WEIGHT LOSS CARDIO SCULPT

I've had this DVD for some time, but felt moved to review it because it has stood the test of time with me: in fact, I like it better now than when I first used it.Violet Zaki is perfectly charming and cues well. Always nice to have in an instructor. She even cracks a few jokes -- not a comedy routine, just some words to make you smile. Very likeable.The workouts have a nice mixture of cardio and weight training, often together, which is how I like it.Some of the moves, especially the mat work, looked ungainly to me at first, and I tended to skip them. But now I find myself doing them because -- well, I suppose I'm improving.Flexibility is important in doing these exercises and I like the stretches that Zaki has you do. Her cool-down is terrific, really enjoyable.There are one or two things she does, for a brief time, such as 'heel digs', that don't really do anything for me, or that make me concerned about my knees (I've had slight injuries), but at those times I just modify the exercise. I don't feel that a DVD workout is something that I have to follow at all times, chapter and verse, and sometimes I prefer to keep the previous movement going while they move on to something else. Or I change to heavier weights or keep my weights if they've put theirs down. Obviously you have to be aware of what you're doing and think of safety, but if you're an experienced exerciser you can spontaneously 'tailor' a workout while still benefitting from having one to follow.As for the reviewer that claims 'I didn't break a sweat', well, congratulations, you must be in excellent shape! But in that case I don't think this DVD is for you. As Zaki says throughout the workout, it's for people who want to improve their fitness: either those 'new to working out' (who may follow the modified movements of one of the women) or those that are up to a lot more but might have some weight to lose. I am fairly slim, but I like to have this workout as part of my routine.Highly recommended.

Violet Zaki is one of my favorite video instructors and she really hit this one out of the park. The workouts are fun and innovative. I love that she switches up the cardio and doesn't repeat the same intervals over and over. It keeps the workout exciting and doesn't allow you to drift off.In addition to the great workouts, the chaptering is fantastic. You have the choice of doing everything (warm up, both routines and cool down), or you can pick just one workout, or you can pick either workout with warm up and cool down. The options are already broken out for you so there's no fiddling around to program your set.Each routine includes strength with cardio intervals and she uses combination moves for double duty effect. Some of these moves are more on the intermediate/advanced side and require good balance, but there is a background exerciser who uses modifications throughout so even someone relatively new to exercise should be able to follow along. I love the yoga-influenced cool down; it's 9 wonderful minutes of stretching and letting go. (Note: The cardio sculpt workouts are about 20 minutes long so adding the warm up and cool down make for a longer, approx. 30 minute, workout.)There's also a bonus abs routine. Again, she doesn't disappoint. It's around 8 minutes and includes some (optional) weighted work as well as toe dips (a personal favorite) and ends with a nice little stretch. Included with the bonus features is a 5-minute preview of the Weight Loss Pilates workout. It's probably one of the most useful previews I've come across as it makes a nice little add-on to the abs.Zaki manages to be tough but encouraging. Her warmth and personality really shine through and, IMO, she is unmatched at creating challenging, yet doable, workouts.

When I first started video work outs, this tape was challenging without being impossible. The moderate use of weights as part of the program introduced me to weights in videos which has turned out to be a great strategy.Once I felt I had mastered the video after a couple months, I bought a weight lifting video which was impossible at that time. I still use this video alternating with the weight lifting video. This is a great moderate workout when I am sore. It is great to help me increase the amount of weight I use so that I am stronger without being sore at the heavier weight level.It includes whole body balancing which is still challenging. There are cardio sections that are still challenging. The best feature of the video is it mixes challenging moves with periods of easier moves so that you can catch your breath when needed.If I could turn back time, I would buy it again.

This review is based on comparisons to Other exercise programs I've tried out so it is more for those looking than users who are happy with it. I previewed it on Amazon streaming but decided to purchase a used DVD instead - even so it still ends up in the Bottom 1/3 - nothing new move / technique wise so that leaves motivation & production value. I find the "Setting" visually distracting, not striking a balance between the stark "industrial look", the people & that Bonsai Tree so concentration & flow is an effort-especially in tandem with the "Narration Brakes" and the always moving camera crane & MTV style editing.Thankfully the music volume was low.Motivation wise, all the "Cookie Cutter Bio-Buzz " words are there but the voice on my GPS has more feeling, even with Violet's accent which i though would be a plus.My Gold standard is an OLD VHS of Billy banks Beginner Tai-Bo- Better explanations for beginners but still a challenge for upward improvement - just vary the pace & add some wrist & ankle weights-plus the self defense confidence-music & Video production mesh vs. distract.I would have been better off spending the money on supplements.