Search - The Biggest Loser: The Workout - Boot Camp on DVD

Review from a PT and a NON-BL Watcher: Excellent Workout!

B. Junkin-Mills | West Chester, PA United States | 07/06/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a physical therapist, so I am extremely critical of exercise videos, and poor form/instruction makes me crazy. I've also never seen the show Biggest Loser, so I didn't know any of the participants here and I didn't really know what to expect. But I do like working out at home sometimes and this video got great reviews, so I gave it a try. I echo the great reviews: This is an excellent workout, both challenging and well put-together, and the instruction is top-notch.

The Cast: This workout is led by Bob, who I take to be a trainer from the show. Bob manages what very few do: he is likable without being syrupy, and motivating without being obnoxious. His form is perfection that makes my PT heart sing, and his instruction and cueing are perfect as far as safe and effective form. He makes me want to watch the show. Working out with Bob is Ali, who I think is the season 5 winner and who has form as close to perfect as a non-professional gets. When Bob's talking, watch Ali for form. There are also Bill (S4 winner?) and Bernie (at home winner - whatever that is) - they both have good form and Bernie is charming. Michelle is in 2 of the 3 segments - she has very good form herself, second only to Ali. The last 2, who thankfully are not in every segment, are Vicky and Heba. Heba is often the demonstrator of the modified form of an exercise and I think this is a HUGE mistake. (It's why I give 4 stars instead of 5.) Her form is dreadful, in almost every exercise and position. Please don't watch her! Having modifications is crucial, but they should NOT be given to the least fit person to demonstrate - they should be given to a very fit person who can demonstrate safe and perfect form to the beginners who are likely following the modifications. Bad call on that casting.

The Format: A very nice and easily customizable menu. There is a 5 minute warm-up, a 20 minute Level One, a 15 minute Level Two, a 10 minute Level Three, and a 5 minute cool down. You are meant to do Level One for 2 weeks, then add Level Two, and then add Level Three 2 weeks after that. It's nice plan though a beginning exerciser would probably be best served staying on each level for 4 weeks before increasing. Of course you can do whatever you feel like doing / have time to do each day. My pre-teen son, who wants to start using weights, does just the Level Three - a few times a week. (He has no need for anything else as he is an active athlete.)

The Exercises & Equipment: Level One is no walk in the park - and it may be out of reach for the very unfit. It's a challenging mix of low impact cardio (one high impact spot - modification for low impact given) and work with hand weights. I would advise someone new to exercise to do this level for at least 2-3 weeks without any weights, before attempting to add weights. Level Two is very hard - it uses hand weights (and a medicine ball though this is optional) with a mix of squats, lunges, pushups, tough ab work, and exhausting plyometrics. It's a GREAT workout! Modifications are always given but still I would call this workout intermediate - advanced. Level Three is pure muscle work using hand weights or a resistance band. It's well put together, hitting every major upper body muscle group. In my opinion, though this is not stated anywhere, Level Three is the only place where it would be appropriate to use a heavy hand weight, as you are doing specific and slow sets on each muscle group. The first 2 levels move along pretty fast, and there is some repetitive work, so my professional advice (to women) would be that nothing heavier than 5lb dumbbells (most people should keep it at 3 lbs, beginners could use 1 or 2 lb weights) should be used, or you could potentially aggravate your shoulders and/or develop a tendonitis.

Bottom Line: Excellent workout, both in terms of effectiveness and of structure, with great cuing and a likable coach. Downgraded from 5 to 4 stars because of the poor form shown in the modifications."

As always, Bob motivates and creates a truly effective worko

A. Chandler | Austin, TX | 12/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I not only own the other Biggest Loser dvds, but do my daily workout from a selection of about 100 dvds. Still, this was a "must have" to add to my collection...as that was my first thought after doing it.

I've always found Bob to be one of the best motivators. He doesn't just do a move that you follow and move on, he shows you as a coach how to do it correctly so that you gain maximum benefit from it.
This dvd is both cardio and sculpting and this creates maximum fat burning...you'll burn lots of calories during the cardio portions, then the sculpting will help you increase muscle mass which, thereby, increases your metabolism and burns even more calories even while you are at rest.

Even if you own the other Biggest Loser workouts, this one adds new moves, new people, more variety and great results.

I typically rotate all my workouts so that I have constant variety from my collection but I found myself continually going back to this dvd time and again and back to back.

Therefor, it needed to recieve some accolades via Amazon...Bob succeeded once again with a "must have" workout that all can do!

And, on that note, it should be noted whether you workout daily like myself or you are just beginning, he has moves for either class of fitness persona. You can follow along with the easy program, or go full steam once you improve...either way, the moves are easy to follow and produce rapid results."

I did it!!!

Edward Haith | San Diego, CA | 03/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I started Biggest Loser boot camp and the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga. I alternated days with Friday's off. Instead of spending 2 weeks on each level I spent 4 weeks on each level. I also designed my eating plan %100 out of the Biggest Loser Family Cookbook. After 12 weeks of this I went from 261lbs to 226lbs. It works, that's all I have to say."

Old guy, with a bad knee

D. Ringer | Morgantown, WV USA | 04/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I sweat. I strain. I have to be careful of my knee (ACL injury). Everything hurts. I'm 61. Bob Harper makes me do impossible things. I want to die - or kill him.

I've used all the BL DVD's before this one, and this is clearly the hardest. But, after 8 weeks, I've seen the biggest positive results with it. Be careful. Use light weights at first. Don't be afraid to modify some of the exercises, or even to drop out (but come back). If you're new at working out, start with the original BL DVD The Biggest Loser Workout, Vol. 1

I love this DVD! But, if you're not serious, and haven't trained for awhile (if ever) don't go there. At least not at first. Be gentle to yourself. There's plenty of time. Just get started.

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