Search - Kim Kardashian: Fit in Your Jeans by Friday - Ultimate Butt Body Sculpt on DVD

Tough but surprisingly fun!

D.T. | Canada | 05/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Personally I find this workout series is refreshing. First, the workout really works your lower body (there are lots of different lunges), but there is no "dread" factor for me because 1) the workout is divided into three parts, and you can choose to do as much as you have time for and 2) Jennifer Galardi sets a slow, steady pace with lots of variety so that it never gets boring.

The set is lovely to look at: instead of the same bland set that has been appearing of late in other exercise DVDs, the decor here is very chic (like a French designer's studio). This may seem unimportant for an exercise DVD, but if you are going to spend an hour a day looking at the same set, it helps if it is nice to look at! Ditto for Kim's costumes; I think they are glam and fun.

The ladies have a great "big sister/little sister" type rapport, full of humour and encouragement. Kim may not be the athlete that Jennifer is but she shows the beginner's variations, works hard and comes across as very sweet. When I find myself wanting to falter, I tell myself that if Kim can do it, I can do it."

For people who dislike or find the usual video format stress

EWG76 | 01/15/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I almost never write reviews, but had to pipe up for this one. I actually found it strangely soothing and pleasant even as I broke a sweat. If there's one video I *will* be able to make myself do after a stressful day, this is it. It was fun and light (i.e. no 'drill sergent' or 'punishment' vibe) and yet I still got a workout in. I'd say this is like the "French women don't get fat" of workout DVDs; meaning: it might not be the most intense, and it might seem too simple at first, but it's based on actually enjoying what you're doing and feeling good about your body -- so I feel like I'm more likely to stick with it. Personally, I find positive motivation works best for me. Kim has a great body, but she looks like a real woman and clearly exercises like a real woman (i.e. not perfectly).

For background: I have never watched the Kardashians or followed them. I bought the DVD after reading reviews and wanting to try something different (that and there are few 'butt' specific dvds). I am a professional career woman trying to tone up a little more after realizing that although I am a healthy weight and a runner, nonetheless my thirties were not being kind. As someone who has few curves to begin with, I am hoping Kim's 'pro-curves' workouts keep or improve what I do have. I will update later.

I particularly like that the video wasn't 'over-stimulating' in terms of visuals and music. I actually learned a lot of improved technique because you're only watching two people interact against a fairly neutral backdrop and the trainer is correcting Kim's mistakes. The zoom in on things like Kim's lower back position was also clearer than anything I had seen in another video (I almost wonder if her curves didn't help illustrate/exaggerate when she got it right or wrong -- i.e. you can really see when she tucks her tailbone or pulls in her belly). The moves were simple, but if, like me, you're not a natural at aerobic combos, you might enjoy it. Other videos have a lot of people, a lot of complicated movement, harsh lighting and sort of 'loud' scenery and that can be just 'too much' for me. I *loved* the 'Parisian apartment' set just because it put me a relaxed mental state. It kind of reminded me of doing yoga -- i.e. things are pretty and relaxing and relatively non-confrontational, but unlike some yoga videos there didn't seem a 'perfectionist' or 'too serious' attitude. Kim's outfits were a little different, but between that and the make-up, I kind of felt like I was flipping through vogue while getting my pedicure -- it was visually interesting and I'd rather be thinking about whether I like her eyeliner than how I hate sweating so much.

Some people complain about Kim and yes she has a few vacuous ("I must not mess up my lipstick by closing my mouth!") facial expressions and unimpressive comments, but I actually felt, to my own intense surprise, like she was a fun friend who was suffering right alongside me through the workout. She comes across as nice and real. I felt like time really flew by. Also, the 'bonus' workout seems PERFECT for someone like me who travels a lot and needs a few very very simple moves.

If you're already big into workout DVDs or are good at doing triple grapevines in aerobics or you like 'in your face' and 'no-pain, no-gain' coaching styles, this might not be for you. But, if, like me, you need something 'different' than the usual style, you might enjoy this."