Scorcher Series

I really love this program! I am at the intermediate/advanced fitness level and typically do Cathe workouts and some of the Beachbody programs (Shaun T, Autumn Calabrese). This is definitely right up there with many of the more intense programs, in my opinion.What makes this program extra special is that it can be easily modified for all fitness levels, and intensity levels can be increased as you progress - all you have to do is increase your kettlebell weight and/or pick up the pace of the moves. I started out with a 10 lb kettlebell (which is what Dasha and her crew use) and am now up to 12-15 lbs, depending on the move. I enjoy "athletic" style programs rather than "dancy" ones, and this one fits the bill. Dasha is very prepared and uses the time efficiently. You won't be standing around waiting while she demonstrates moves.By the end of the 35-45 minutes of work, my heart is pumping, I am dripping with sweat, and feel that I worked my entire body. Great combo of endurance style strength moves and cardio. The areas of soreness for the next couple of days demonstrate the fact that you are hitting the female "trouble zones" hard (glutes, hips, thighs, hamstrings, core).Some reviewers indicate that they think Dasha is annoying and her non-stop chatter is a major detractor. Yes, she is talking the whole time, but I don't mind it at all. I find her likeable, and her words are motivating and sometimes humorous. She is a great instructor. But hey - if you don't want to hear her speak, simply select the no voice instruction option on the main menu. Problem solved! Just make sure you know the routine well, as a lot of her instructions are important pointers on good form and technique. Also, for those complaining about the one minute breaks (they are more like 40 seconds), just do something else if you want to keep moving! Jumping jacks, burpees, high knees, whatever makes you happy. No need to despair over such an insignificant detail.I haven't tried any of her other programs, so I can't speak for those. But this one is a winner in my book! I have been doing it for about four weeks and have seen changes. I will add that this doesn't replace more intense strength training - I would recommend you add a heavier weight routine one or two times a week.If you are looking for something unique and fresh to add to your rotation, give it a try - I am very glad I did!

I'm in love with this workout series! I'm a pretty avid home fitness user, and have relied on Jillian Michaels videos (I own them all) to help meet my fitness goals. I lost over a 100 pounds working out with them and eating right in about a year, and I'm finally at my goal weight. However, if you know Jillian videos you know that a lot of moves are repeat moves, and I really needed something new and exciting...specifically to achieve some final definition and tone.I love kettlebells and came across this DVD on amazon. On the first day of using it, I stacked two of Dasha's dvds for an hour long workout. I hate to continue comparing to Jillian, but I've never been compelled to go for a second round of her workouts after doing one. This was different though. I was pouring sweat, the moves were innovative & fun, and clearly isolated my remaining problem areas (such as that tiny pooch in the lower abdomen, hips, and butt). I am HOOKED. The great thing about kettlebells is the ability to combine cardio and strength into one workout, so you're really getting a 2 for 1. No need to add in substitute cardio after doing this, which is great because I simply dread running in the winter.The reviews are correct in saying that Dasha talks and talks and talks and....talks. There is *rarely* a silent moment. This doesn't detract from the quality of the workout though. You have a mute button for a reason. I mute the DVD and play my own music in the background, so this is really a non-factor in my opinion.I'm very happy with this purchase, for the mere fact that it's almost plateau-proof. There are four DVDS that you can rotate as you wish to increase muscle confusion. On top of that, you can increase the weight of your kettlebell as you progress. I started the warm up with a 10 lb bell and it was way too light. I quickly switched to my 15 and will continue to use that for 3-4 weeks until increasing. I'll definitely update this review in a month or so with my progress. =)*UPDATE* 3/10/13 -- I'm down 14 pounds! I do cardio 2-3 days a week, (usually the stepmill/stairmaster) at the gym, and do one of these dvds the other 3 days of the week. I've also noticed a VAST improvement in my cellulite. Last summer I was thin but still had horrible cellulite on the back of my thighs. It looks so much better after two months of this dvd and clean eating. I'll definitely be buying short shorts this summer and I couldn't be happier!