Search - The South Beach Diet Super Charged Workout on DVD

Good basic program but with some significant flaws

Marc L. Paulsen | Newport Beach, CA | 05/25/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"A while back "Consumer Reports" did a review of the diets and one of the criticisms they had of the "South Beach Diet" was that it failed to include enough emphasis on exercise. Perhaps this is the reason that Dr. A has decided to add some workout routines to his program. In any case, it certainly is good to see it included in the current version of "The South Beach Diet, Supercharged" as well as this new workout DVD. Unfortunately, I have some serious problems with the current version of the workout program.

First the good. I like that there is a substantial portion of the DVD devoted to core strengthening, some flexibility routines and a very good stretch program at the end of the cardio segment. My real problem though comes with the design of the Cardio segment which begins the entire program if you follow it start-to-finish (or instead used separately on alternate days). If you follow the entire program or begin with the Cardio segment the first exercise you'll be instructed to follow is a jog-in-place exercise as the opening warm-up. There is no opening stretch routine, instruction on proper breathing or less traumatic warm-up routine. So without these openers we are taken directly into jogging, which in my opinion, is not appropriate as a warm-up. In fact, it's not until the very end of the cardio program that we have any stretching whatsoever. If Dr. A elects to redo the program I might suggest starting with some basic stretching and following with a variation of his cool-down series as the warm-up routine.

The other thing that really bothers me is that there are no real instructions on proper breathing and techniques to use for pacing yourself. At various times the instructor does mention that you should be able to carry out a conversation but fails to really give an adequate explanation of the logic. In fact the instructor herself seems to be struggling with her breathing the entire time she is conducting the cardio portion of the program.

I think it's nice that they provide a model who is supposed to be demonstrating the way a beginner might follow the routines but the modifications seemed more suitable for an intermediate than a beginner or someone who is substantially overweight. This issue is better addressed in the non-cardio portions by the use of chairs, etc as assistive devices.

Lastly, and this is just a personal impression, I really found this particular instructor's constant talking to be annoying. I understand that it's meant to be motivating but I can't imagine being able to tolerate listening to it on a daily basis.

In summary, I think this could be a very good basic program, but in its present design, has some significant flaws.

Marc L. Paulsen
Author, Size 2 for Life"

A Great Workout

Qaisirah Ahmad | Bermuda | 05/16/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I just started the SBD five days ago and purchased this dvd to compliment it. I haven't fully tested the dvd, but Phase 1 exercise is great. It was only 15 minutes but boy I definately felt it in my body especially the core region. I'm thinking this is really going to help me transform my body in the long run."

South Beach Diet is Transformational!

Gigi R. | NY | 05/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I personally loved this workout. I didn't find it too intense that I couldn't follow it, but I did have to work at keeping up. I personally didn't mind that the warm up was low intensity intervals that have you jogging in place right away as opposed to streching. The cardio segment is only 20 minutes and is divided into low, moderate and high interval with a cool down at the end. With the amount of time, a warm up with streching would have cut into the amount of time you could be burning substantial calories. Not to mention the instructor does give you "recovery" time between the interval exercises when you bring down the pace which I found both refreshing and different. I personally thought the instructor was quite encouraging and motivating. There is a lot of lunges and jumping involved, so if you have weak knees this might be a little stressful for you, however, it is a fun exercise and very doable if you are short on time. I have not tried the other "phase" exercises yet. However, based on the cardio segment alone I give this video 5 stars. I loved it and really am looking forward to using it again and again! The time just flew by for me although I was happy at the end because I did get a good workout! :)"

LOVE the SOUTH BEACH SUPER CHARGED WORKOUT!

Lee Mellott | Frederick, Maryland | 07/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love "The South Beach Diet Super Charged Workout". I believe using this video along with proper diet and attitude can help transform someone's life! There are some areas that could be improved on this workout DVD. But because I feel it can be such a strong tool, I am giving it 5 stars.

"The South Beach Diet Super Charged Workout" DVD is a supplement to "The South Beach Diet Super Charged" book but can be used as an exercise plan without using the diet. To achieve best results, reading the book is very helpful. The book explains in depth how to maximize fitness results with interval training and core conditioning performed in a short period of time. With this knowledge you can optimize your results with the DVD.

The DVD begins with an introduction from Dr.Agatston in which he explains that new research has shown how interval training in short durations can provide greater benefits than lengthy workouts. The workouts follow the introduction. There is a 20 minute cardio interval training workout and 3 fifteen minute total body workouts to select from. In the book Dr. Agatston uses walking for the cardio training but gives alternatives. In the video the instructor varies exercises using simulated jump roping, lunges etc. Each burst is followed by a recovery period. For example you might do 30 seconds of jumping jacks followed by a 45 second recovery period of marching in place. The 3 total body workouts follow the exercises given in the book and evolve in difficulty from Phase 1 to Phase 3. Agatston also suggests a leisurely walk of 15- 20 minutes on the days you do the total body workout.

What I love about the program is it is so doable. Not many of us can or want to spend a lot of time exercising, so short exercise with maximum results is very desirable. Also the variety of exercises keeps things moving and interesting. Instructor Kris Belding has an easy style that is motivating but not over the top. And if you ever do decide you don't want to listen to her an audio set up option on the DVD allows for music only. I also felt the exercises were very effective. I could really feel my core in Phase 1 and the interval training in the cardio section had me working hard but not so hard that I felt I needed to pass out on the couch!

As much as I love the DVD, there are a few issues with it. The biggest drawback on the DVD is the modifications for beginners. These are not well done. Beginners will have to work out their own modifications on some of these moves, because in some cases the modifications shown are high impact. In the jump rope interval, for example, the woman demonstrating the beginner modification is doing a full out side to side high impact hop/jump! In the book Agatston starts you out on a Phase 1 cardio but on the DVD there is only one cardio choice that is at an intermediate fitness level. This may be to much for beginning exercisers. I think 3 cardio choice levels should have been included on the DVD.

Another critique of the DVD is the setting. It's a large room with a huge picture of the cover of "The South Beach Diet Super Charged" book on the wall. Ummmm, I think a beach setting or a prettier studio setting would be nice.

The DVD also has a bonus section which includes an interview with instructor Kris Belding, an overview of the library of South Beach diet books on the market and South Beach Diet tips to keep you on track.

Overall I have to say I love the DVD. It gets the job done in a short amount of time. Very energizing! Just keep in mind you may have to modify.

~ Lee Mellott
"