You don't have to climb Everest to get a good workout
922590
This isn't a fast-paced, heavy duty workout, but those aren't for everyone, are they?  Liz Gillies is a knowledgeable, cheery instructor.  The DVD contains three separate programs.  All of them are sprinkled with Liz's words of encouragment and instruction.  You will get a good workout and even sweat (especially in the first program) if you follow her instructions.  If this helps, I'm 42 years old and in pretty good shape, but I'm not (remotely) Karen Voight or Kathy Smith or Denise Austin...
In the Fat Burning workout Liz tells you how to keep your heart rate elevated--even while lying on your back.  It starts with brief instructions about the ball, a short warm-up, and continues with a cardio section that consists of a lot of bouncing on the ball and lifting your arms which is fun, but also works your legs (if you use them instead of just bouncing).  Then it has two segments that keep your heartrate up:  a standing leg work section--mostly lunge-type exercises--followed by a good arms workout--standing up and lifting the ball.  Maybe I'm a weakling, but it puts my arms to work!  The last part is a challenging (for me) workout for legs and abs lying on the floor with legs on the ball which also challenges your balance.  This is followed by a cool-down.
The second workout, Pilates on the floor, I don't do as often as the others.  My DVD is a few years old and I hope they've fixed the problem with the audio which cuts out part-way through the program and comes back later.  You miss the audio instructions on several of the exercises, but can follow along by watching.  Despite that problem I liked the ball workouts so much I kept the defective DVD.  The exercises are good for toning,especially abs, and there aren't so many repetitions that you end up hating life, Liz, and exercise.
The third workout is a toning workout on the ball.  I think it's a good workout, but I'm not as fond of toning as I should be, so I don't do it as often as the first one.  I like it that Liz says, "I know it's hard, I'm feeling it too" and "I'm glad that's over" during and after a couple of the leg exercises.  She mostly works the legs and abs--Pilates stuff--and not the arms.
I think these are good workouts though a little short, about 30 minutes each. The DVD is a better value than some because you get three workouts.
1120602
I remember meeting James at 23,000 ft (7000m) on Mt Everest, 2005. I congratulated him. I knew he had not reached the summit, but I wanted to show my apprecition for his courage to turn around. I did not have that courage 3 days later and nearly died, many others were less lucky.

James wrote a personal account about the wonders of travelling to and climbing the 7 summits, the highest peaks on each of the continents. It's not your usual macho bravery, but he lets us in on his failures and the demons that live behind those blue eyes as well. This is refreshing in multiple ways and makes for a gripping read, inspiring at the same time.

Though rooted in the corporate world, travel and climbing has made him move away from the Dark Side, and has made him use The Force for greater good instead of personal gain. This is clear when during his travels he gets interested in the problems of the poor of the world, something you can only really see when you travel. He chose to get involved and help out to bring life-bringing clean water to those in need. Any child that survives because of having clean water is worth more than any Everest summit and James knows this. He started his Global H2O charity and has helped countless people towards a better and safer life. Help him and buy this book, as proceeds go to help the charity.

The two themes of this book make it very inspiring and it shows that you not only have to fight yourself to get to the highest summits, but that you yourself can make a positive difference in the world.
2910961
After years of running, I have no flexibility. Stairway to Yoga enabled me to practice yoga and not injure myself.
318962
This workout book is inspiring and helpful.  At first, I checked it out of the library only.  Then I thought I'd buy it when it was issued in paperback--but I liked it enough that I decided to just get the hardcover version.

I particularly liked the author's no-nonsense tone of voice, as when he punctures various myths about certain kinds of exercise being able to make muscles "long and lean."  (A muscle is a muscle--you can make it strong and bigger but it takes its shape from your genes and you cannot "sculpt" it as so many hope.)  The book also demystifies issues like "how heavy should the weight be" and "should I eat anything special after lifting."

I also liked the clear directions for each exercise.  I finally became brave enough to do "real" squats with a squat rack (instead of a Smith machine or a leg press) after reading the book.  The routines, at least the first set, are do-able in 30 minutes or less.  It remains to be seen whether I will ever look even remotely like a goddess, but I do feel I'm getting a good workout in less time than before.

I wish that the author provided more alternatives to the machine-only exercises.  For example, one routine calls for you to use the lat pull-down machine, but I don't have one of those at home and I don't always like to travel to the gym.  And some of the non-weight-bearing exercises seem to call for more reps than the author prescribes. But I do most of my workouts at the gym so this isn't a huge hardship.

For those women who are reasonably familiar with lifting but are not necessarily complete hard-body gym rats, this book is worthwhile.
2284908
I bought this book before my wedding years ago, but ended up not using it back then. Fast forward to this past November, I was planning a ski trip with friends to take place in January. I never exercised - I didn't know how and also HATED it - but I knew if I didn't prepare for my ski trip, I could end up seriously hurting myself, or, at minimum, embarrassing myself.

I got a cheap gym membership and picked this book back up. I did the "Six months till the wedding" workout from November to January and was very well prepared for snowskiing! While my travel buddies were huffing and puffing in the high altitude and were so sore they could barely move on day two of the trip, I was all ready to go out for another day, no problem!

I continued with the workouts when I returned from the trip, doing the "Three months till the wedding" workout for about three months, and now I've been doing the "One month till the wedding" workout for about three months. I have seen so much improvement in my strength.

I will say, as someone who hated exercise, it took me about four months of consistent gym time to get to a point where I sort of, kind of, enjoyed exercise. Now, I exercise four times a week and truly do enjoy it. I really needed the deadline of the ski trip as motivation to continue. Without a very clear goal to work toward, it would've been easy to give up and quit.

I should also add, I do not do the 20 minute cardio portion of the workouts - just the warm up, abs, strength training, and stretches. I also didn't do any of the meal plan or supplementation, but I don't have excess weight to lose so I didn't feel that was necessary.
4738347
The host is very charismatic and her
direction is encouraging and calming. This is a program that's a little
challenging, but there are no time-wasting moves.
I've never bought a fitness dvd that had a motivational-soundtrack option.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but it's a great idea, Just a little extra incentive,
in lieu of a personal trainer.
1062977
The little 4-lb kettlebell is almost a joke--if you've ever hauled a 20lb one, this is cute, like a paperweight. But it actually is a very nicely made kettlebell, vinyl-covered metal and the handle is big enough for a woman. I have medium-large hands and I was able to use the handle with one hand comfortably and even get two hands through the handle, necessary for the workout. It's light enough to do the workout as a beginner, which is why I wanted this.

The cardio workout is a combination of mostly low-impact moves and natural moves with the kettlebell; the theory of using such a weight is you have an off-balance "tool" that involves natural work movements like paddling a canoe or chopping wood. These moves are in the cardio workout.

The squats and lunges are deep--the "modifier" (actor on screen who demonstrates modified moves for those who can't do the full workout) is also lunging deeply, so I was a bit surprised her moves weren't actually modified--those of us with knee problems have to do much less deep lunges and squats. (For example, even when I was a teen playing tennis, my kneecap would dislocate, so I always modify any of these moves to keep the knee from fully flexing and bearing all the pressure.)

Other than my issue with the lunges and squats, the workout is fast moving but something most people can do, building up if you are not fit to start. But some of the moves (classic get-ups, pushups with one arm lift of bell, are hard for beginners, though great for your core. It takes some practice to do these, and you have to break the "get-up" down into parts to learn how to go from supine to standing. The floor work is mostly do-able, however. Just modify what you can't do--for example, the "modifier" actress is doing knee-down push-ups, not full leg extension.)

It's not the most vigorous workout I've done, but definitely fast enough and with enough variety that it makes me sweat. The moves that have you reach down with the bell and extend it over your head are excellent for aerobics and strength together. When the workout gets easier, you can always up your kettlebell weight from the four pound.

The workout includes kettlebell "swings" (through legs, up over head, hold it with both hands.) If you have a poor grip or the bell is too small for you, it could go flying. Consider where a four pound metal weight is going to end up if you lose control.

Summary: good cardio workout, nice light bell weight for starters. Natural work moves help you get fit.
1304459
I bought this workout for my sister and myself.  I like it.  It is not to hard to do, no getting on the floor, but a workout to get you moving and get your heart rate up.  I like it because they feature senior people in the workout with clothes on.  Does not put to much stress on  my two  bad  knees.  I do it every day, takes about 20 minutes and I  feel better from moving,  not as stiff as before exercising.
1068024
My husband and I have been walking daily for several years to stay healthy, but we weren't getting a cardio workout with our "strolls" around the neighborhood. Leslie Sansone's walking program makes it easy to get your heart rate up without strenuous exercise just by picking up the pace and intensity of 4 basic walking moves, all within the privacy of your own home. It's fun doing it with her to music, and the time goes by quickly. We can still enjoy our walks outside, but this DVD adds another level to our daily routine.
2796486
Most of this book is hype about the benefits of exercise and health issues that happen to people who don't exercise, along with a lot of anecdotal stories and motivational-speak. I'd say it's geared towards complete couch potatoes. I bought this book because I wanted to see there truly was a 15-minute, no-sweat workout. And there is. It's 10 minutes of walking, 1 minute of crunches, 3 minutes of light upper-body strength training, and 1 minute of stretching. The walking component includes suggestions for walking indoors and outdoors and includes information on no-impact aerobics that are optional instead of walking. There are pictures and a handy chart to demonstrate the crunches, stretches, and strength training. The author carefully chose the upper-body strength training exercises for maximum effect. There is also a "part 2" which includes other exercises and stretches. There are also modification instructions for people who are mobility-limited. Although the book doesn't present any new exercises, the concept is great and would be great for an older person who hasn't worked out in a while. The format is easy to use. The bottom line of the book is that short, daily workouts are better than thinking about going to the gym. Everyone has 15 minutes a day to spare. The exercises don't require any special equipment except for small dumbbells.
218758
Definitely works and easy to do even if you don't do the exercises.
4103898
These are simple to do exercises which does not hurt your body  and you can do any time. I enjoy Leslies's easy going and friendly attitude. She is very encouraging.
1182994
I found this exercise system by accident, but had been looking for something simple that I could incorporate into my daily life.  I already run and workout, but just inconsistently.  After reading many of the reviews that were posted, I figured it was worth the few bucks I'd spend on it.  It's now been almost a month, which means I've done close to 3,000 pushups and 4,500 hindu squats.  After the first week, I noticed increased definition in shoulders.  Now that it's been a month, I have larger triceps, broader shoulders, my back muscles are more defined, my quads and knees are also more defined, and my traps have probably doubled in size.  All without "effort."

Initially I tried doing pushups, squats, table assisted pullups, dumbbell swings, and burpees; but, I found all of that to be too much on my body.  Going from inconsistent workouts, to pushups and squats was plenty.  I am sore everyday, and the first few sets in the morning are difficult; but, I tend to loosen up throughout the day and it gets easier.  As others have said, this system is effortless, in that the core workout doesn't make you sweat, and you don't get too out of breath.  I work in an office, so around every hour or so, I drop and do 10 pushups and 15 squats; and I do that 10 times a day.  On days that I'm not at work, I just do them around the house when I can.  This makes it easy, as I don't have to schedule an hour or two at the gym, which leaves me time to run, which is really nice.  I hate having to choose one or the other.  I would like to note that after my runs, I do stop by the calf raise machine and do 10 sets of 10 reps with weight that I would normally do 20 - 25 times for 3 sets, getting more total reps in, and without the extreme soreness or exhaustion.

Now that I have completed a month worth, I plan to incorporate pullups, and once or twice a week I'll do burpees and maybe dumbbell swings.  That'll be for another month, and then I'll reevaluate, although I see no reason why my gains won't continue.  If you are on the fence about buying this book, I would say that it's definitely worth the few bucks you'll spend on it, it's a quick read, and although it isn't necessarily "revolutionary," it gave me some great tips that I plan to continue working with.
1699249
I listened to the audio version on the book. It's an enjoyable read and I was engrossed in the message. The main message is simply this: The more fit among us have more energy and do better at our daily tasks. This was proved in Naperville, IL where the students at Madison Junior High School were studied while given new ways to get in shape and stay in shape through physical fitness.

Where I argue with the message is that it pushes aerobic exercise and doesn't mention the all-important resistance exercise. In fact, studies are proving that resistance exercise is more important and is, in and of itself, a cardiovascular workout. I'm so tired of people, especially fitness authors and others, who always think "aerobics".

Aerobics was invented in the sixties to get women moving. Women wouldn't do weight training. So something that appealed to them was brought about. Then men started doing it and we know the rest. And now there are bad knees, hip replacements and worn out bodies. The human body was not meant to run for long periods. It was, however, designed to lift heavy items in spurts and to be prepared to, if necessary, run for a short distance quickly. Zebra run for miles in a herd. People do not. The only time you see a herd of people running like zebras is in a marathon, after which at least one person often falls dead. The person. Not the zebra.

Aerobics make money for gyms and for others. It gets people, especially women, into the gym several times a week and the money comes in. It sells DVDs and various programs. Resistance exercise doesn't do that --- especially the scientifically-proven most effective form of one intense, brief session per week.

But that aside, I like the way the author shows how exercise improved brain function.

All of us who workout know how wonderful exercise makes us feel. If I'm depressed, a short workout will make me feel renewed. If something is hurting or I just don't feel good, some exercise turns that around and I feel great, relaxed and ready to go.

But it also makes our brain function better, at a higher level. Studies show it can ward off Alzheimer's. We don't hear much about that because it's not making money for big pharma and the medical establishment.

If you want to know just what exercise can do for your mind and the way you function, you'll want to listen to this audio or read the book.

Highly recommended.

-- Susanna K. Hutcheson
589212
This is a great book for those of us who either can't afford the fee, or simply can't work in a trip to the gym into our already hectic life. This allows you to use your own body for exercising, no expensive equipment needed. It's amazing how simply adjusting posture or position can increase resistance and work a totally different set of muscles. This is the best workout plan ever! Very easy to follow and understand, and fun to implement.

I received this at a discount in exchange for my review.
2158178
Everyone knows the best way to get fit is to use your heart. It makes sense to work out using a tool that can measure and improve fitness by "reading" this important organ. This book, which is well-written and organized, is especially good for someone who's tentative about getting on a bike or who wants to enjoy cycling while getting the maximum return for output. Simple steps, clear explanations, diagrams paired with workouts for all levels: the authors offer a flexible system for enhancing cycling workouts emphasizing health, fun and self esteem. Can you tell I liked it? Makes a great gift for reluctant couch potatoes who really want exercise but need a little help with a fresh start.
2456385
Great workout if you want to sweat a bit and challenge your muscles, without feeling like your heart is going to jump out of your throat.