absolutely love the music as well and I love dancing so this DVD is great for me. I highly recommend it
4288165
This is one of the best exercise DVD that I have had.  No matter what condition you are in, you work in that level and still get great results.  The Abs in 10 workout is well worth the price of this DVD.
3258273
This is a good solid workout. You will feel great after doing this workout. Unlike many other videos, it doesn't waste any of your time--she keeps you moving alternating upper and lower body exercises, and the cardio sections are fun. The only thing I would say is that you should just do the triceps exercises on both arms. I don't know why the Firm always alternates arms, but it's really unnecessary. Of the various Firm videos I have, this is thus far the best bang for the buck.
154683
I have an extensive collection of work out DVD's and most just don't deliver -- they are based on whatever the latest fad is, packaged for mass appeal. As someone who is average height and already athletic, many work outs are designed to build muscle, just the opposite of what I want -- sleek, toned lines and a tighter overall form. But this workout delivers. I usually rotate workouts daily, but decided to give this one a true test -- Tracy Anderson encourages using this workout 4 to 6 times a week to see the changes she promises, so that's what I did. In a month, my legs were tighter, and my arms looked fantastic. Serious arm work is a forgotten art in most of the current workouts, except for those that drill you like a weight lifter and you end up with bulky shoulders, less neck and still have flabby underarms, which is why I just don't do them anymore and my arms did suffer. The seemingly endless repetitions of this program will give great definition without bulk -- you'll want to wear sleeveless shirts every day. I should also add that this is the only thing I've ever done that helps the tendonitis in my wrist. I have read criticism here of her style -- she seems very shy, doesn't count out repetitions, often looks off camera, and once, during the leg work, changes the pattern. To me, her style helps make this a work out you can do over and over to pick up on what is going on, sequence your own counts, and concentrate on what you are feeling rather than the pratter of a perky instructor. I personally do not like the music, but it has grown on me. Eventually, however, I will probably turn down the sound and play something more to my liking in the back ground. I don't know why someone would doubt the "10 years in the making" -- after all, there is nothing truly new in any program, but this comes close, in the variety of angles and ingenoius sequencing. The warm up is nothing new, but at the very least these are interesting twists on old favorites.  There are standing legs and mat legs. There is a standing ab routine that is reminiscent of the only belly dancing class I've ever taken, and I really am not sure if it is doing anything for me, since I have flat abs already, but it is fun, and it is the only break your going to get in what is a very demanding workout. These are long sets that build on each previous move, then wham! take you in a different direction. The first time you do it, don't get discouraged. It doesn't get easier, but it begins to make sense. I wanted a workout that would help me shape up after the Christams season, keep me interested in doing it, and tone but not build. I am really thankful I found this, even though I hesitated to pay so much for a DVD sine I ususally do them  a few times and retire them forever. Many workouts I "fall in love with" the first few times I do them, then either get bored or just don't get any results. I have never done a Kathy Smith workout more than a month or two, which can give you an idea about me and how to rate this review. This work out is a keeper. I hope you like it as much as I do.
694504
I'm a big fan of the beach body exercise programs.  However, a few years ago I tore up my ankle and now have pins.  High impact is out of the question.  This programs gives my a great workout but doesn't blow out or stress my ankle.  And at 30 min.  I have No Excuse to not do this every day!  Love this set.
519856
This is a very intense workout full of very small, yet tough moves that will definitely shape those trouble fat zones we all hate so much like hips, saddlebags, thighs, waist and lower abdomen, arm jiggle and bra rolls. The instructor is in her late 50's and she looks amazing!! That's one of the things that motivated me the most.

The first DVD I did was Fat Free. In here you will do exercises like push ups, standing exercises like the ones performed in a dance class on the bar, except you don't need a bar, you can use a sturdy chair and then you move on to do floor exercises that will kill your abs, butt and thighs...

The second DVD, Designer Sculpting, in my opinion, is more intense than Fat Free. You will work your triceps very intensely and you will be sore the next day. You will also do the famous pretzel move which will make your waist and butt burn. You will also work your abs and thighs and at the end your body just feels really nice and tight.

These workouts are very intense, they require a lot of concentration and focus BUT they are not overly strenous, you will not find yourself gasping for air or on the verge of passing out.... so this is good for beginners as well as advanced exercisers. It's all about how much you put into it. I even broke a sweat, this really gets your legs shaking!! And because they are just 45 minutes, they're easy to fit into a tight schedule.

So far, I have done these workouts twice and I can tell you I already see a very subtle difference!! No wonder people are raving about this! You will definitely see your abs flattening out, and your thighs getting leaner, your butt will begin transforming into a sexy, perky, little tight dancer's butt and your hips will narrow down. Not to mention your triceps and entire arm and upper body will be toning up significantly. Maybe I am seeing a difference so quickly because I am already in ok shape and I workout regularly. But you're supposed to see results anyway in 10 workouts IF you stick to it and do the DVD's 3 times a week. If you need to lose weight you will definitely have to add at least 3 days of cardio per week, otherwise doing this by itself ain't gonna cut it. So if you're not doing cardio, and have extra pounds, don't expect to see a big difference. You have to burn that extra layer of fat in order to reveal the nicely and newly shaped muscle underneath.
3750784
This workout although only 26 minutes long has basic yet progressively harder exercises and I definitely felt it working my abs by the end. Beginners shouldn't have any problems with this flowing sequence of poses and as usual Rodney's voice instruction is flawless. I think what I liked the most about ABS YOGA is that this is an Abdominal workout without crunches and I appreciated learning some different moves to help combat the muffin top.

Filmed in Death Valley National Park, the backdrop here is a beautiful desert setting. And although I recognized the ambient music from several other Yee DVD's, its pleasant enough and doesn't distract.

Beginning in a seated position the first part of this workout concentrates on breathing exercises then moves onto your hands and knees for Cat Pose and finally to your back where most of the workout is performed. With repetitions of knees to chest, head to knees and slowly lowering and raising your legs, you begin to feel the burn. Then Rodney leads us through side twists and several Half and Full Boat Poses which get progressively more difficult as does the burn. Towards the end we stand for Mountain Pose and Foreword Bend before sitting again into Staff and Cobblers Pose. The relaxation segment is short but well done and you'll come away feeling tighter and relaxed.

I believe this might be a good introduction to yoga for first timers, giving you a taste of the breathing and energy without overwhelming you with too many traditional yoga poses. And for those who do a regular yoga practice this is a great workout that you will definitely feel in your abs the next day. Namaste.
4056206
Ana & Ravi have outdone themselves with this workout. The scenery is wonderful and Ana is beautiful. This workout is challenging and fun. I love the core workout because I could really feel my abs working hard. The cardio portion is easy to follow but definelty works up a sweat.

I currently have all of their older workouts and love them all, but I think this one just moved up to the top of my favorites. I can't wait to try their other 2 new ones.

This is a must have for a beginner and an advanced yogi.
3584758
I bought this DVD about a month ago, with the thought that I should be able to find 8 minutes in each day to work on my core strength.  I now do the Abs workout every morning first thing.  Do I now have a six-pack?  Nope - like everyone else I have a little fat around the middle.  But what I do have is a noticeably stronger core - not only the abs, but all the supporting muscles on the side and back.  The workout offers three levels, and I was able to get to the advanced level fairly quickly.  After only a month, I can now feel rock solid muscles around my entire mid-section.  And this has translated into better posture, a stronger back, a flatter stomach, and a reduced chance of injury during my other activities.  Again - I am only doing the abs section, but I can imagine doing this every morning for the rest of my life.  Highly recommended!
4227885
This is an excellent 4 mile workout- it incorporates everything I want in a workout, including a start-to-finish 4 mile workout, a mile indicator , and using a booster (the stretchy band).  I am just fine with Leslie's dependence on the 4 basic steps (I like repetition, and I also have a very small living room, so I now know just how much room I need to perform all her moves).  At one point, she has Mary Kay lead for a while, which is just fine- it's nice to hear her voice after a zillion years of seeing her sweating and grinning in the background.  There's also a guy who I think is her niece's boyfriend (he has the same look as my husband when I drag him shopping) who looks as if he was shanghied into the video, but is now gamely determined to make the best of it.  Each mile ends with the boosted walking,which I didn't realize when I put it in the player- this is important to me because I prefer to wear a more supportive sports bra with the jogging intervals, and by the time I realized I needed one, it was too late.  Nevertheless, I survived the bouncing and jouncing, and look forward to the weekend, when I'll have a full hour to devote to the workout.  Oh, and the stretchy band arm excercizes are no joke- I thought my arms were getting stronger, but they were no match for what Leslie came up with.
2996284
I love this workout because it's easy to do - no complicated moves, but it really works all your muscles.  The arms and upper body are targeted quite a bit, with ninja punches and swim strokes.  The resistance exercises with the towel and the lunges are great also.  John Abdo is very qualified and seems to have given this workout a lot of thought to work the entire body.  Thanks, John!
4847055
I'm extremely happy with this purchase, price is great, it is sturdy and very easy to use and I've already noticed an improvement, not only in my abs but also arms and lower back as well as thighs. I'd recommend it to anyone - you do not need to be an athlete to use it and can use it on a gradient too starting with a few rolls.
1927050
This is one of my all time favorite workouts that I've had for years. I used to do it on a regular basis but have so many workouts that I have workout ADD. But no matter what new and shiny workouts attract my attention, this one remains a staple for me. I like that it can be done in a small space. I used to do it in a small section of my bedroom in my apartment when the living room wasn't available or I just wanted to be alone. The space is not an issue for me at this time, but just thought I'd mention it for someone who doesn't have a lot of space available to work out in.
There are 2 levels each for abs, arms & buns (which is the section I like the best). So you're getting 6 separate 15 minute workouts, complete with short warm-up and short cool-down. The 2nd section of each category is the advanced version. I don't know how hard it would be for a truly advanced exerciser, because I've never been one. When I've been working out on a regular basis, I can do level two but when I've been slacking, I stick to level one. Especially for the abs, that one is tough and kills me every time. But then I've never enjoyed working my abs. None of the moves are crazy and are classics but they are sequenced in a way that is really effective. At the beginning, she says that the moves are all tested in a lab to determine which ones work the muscles the most. I believe her because I always feel it the next couple of days!
Tamilee excels, to me, at working the buns. I usually use a step along with the workout because I feel it in my glutes more when doing the forward lunges and it feels better for my knees. During the back lunges, I stand on the step and step back off the step. I think the "Buns" section is the one I use the most.
You can increase the weight because she doesn't move very fast but I think the highest I've used is 8 or 10lbs. I like the feeling of strength in my body using weights on a regular basis but if you are more concerned with visible results, don't worry you'll get them. This workout really firmed up my shoulders and arms and I found myself touching them a lot. And wanting to wear sleeveless shirts, go figure. It also flattened my abs (no six-pack though, I'll never work that hard or have low enough body fat, haha). It made my glutes rounder and more lifted. They grew too but squats and lunges always work that way for me, especially when using a step.
Now that I think about it, I don't recall any focused work for the chest, back, hamstrings or calves. But I also do kettlebell workouts so the posterior chain is worked in those and I do vary my workouts anyway.
I was already a fan of Tamilee Webb from Buns of Steel 3 and 4. I like her personality; she is not annoyingly perky or loud but is still friendly and encouraging. I will never, ever let this one go and if something happens to this DVD, I would definitely buy another copy.