Reviews (27)

If you have no time or are a beginner, buy this
8 minute arms are fast and easy, and you can do it without weights or with weights (or soup cans if you don't have weights). 8 minute legs are easy, and you use your chair or couch, perfect for the beginner. 8 minute abs are a bit difficult, definetly work your way into those. 8 minute buns are not for the weak kneed, you definitly need an exercise mat. All the workouts are so fast, it doesn't even feel like your working out.

I think I like it...
When I looked at the title, I thought - what the hey - only 8 minutes. I can do that.

I rec'd it from AMZN a couple days ago and brought it home, popped it in the DVD player and away I went. So far so good.

The workouts are fairly precise, SHORT and short. Short is good for those of us who don't care to work out except for a nice walk outdoors.

The lead guy is tolerable - he's built which makes me have the illusion that if I do these workouts 8 min. each day I'll become buff :) His outfit often takes attention away from the video though....it's white w/ black stripes and suspenders - straight out of the 80's. The music? Blechhhh. Corny corny corny. BUT - you're not getting this for the music - you're getting this because it's ONLY 8 minutes a day, which if I can handle it? Anyone can :)

The "legs" workout is alright - I've only done it once so far. The "buns" workout rocks. Really felt the results, especially the next day. The "arms" workout is just OK without weights, but adding even 2 or 5 pounds to each arm really makes a big difference.

One of the best things about this is that it's short but it also has a constant countdown in the corner of the screen. It keeps track of how many seconds you have for the current exercise and how many minutes total you have left for your workout. I really like that.

I plan on alternating "buns" and "legs" every other morning and doing "arms" each day regardless.

All in all I would recommend this DVD set. I also ordered the Winsor pilates DVD and will enjoy seeing the difference in presentation and results. BUY this - certainly doing 8 minutes a day is much better than doing nothing at all. If not for your physique, for your self esteem :)

8 Minute Workouts Review
Terrific! These are virtually perfect. Who doesn't have just 8 minutes? If I don't have time to workout I can at least find 8 minutes to do one of these workouts.

Each of the two DVDs includes bonus workouts that range from 10 - 20 minutes long. So if you don't have time to do a full workout, you can do a 10 minute sample and one of the 8 minute workouts. This is a great addition to the DVDs.

I highly recommend these. The 8 minute buns and abs really take some time to build up to their level, but since the exercises are not timed to the background music you can work at your own speed! And they have minute and second countdowns in the lower corner of the screen so you can take a 5 or 10 second break until the next set of exercises starts! These are AWESOME.

Love this DVD
I have tried many other workouts but this one gave me the best results in a shorter amount of time. Each workout is 8 minutes long so it is easy to fit into your busy day. I have had knee surgeries on both knees and cannot do most of the excerise programs on the market but with the 8 minutes workouts I have lost one inch off my waist, legs and buns in 6 weeks. This DVD is excellent!

Just What I was Looking For!!!!
on the days that i go running i like to come back and do a quick toning exercise... just so i feel like i covered all the bases. i was bored with doing the normal crunches and am not familiar enough with free weights to put together my own routine. these videos are perfect.. eight minutes is a perfect amount of time and it's nice to have some instruction. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

very good dvd
I liked this DVD a lot. There are three levels of ab workouts, and three levels of full-body circuit workouts as well as a full stretch to be used alone or during cool down period.

I can't imagine that someone can find this too easy. When it gets too easy, raise the amount of weight you are using. Do the circuit again. Currently, I'm doing all three ab workouts and then immediately start the full-body workout. When I'm done with the full-body workout at intermediate, I do it again at advanced. I choose heavier weight. Furthermore, even the DVD reminds us that the Abs diet DVD is supposed to be a guide. We have to change our workouts fairly often (monthly, some say), and this is a guide. Once one is familiar with these exercises, do some research and choose different exercises that work the correct muscles. Sometimes I workout along with this DVD, but I do a different exercise than they do. But, I like the rhythm and ease of working along with a dvd if I'm doing circuit training. I find it motivating.

Tom Holland is great. He knows his stuff, he's charming without being too chatty-- a definite problem with many exercise dvds-- and personable, and fully explains what he's doing. He stretches after the reps are completed while explaining every move he is making and how it benefits. I'd really like to see him in some other exercise dvds as well.

Lastly, the music is motivating without being too intrusive. It adds to the workout without distracting from it. Sound quality is good, camera work is good. ... Read more

Description

SELF, the premier magazine devoted to women’s health and well-being, delivers a workout designed to make you look and feel strong, confident and sexy. With these fun, easy-to-follow moves, you will get the abs you’ve always wanted in as few as four weeks, regardless of your current fitness level. This expertly designed routine will motivate you to reach all your fitness goals-fast! Best of all, SELF magazine’s Firm, Flat Abs Fast! workout is an innovative combination of yoga, Pilates and standing abdominal and stability ball exercises and will help you create a lean, strong, sexy middle that you’ll want to show off all year long. ... Read more

Description

Ultimate ABS: There is no substitution for Billy Blanks’ Ultimate TaeBo ABS, which includes the best abdominal workouts from all the TaeBo workout systems. This workout will tone, sculpt and create those rock-hard abdominals we all crave. Your customers will love to start with this video on their journey to a sexier stomach. Ultimate BUTT: In this era of the Glutes, working out to this video is essential for maximum performance, contouring and development of the all-important "Butt". Ultimate TaeBo BUTT can help to strengthen and tone these hard-to-target muscles, and along with developing these muscles will also enhance their visual appeal as well. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Workout
I use this video three times a week and I love it. I stretch out before I turn the video on, then I work out for a half-hour and quit. The video is almost two hours, so I get four work outs before I have to start the video over again. I like it because I get a better variety than my normal taebo videos, and they are all the more advanced workouts. Only buy this video if you are in pretty good shape, or you will get frustrated from the start. A couple of times during the video they seem to cut the reps short, and you have only worked out one side of your body. But other than that one flaw, this is one of my favorite workout videos, and has kept me in shape over this long winter.

bad son bad!
this dvd didnt give me a fake bottom that i wanted it gave me a squishy one. if youd like to take this up with me email me at hyperbabe5858@aol.com. You will notice that i am a man with a woman address it was given to me by my great uncle (fly). so this dvd will not give you the bottom of your dreams! It will give you a bottom that will not get you into a beauty contest! only buy this if you want a squishy bottom! vote nenis for president! {:-+

much love,
your bottom

Not effective
This DVD makes you sweat BUT not effective. They have put many different classes on one DVD and it jumps from one exercise to the next very quickly. There are some routines that are only done on the left or right side...not both. Don't waste your money.

Another addition to TaeBo
I am in my mid-twenties and have worked out to TaeBo Live series about 6 months before trying these. So I consider myself to be in fair to average "shape", and I still had a very tough time with the floor exercises that come at the end of each workout. The grueling but rather effective floor exercises are when I felt the actual abs and glute muscles 'work' the most. You will be on your feet the first portion of these workouts doing traditional TaeBo moves. These Ultimate Abs and Butt are both advanced workouts compared to my experience with TaeBo. In other words, if you try these having not worked out in a while or are out of shape, they'll be considerably difficult to finish (especially the floor exercises). You need to have completed at least the TaeBo Instructional and preferrably the TaeBo Basic programs before you attempt this. Billy Blanks is a good motivator, but it's slighty annoying that he doesn't finish each repetition set with you (you'll see). He demonstrates the movement several times then moves around to the other class members that are working out as he "cheerleads" them and the viewer to complete the reps. I would rather see him complete each workout as the viewer has to do. The upbeat music is in tune with the exercises and is motivating. These workouts are not perfect and while each movement is adequately demonstrated sometimes the reps move too quickly which can be dangerous to keep proper positioning. The reps for each side for example left and right leg are NOT always even. Lastly, this is a series of several different classes worth of exercises (supposedly the butt and abs targeting portions) assembled as a complete workout. That is to say, you can see Billy's and the class members outfits change every few minutes. That is different from the TaeBo Live programs which are start to finish taped workouts with the same people exercising. That difference may not bother many people, but I prefer the live style. Though not suggested in/ on the product, I think that you will need an exercise mat to be comfortable on the floor for as long as the abs and butt floor exercises take (better for back of head, knees and general comfort). You luckily don't need any special equipment, but a chair to hold on to for the standing part of the workout might help. The butt workout is around 40 minutes, and the abs workout is just under an hour. Overall, I don't regret purchasing as I got two different, complete workouts on one DVD, and I would recommend this product given my guidelines above. ... Read more

Description

Three of Jane Fonda's Personal Trainer Series programs all on 1 DVD! Program includes Jane Fonda's Personal Series: Abs, Buns, Thighs, Jane Fonda's Personal Series: Low Impact Aerobics & Stretch, and Jane Fonda's Personal Series: Total Body Sculpting.=20 ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great for a beginner / starting out
Almost 10 years ago, I got these in video form.As a beginner, who had a total lifestyle change to include my diet, Mrs. Fonda's Personal Trainer series really helped me lose weight, tone up, and be fit. I lost 20 lbs and have kept it off.I also had success after I had my son when I used her videos in combination with a 2 mile run 5 days a week. I also recieved complements on how my body looked, many people would ask me if I was a gymnast!:) Her workouts and fitness philosophy are right on.I highly recommend this series for anyone just starting out.They are easy on the joints, and have three women who demonstrate basic, intermediate, and advanced levels in each workout, as well as lead some of the workouts, so its not all Jane. The workouts really have some great basic moves for learning about the body in toning and stretch. The aerobics get the heart rate up, and the moves are simple.The aerobics section does require a little bit of space, enough to walk about 5 paces in each direction. I've moved up in my fitness level, but I still use this series for toning, stretch and when I just want to burn a few extra calories. I alternate my workouts with other videos like Gilad, Kaehler, and the 8min(ABS/BUNS)etc series, and I recommend these too.

A remarkable lady indeed!
[...] If shoppers have something against Jane Fonda and wish not to buy her films or fitness videos that's fine but they should not be publicly allowed to encourage others do to the same.

Yes Miss Fonda made mistakes in the past for which she has profusely apologized on national television and in her biography `My life so far'. But whatever one's feelings, it is impossible to deny this woman's talent, intellect, complexity, dynamism and the contributions she has made (and still continues to make) to our society. Through her humanitarian work, Jane has more than made up for her past mistakes. She is a gifted vital figure, always challenging and dedicated. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and inspiring women of our time. A truly remarkable lady indeed!

Regarding her fitness videos, buy them without hesitations. I have used all of them except for a couple. They are very safe, beautifully made and if used correctly, extremely efficient. Jane huge range of videos has something for everyone whatever your age and fitness level. Jane is very motivating and a great example that we can stay fit and strong for ever if we look after ourselves. I would recommend Jane's video to anyone wanting to become fit, strong and healthy and stay that way.

Jane Fonda is back with a biography `My life so far' and a new film `Monster in law' with Jennifer Lopez. Welcome back Jane and whishing you all the best!

JF Rodriguez
[...]

Great Instructor!
I think Jane is a wonderful fitness instructor and I am so glad that now we can purchase at least some of her workouts on DVD.Yay! ... Read more

Description

Get incredible results fast with these unique 20-minute workouts.In Swiss Ball Abs Phase 1-2-3, Adam Ford, CFT utilizes a comprehensive and efficient 3-phase progression to condition your entire mid-section with functional integrated movements.These cutting edge core exercises train your abs and back safely through their full range of motion.

Program Benefits
-Ideal for men and women of all abilities
-Functional strength and flexibility
-Effective for lower abdominals
-Balance and coordination
-Fun, fast and efficient

Program Features
-Many new interesting exercises
-Integrated functional movements
-Three different, complete workouts
-Clear, concise follow-along instruction
-Multitude of camera angles and graphics ... Read more

Reviews (3)

AMAZING
I am a 21 yr old female and I have always had a large stomach. I have tried many ab exercises and DVD's but this one is DEFINITELY the best. Most ab exercises are just too easy for me, but this DVD really showed me some new exercises that were very CHALLENGING. This DVD has three different workouts, or "phases" as they are called. The first one is a little challenging but the second one killed me. YOU will feel the burn on this and you will SEE RESULTS! All you need is a stability ball and for some of the exercises you need to lean your feet against a wall. Otherwise, no other equipment is necessary. AN EXCELLENT PURCHASE.

Compulsory
If you want to work your abs on a stability ball this dvd is a must. And, after working out with this dvd I'm convinced that working abs on the ball is the only logical and effective solution for the mid-section (this after years of performing crunches and other floor exercises with moderate effect). It contains three 20 minutes workouts for three different levels of difficulty. I was familar with some of the moves contained in this dvd because I had already purchased "Swiss Ball Basics" by Adam Ford - also highly recommended. There is plenty to challenge your core muscles here and many of the moves, even in Level 1, require great concentration and may have to be worked up to. You will definately know the meaning of a recovery day after doing this one and your abs, expecially the obliques, will be hurting (in the good way). I honestly believe that if you did one of the three routines once or twice a week you can't fail but to see great results. I already have and I wasn't out of shape to begin with. Adam Ford has a great mid-section and he's an inspiration. I would highly recommend this dvd - no sloppy production values here. I hope Adam Ford intends to make more programs. Excellent!

No nonsense results!
Finally! a fitness dvd that is well presented, thorough, and shows simply and effectively just how to use a Swiss Ball to it's full potential!

Before I found this dvd, I'd been looking for one in the UK for months, but they all seemed to be aimed specifically at women, and were mainly intent on just reducing fat - none of them actually showed you how to use the Swiss Ball to it's full advantage.

If, like myself, you have a swiss ball at home and up to now have only used it as a piece of novelty furniture, then this is the dvd you need to finally make some real use of it!

The presenter takes you though the correct use of the ball and guides you though a series of exercises which look innocent enough until your abs start to scream at you the next day (a sure sign that it's doing the job!). Just watching the presenter at work is inspiration enough as you can see every muscle the exercise is intended to train flex as as each exercise is perfomed. It sounds daft I know, but for me, this alone is an enormous help as you can see straight away whether or not your doing the exercise properly by comparing which of your muscles are working against those that are flexing on screen!

Music and other distractions are kept to a minimum, and at every stage you're guided along with an informative but unobtrusive commentary. You can even hear the presenter breathing, which soon makes you realise when your own breathing is out of whack (something I'm always getting wrong when exercising!)

I'm a 34 yr old guy who's used gyms and other abs equipment in the past, but I've NEVER found a training programme that's been as effective as this! I've been using it now for a few months on and off, and it soon becomes second nature. It may take me some time to get the sort of abs the presenter has, but at least now I'm doing the RIGHT exercises, the RIGHT way help me achieve this! ... Read more

Description

From one of the most trusted fitness brands of all time, this new DVD features sixgreat "of Steel" programs and includes over 100 minutes of fitness expertise.Led by acclaimed instructor Tamilee Webb, you can excercise all the key parts of your body. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Best Tamilee Workout Yet!
This is my favorite workout!!! I am amazed that a 15 minute workout can sculpt my muscles like this one does.

The abs and arms workout focus mostly on the arms so if you are trying for six pack abs you'll have to do all three workout in one session. I love the fact that Tamilee concentrates on building arms in this video. I have my grandmother's big arms and this video has sculpted my arms into a much more desirable shape! The abs portion of the workout is good and has definitely shaped my upper abs but I really love it for the arm workouts.

The lower body workouts are great too! This is the first workout video that I've viewed in a while that works the inner and outer thighs. I like the fact that there are sliding lunges because it is a little easier on my knees. All in all this video is great for the body and it only take 15 minutes a day! ... Read more

Description

The strong and lean Pilates body is based in the powerhouse‹the deep, woven layers of the abdominal and lower back muscles. The Pilates system of exercise empowers you to stand confidently and move gracefully through your life, by grounding your movements in the strong core of your body. Set on Maui, Hawaii, the Pilates Abs Workout helps you slim and strengthen the ab muscles at the same time. Certified Pilates instructor Ana Cabán takes you through a sequence of highly efficient and challenging exercises, focusing on form and precise movement. A modified version is also demonstrated for those with limited flexibility and strength. The regular practice of Pilates helps you strengthen your body¹s center of power and create a sleek, streamlined look you will love! The Complete 25-minute Workout Includes: € Warm-up Exercises to stimulate circulation and articulate the spine € Challenging Mat Exercises to condition the powerhouse and buttocks € Cool-down Stretches to allow muscles to rest and recover A vigorous workout for anyone wanting firmer abdominals fast! Props Recommended: Pilates Mat ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Advanced, but good!
I agree that this video contains some moves that require a lot of coordination, and I did find the workout challenging, but that's just what I wanted. My last Pilates video from Gaiam was great, but too easy. This is maybe just a little bit too hard, but I liked it. I did feel my thighs and back getting a workout, too, again, I liked that. Part of what I like about Pilates is the focus on the total body, and on working all muscle groups so that they may support each other. So I wasn't really expecting to only feel it in my abs. I also liked the focus on precicion of movement, and I liked the fast pace of the video. Thankfully, the video doesn't waste a lot of time over-explaining each exercise. Very down to business.

Advanced moves / lesser ab workout
I'm a big fan of Gaiam fitness videos, mainly yoga. Although I got a good sweat during this 25 minute workout, I found the moves to be advanced and difficult from a coordination standpoint... but not necessrily hard on my abs, specifically. The next day my back and sides felt more sore than my abs. The Stott programs, even advanced, I could do... and felt more burn in my abs. ... Read more

Description

Three 15-minute workouts built entirely on abs-toning, abs-sculpting exotic belly dance moves.As a system of movement, belly dance is the ideal, natural method for abs toning and sculpting. Learn and practice belly dance steps during the workout, then follow Neon as she demonstrates a 2-minute dance composed from the moves you've just learned.The dance can be accessed separately for review. First fitness product to offer continuous 3-D geometric rendering of exercise movements throughout the program, plus a progress bar for counting reps. Throughout each workout personal trainer Andy Troy CSCS offers exercise safety tips.

* Onscreen graphics offer 3-D geometric rendering of each dance move in relation to ribcage and pelvis;
* A progress bar shows the number of reps for each move, plus marks the rep you are currently performing.
* Introduction to the anatomy of belly dance movement by personal trainer Andy Troy CSCS
* Safety tips throughout the program by Andy Troy CSCS
* Along with verbal cueing, onscreen graphics of move trajectories serve as visual cues.

Each 15-min. workout includes: 3-min. warmup, 9-min. exercise session, 2-min. dance sequence (2-4 reps of each move from the exercise session arranged into an attractive choreography), 1-min. cooldown.

Belly dance movement is organic, deriving from the natural, instinctual motion of the human body: this is the source of its tremendous body sculpting potential. Belly dance will stimulate and exercise your abdominal muscles through isolation, elaborate coordination between muscle groups, and via your abs' natural function of stabilizing the spine and pelvis in the dynamic context of dance. "Belly Dance for Body Shaping: ABS" program is composed entirely of belly dance moves: Slow, fast, fluid, angular, challenging, entertaining, sexy! Every move on this DVD is just as useful on the dance floor as it is in the gym. Do it on your own or with friends! ... Read more

Description

From one of the most trusted fitness brands of all time, this new DVD features sixgreat "of Steel" programs and includes over 100 minutes of fitness expertise.Led by acclaimed instructor Tamilee Webb, you can excercise all the key parts of your body. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

To the point and worth it.
I'm a dude and was only interested in getting right to the abs, wihtout the fluff and without the care to "fastforward" using a VHS. I'm already fit and just needed an extra "side" to get me motivated to do the abs more.

Pros: Good 15 minute workout. I recommend recording the DVD audio to tape/CD/Mini-Disk (one that you use in the gym) and listen to it while doing your abs on the floor. Great way to focus on the abs and to focus your attention. 3 workouts which get progressively harder. (I don't watch the buns.)

Cons: The DVD's audio is not properly leveled. You'll notice its volume levels rising and falling in some areas. She get's 4 stars for it!! Not to mention she goofed on the count in one of the excercises. (Where was the editing crew?!)

Okay video
This video isn't too bad. I was a little dispointed. I think the abs part is better than the buns. There are two things that bother me about this tape. The first is that many of the workout routines require a good balancing abilty. I would prefer to just worry about the workout instead of thinking about having to balance. The second annoyance I have is that several times throughout the workout, she says "one more" or "last one" and then will do 3 or 4 more reps. It is a great ab workout, but as I said, the buns part is disapointing

THE TITLE SAYS IT ALL!!
I am not usually a fan of exercise videos because I feel like they never work! However, this has changed my mind! I was doing it for about a month off and on before I bought it and now I do it everyday. I can't believe the changes I am seeing in my abs! The one thing I would say is I don't care for the warmups so I usually do my own cardio for about 10min. Like riding my recumbent bike and some stretches. I am a 26yr old male so if your a guy don't worry this is not too corny and it really works!

Worth the purchase....
Tamilee Webb is very focused throughout this workout. There are 3 ab exercises and 3 bun exercises. Different workouts with maximum results. If you are a fan of her I Want That Body DVD, which is top notch for ab and arm workouts, you will not be disappointed. She reiterates about the importance of taking care of your body, performing cardio exercises and addressing the other parts of your body that is not addressed in this DVD. If you are looking for cardio, get Billy Blanks, this is not a cardio workout. It is a focused workout for specific muscle groups, listed above. Finally, there are plenty of bogus DVD workouts on the market, this is not one of them.

Tamilee Does it Again!
Maybe I'm biased because I own most of the "Buns, Arms, Abs, Legs, etc. of Steel" videos and then got hooked on the "I Want that Body" workout but the "Quick Toning - Abs & Buns of Steel" is another hit.

There are three 10 minute abs workouts that include a decent 4 minute warm up and a quick 3 minute cool down for a total 17 minute workout. This is great for someone like me who doesn't have a lot of time for a workout but needs results. I've been working out for most of my life and couldn't believe the burn that I felt from some of the new ab moves. This is a great way to keep those muscles challenged.

The bun workout is the same format as the abs and has equally wonderful warm ups, excersizes and cool downs.

One other nice quality of this video is that the video goes almost immediately from the FBI warning to the menu. No long introduction that shows all of the sponsors' logos.

I did at least one section of this video a day and ate a healty diet and I noticed a difference. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Not challenging, even for a beginner
This is only the second Yoga Zone video I've tried and I really didn't like it. I'm fairly new to yoga and I take a class once a week. This video was almost too easy for me. I am fairly flexible but I felt as if I didn't get anything out of this video. There were a few poses that I'll probably incorporate in my weekly routine but that's about it.

This really helped my lower back pain
I've been using the Yoga for a Strong and Healthy Back DVD for 6 months. I wanted a workout that would strengthen my back muscles, as well as my abs, for added back support. This program is exactly what I was looking for. I was so impressed with how immediate my results were that I tried another Yoga Zone DvD. I now own 8 titles from the company and practice yoga with them daily.

Take it very easy in the beginning and you'll be OK
I have had a bad back for the past five or six years, and nothing I've ever tried has really worked on it. I thought perhaps that "Yoga Zone - Yoga for a Strong and Healthy Back" could help me. I'll just say upfront that I'm not an exerciser. I sit on my butt all day at work, and while I do common household chores, I get terribly bored with workouts and so I rarely do organized routines. I also had never tried yoga, although it seemed a lot more interesting than many workout styles I have looked at.

The instructors were quite clear and the setting beautiful. My back was also hurting pretty bad that first night because I overdid it without realizing it. I cannot stress enough that unless you are some kind of yoga master you must TAKE IT EASY when you are starting on this program. No matter how easy their movements seem, just be a lot more careful than you think you need to. After I experienced that terrible soreness, I continued doing the program but was much, much more careful. Now, after a couple of weeks, my back feels overall feels better and stronger, and the after-workout soreness has lessened considerably.

Good for beginners
I bought this and had no previous experience doing yoga. The video was very simply laid out, the positions were on an intro level, and the instructors explained what to do. In the second segment, the instructor said "Nice" alot, but that was ok because doing the yoga helped my back. It certainly helps with flexibility as well. Listen to the instructors and go SLOWLY so as not to hurt yourself.

If you have back problems, this one is for you
I've had serious lower back pain for the past 3 years. I have been through traction, physical therapy, massage, exercise programs, and a new mattress; nothing worked. I decided to give this DVD a try and what tremendous results! After only a few sessions, my back was much more flexible and feeling better. After about a month, I was pain free. It's now been six months and I do the workout about twice a week to keep the pain away. It has been a miracle for me and I recommend it to anyone with similar back problems...much better than living on pain killers! ... Read more

Description

A holistic solution including poses to ease pain, strengthen the back and torso, and improve flexibility.Includes a medical analysis of Yoga’s effectiveness for back health. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Not as good as the usual Rodney Yee..
I had Rodney's original Back Care video and I bought this DVD to use for business travel so I could play it on my laptop in my hotel. It was WAY too slow moving for me. I plan to return it to Amazon. I was very disappointed.

Good DVD
This DVD has really helped me with my back problems. The excercises shown are gentle and useful. I have chronic back pain, and in order to avoid, and not take pain killers, I do yoga. I have used this DVD, and as soon as I finish one of the three routines, my pain is gone. The only thing that I don't like about Rodney's approach on this DVD is that he shows some very weird excercises, and sometimes you feel like you aren't doing anything. The first routine feels like you didn't do a thing. The second routine is great. The third one has a lot of akward positions, for which you need a chair and a king size pillow. I have never been to a yoga class where you need such items, so I find it weird, and not too effective. However, overall, it is a good DVD (but he has a better DVD, try the Yoga for Athletes, also from Rodney. It is excellent.)

Three workouts focused on maintaining a healthy back
Excellent yoga instructor Rodney Yee offers this 3-part workout focused on strengthening back muscles to maintain a healthy back. He utilizes props (blanket, bolster, chair, brick, strap) to make the poses more gentle and accessible to those at all levels of fitness (although absolute beginners should stick to his previous video, Back Care Yoga for Beginners).

The first 16-minute section concentrates on simple stretches to warm up your back muscles. Poses are done either while lying on the floor or in a seated position, and Rodney uses a blanket to increase range of motion. The second workout is a bit longer (around 18 minutes) and places greater emphasis on strength moves. It begins with simple backbends (eg, cat pose) and moves on to standing poses modified by use of a chair; it ends with a series of lying stretches. In the final workout, Rodney uses a wider variety of props, including TWO chairs and both the blanket AND the bolster. This is a slow-moving, approximately 16-minute practice which focuses on relaxation through practicing a small number of poses for a longer period of time.

At times, Rodney's reliance on props is a bit distracting, particularly while you are trying to relax during the final section. However, he always allows ample time to relocate the props inbetween poses, and his use of the props is definitely beneficial at some points, such as during the second practice. Rodney's manner is extremely calm and relaxing, and his voiceover is always perfectly in sync with his on-screen performance. One minor criticism is that he doesn't offer mirrored instruction, but this is easily ignored given his otherwise excellent cuing. Overall, this is a very good workout by a master yoga instructor.

Not as good as the original
I was disappointed in this DVD. I also own Rodney Yee's first back care workout "Back Care Yoga for Beginners" (1998, VHS), which is much better. "Yoga for Back Care" relies too heavily on props, moves very slowly, and doesn't cover enough poses. If you're looking for a good back care workout, go back to the original tape.

Gentle and Excellent
I checked here for reviews before buying this. There weren't any, so I took a chance. I'm glad I did. And since no one else has posted a review, I finally decided to in case anyone else would like a user's opinion. When I first tried this routine, I didn't think it was going to do much. It is very conservative. But it is also very safe. It avoids some of the front bending and stretching postures that can be dangerous for low back problems. Yoga Journal's routines often go in and out of postures faster than I like, and at first I wasn't sure I liked that aspect of the routine either. Ater doing this routine for about a month, though, I can say that my low back discomfort has eased off greatly. This DVD gets the credit. It is an excellent combination of equalized stretching on both sides of your body, plus relaxation for your upper and low back. The entire workout runs nearly an hour, which I don't always have time for. But it is broken into three segments, so you can do one or two only. Still, make the time for the full routine if you can. It's worth it. You don't need to do it every day. A few times a week has been enough for me to feel the benefit. Finally, the setting is beautiful, the production quality is high, and Rodney Yee is a pleasant presence (important for something you listen to over and over again). I highly recommend the DVD for anyone looking for back-related flexibility, relaxation, and restoration. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Get it for the 5 day abs if nothing else!
This is a two pack DVD, and unlike some reviewers I have had absolutely no problems using the chapter selection on the DVD menu.I have never used earlier Firm workouts, so the compilation has never bothered me. Tough Tape 2 is aptly named. If you are new to aerobic workouts you will have to get used to it, and it will kick your butt for the first two weeks. After that you will no longer have to have a crash team standing by. I have to admit that the 5 Day Abs disc is my favorite Firm disc, and I have four. The segments are short, but very effective. If you can't find time in your day to work this into your schedule then you're just deluding yourself. The frosting on the cake would have to be the host for the ab DVD, who introduces and ends the individual segments. He is one fine looking man, and when he tells me to lie supine I happily comply. Seriously though, there is nothing wrong with eye candy if it helps to keep you motivated. I find that I enjoy doing this workout every day, and it often keeps me on track with my other Firm workouts because it seems so natural as a lead in to the next workout. Truthfully, these workouts are better than the aerobics I've tried at the gym. It's well worth the money. And contrary to what another reviewer has said, you do not need a mat, just the carpet you probably already have in front of your TV.

Best abs video and I tried many
I bought this dvd to replace the well-worn vhs copy that I have of The Firm--5-Day Abs. It is by far the most effective home abs workout system I have come across. 2 weeks of doing this cycle and I see results, often moreso than I get using the incline bench at the gym for longer periods (and yes--I do them properly). Variety is the key here, and these workouts keep hitting your abs from different angles. In addition, a major benefit of this dvd is that you get a different workout for each day of the week--thus keeping your abs guessing and your interest up much more than all those other tapes that have you do the same thing every day. And yes, as mentioned, there are a couple of editing glitches, but they are minor and not worth avoiding this disk for. And if the cycle does start getting easy, you can ad weights as they recommend during the workout--thus keeping this disk useful for a pretty long period. I havent done the Tough Tape section, so I cant comment on that part, but I definitely recomend this dvd for the abs section. In fact, I am back here to purchase a copy as a gift for a friend I just started training at the gym.

Cheesy cut/past format in the tough tape, but great for abs
There are two workouts in this DVD: One is Tough Tape 2 and the other is Five Day Ab workout. It seems to have been taped in the 80's, or that is what the decor, hairdos, and high cut workout suits suggest.

There is also a 'fitness training program' section, which I thought were presented by pretentious women with a cold attitude: "we know it all, look at our bodies we are the best, forget the rest".

The Tough Tape 2 seems to be cut and paste from several different Firm tapes - I don't see the point of that - it doesn't allow for stretching, warm-up or cool-downs. The theme basically suggests that you use weights, and do lots of reps. At the end it does make you do the work so if you can overlook the 80's cheesy decor, the high cut workout suits shot from rather interesting angles, and some of the women's suggestive looks, it should be fine for you. But I found these elements to be distracting (I kept thinking that after this filming, they must have changed costumes, and filmed a soft porn movie right at that location!)

The Five Day Abs section seems much better at keeping the focus on working the abs, although the cut and pasted sections, cheesy decor and hairdos continue here.

No sir, Idont like it
It goes way too fast////i do like the abs workout section but the aerobic section isnt good. I will never buy firm tapes again

4 stars for 5-day abs, 2 stars for Tough Tape 2
These are the workouts for Barbie and Ken and the Stepford Wives.

5-Day Abs: Five different short abdominal workouts pasted together from other The Firm workouts; it is easy to go to the DVD menu and choose the one you want, contrary to what another reviewer said. Total time about 35 minutes. There is a shirtless guy acting as a master of ceremonies at the beginning and end of each segment. You need a mat, weights to put around your feet (optional), and a chair. The workouts are pretty good, with a variety of moves, and a variety of speeds (some fast crunches, some long holds, etc.) If you have other abdominal workouts already, don't expect this one to offer anything new.

Tough Tape 2: Several body sculpting segments cut and pasted from other The Firm tapes; easy to pick and choose from the DVD menu. Total time about 45 minutes. Considerable repetition between segments; quite traditional, standard exercises. You are better off with a workout that was planned all at the same time, like Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight, or anything by Karen Voight, or Reebok "Simply Strong" with Gin Miller. You need a variety of hand weights, a chair, a block, and a high stool to step up onto. ... Read more