Search - Fat Burning Workout for Dummies on DVD

The worst workout DVD I've ever purchased

Dawn M. Martin | Eastern Shore, MD USA | 02/19/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Since I had recently joined a gym, I thought I'd familiarize myself with what a basic aerobic routine might consist of before I actually walked into one of these classes and made a fool of myself. So I went on a hunt for an appropriate DVD to sort of test the waters. From the description on the package, this workout was supposed to be tailored for folks who have little or no experience with aerobics and may not have the best co-ordination in the world. That seemed to suit me to a T.

I popped the disc in the player and was ready to burn some fat. Keeping in mind that this workout is supposed to be for "dummies", the first couple of moves the instructor does are not only complicated, but she doesn't take the time to do them slowly the first time around AND there are no close-ups on the maneuvers for you to try and get the gist of the motion while she's going at 100MPH. So I sat down on the couch while she did that part of the routine.

At long last, she finally gets to some moves that she does in slow-mo at first, but as the workout progresses, she will combine 2, 3 or 4 moves and if you are not a natural at dancing or remembering steps, you will easily wind up losing track of what you are supposed to be doing, just standing there watching her exercise and thinking to yourself, "Hey, I wonder what's on Comedy Central?" I just wiggled around and made up my own dopey moves in an attempt to keep my heart rate up to 150.

I stuck it out, tripping and stumbling my way to the end of this agonizing workout. Surprisingly enough, I've yet to watch this DVD again or make another attempt at this workout. It definitely isn't accurately described by the creators. And while it wouldn't be the first 15 bucks I've wasted in my life, I hate feeling like I've been ripped off.

For the uncoordinated such as myself, forget the aerobics alltogether and get a workout such as John Basedow's "Basics" or Gunnar Peterson's "Core Secrets". Both keep your heart pumping, are easy to follow and have enough variety to keep you interested.

And for those of you who wonder why I gave this DVD 2 stars instead of 1, "Fat Burning Workout for Dummies" did spare me the embarrassment of taking a real aerobics class and falling down flat on my gluteus maximus."

"Give It Time!"

Mal Schoen | Northern California | 02/24/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I purchased this DVD I would have wholeheartedly agreed with the previous reviewer "Squirrely Girl" - but something compelled me to give it a chance - so I stuck with it - and after a week or two I found I was catching on, that I was remembering and following the routine, and that it was actually providing me with a pretty good aerobic workout. That said, it is still a problem that no slow warm-up is provided, and this is essential with aerobics. The instructor jumps right in at 80MPH, and this is a mistake. Other than that, I am happy with it, use it frequently, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good basic aerobic workout."

Great workout, but maybe not for "dummies"

C. Miner | Indianapolis, IN, USA | 03/22/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A friend gave me this DVD after she tried it and found it way too hard for her beginner level. I did not have high hopes for a good workout since this was for "dummies," but was pleased to find a good workout with an enjoyable instructor and format. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a good aerobics workout, but it moves pretty quickly for beginners. The tips throughout were a nice touch."

Great workout for beginners

Michaela T. Watson | Houston, Texas United States | 03/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I do not exercise. Well, I didn't...until I tried this DVD. I bought it on a whim and it sat around for a few weeks until I got the motivation to get moving. I do the workout every day right after work and it it great. I break a sweat, feel good afterwards, and actually look forward to my next workout. The steps are not complicated and the slow building from on step to the next makes it easy to follow along."