Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This strength-focused DVD is nothing short of perfect, and could quite possibly be the ONLY strength DVD you’d ever need. Having been active working out regularly since 2009 (and starting with a Jessica Smith TV even back then) Jessica Smith continues to be,hands-down, is my favorite trainer and impress me with her ability to come up with new concepts and programs, without a lot of repetition all while keeping this fun and fresh. Of all the choices of workout styles out there, strength training with free weights is my preferred way to get things done. This workout gets you in and out in 45 minutes or less (three days a week if you follow the schedule recommendation, but more on that below). These two routines also pack a surprising one-two punch, simultaneously building functional strength and lean muscle, while elevating your heart rate into the fat burning zone, and give you plenty of sparkle in the process. This DVD contains two separate workouts on a single disc with hard shell clam case and cover artwork as pictured. On the back of the DVD cover, there is a suggested 7-Day workout schedule that incorporates both the two strength routines on this DVD, as well as Jessica’s OTHER new release, the “4-Mile Power Walk” DVD, however simply alternating these strength routines with another cardio routine of choice would work similarly. There is NO FLOOR work with this series, and approximately 3x3 feet of space would be adequate for performing the exercises on this DVD. You will need a few sets of dumbells, ranging from those in a lighter weight range (2 pounds and up) for “Stepping Strength” and a heavier set (8+ pounds upwards) for the “Strictly Strength” routine. The DVD suggests anywhere from 2-25 pounds depending on level. I am an intermediate to advanced exerciser, and my weights varied from 5 to 15 pounds throughout both routines, for reference. The workout is set on the same location as the “4-Mile Power Walk DVD”, indoors with bright lighting in front or large windows with swaying tropical plants, and the BEAUTIFUL ocean just beyond in the background. If you pay close attention, you’ll even see birds fly by once in awhile, or spot a boat on the horizon. Jessica is again joined by her Mom, Debbie, who sticks with lower impact and lesser range of motion options where needed, their friend Beth, who goes ALL OUT as Jessica demonstrates intermediate options when needed. Jessica’s cueing is strong, and each move is thoroughly demonstrated with proper form and technique. Those who are familiar with this trio from previous releases (Walk Strong 1, and Walk Strong 3 Sets etc.) will feel right at home. To me, it’s like coming home everyday, and meeting my best friends at my “home gym”. There’s no grumbling, complaining, face-making from ANYONE in the cast (in the past I’ve done other routines, and it’s a big turn off when I see this), and Jessica’s upbeat, bubbly (without being too over the top) personality, and can do persona make these workouts fly by, and manageable, despite how challenging they truly are. The music is tempoed to match the flow and speed of the workouts, and is not overpowering, does not contain a lot of bass, and is well suited to the routines. A “linear” workout timer can be seen at the bottom of the screen for BOTH routines, and during the “Stepping Strength” workout, a second “stop watch” timer will show up on the screen during the cardio intervals. There is no option to turn off either the music, cuing, or timers during these workouts. Before I go into specifics about the two routines, it seems important to clarify that these routines ARE HEAVY ON LUNGES AND SQUATS. Debbie does provide modifications that demonstrate a lower range of motion. There are a lot of compound movements (upper body movements, using lower body at the same time), so you could simply stick with the upper half, if using your lower half at the same time, or at all bothers you. If these movements or alternatives don’t work well for you, this may not be the DVD for you. Workout #1 “Stepping Strength” is a complete, 2-in-1 nonstop endurance and strength training routine using lighter weights (or body weight if needed), with higher repetitions to build muscular endurance all while elevating your heart rate, burning fat, and getting the sweat pouring at the same time. This workout is 45 minutes in length, and begins with a 5-minute warm-up that includes functional movements, as well as body weight exercises to warm up the muscles and the joints for the work ahead. For the next 35 minutes or so, Jessica alternates between strength and cardio intervals. There are both single and double sided movements, with most strength exercises incorporating both upper and lower body at the same time to keep the heart rate elevated. Those familiar with Jessica’s prior strength workouts may notice some similar exercises, but there are also plenty of new combinations and movements never before seen in any of her strength routines before. The “cardio intervals” help keep things fun and fresh, and give you a chance to rest between sets. All abdominal workout is done standing. This routine is capped off by a full body stretch without weights. Workout #2 “Strictly Strength” is 40 minutes of heavier strength work, designed to build stamina and functional full body strength using heavier dumbells. There is no discrete cardio work in this routine, however you’ll be working hard enough you’ll break a sweat without it. This workout uses heavier weights, with Jessica encouraging you to go as heavy as possible before dropping down to lighter weights if you need to (i.e. “dropsets”). The point of this routine is to reach muscular fatigue by the time you’re on your last few reps. Heavy weights are alternated with sets of lighter weights to help you from tiring too quickly, and to give your body variety. This routine begins with a similar body-weight warm up, and full body stretch to cool down. This workout includes both upper and lower body movements combined, and features single and double sided work as well. In conclusion, I am thoroughly impressed with this strength training DVD, and feel this is one of, if NOT the best strength training DVD that Jessica has released to date. I feel it could easy contend with some of the other popular top strength training programs out currently, in terms of efficacy, however with a much more pleasant trainer and “female sensitive” approach that works for all ages. I can easily see this as becoming my “go-to” strength training DVD not only for its versatility, but because you really can feel it working, and it’s just so darned fun really.