Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I LOVE STRENGTH TRAINING. As a former “cardio junkie”, I learned the hard way that strictly engaging in cardio training leads to stalled results. The reason being, cardio training fails to develop metabolically active muscle, meaning you burn fewer calories at rest. Fast forward nearly 6 years later, and the majority of my fitness regimen revolves around strength training. I have constantly sought the PERFECT at-home workout DVD that allowed me to work ALL the major muscle groups, without requiring a huge time commitment, or requiring fancy equipment and machines I can’t afford. I think I have finally found “the one”. This DVD release is one of Jessica’s strongest, metaphorically speaking, yet. This DVD is one in a series of Jessica Smith DVDs in the “Walk Strong” series. You will find limited “walking” in this DVD (namely in the warm up only), although as I mentioned before, you NEED THIS STRENGTH DVD as part of your well rounded fitness plan. Supersets are incorporated throughout all routines on this DVD. Supersets, or high repetitions, tax the muscle groups leading to muscle fatigue and burnout, and THAT IS WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS. While this DVD is advertised as strength DVD, the incorporation of both upper and lower body movements simultaneously throughout kept my heart rate in the “fat burning zone” and left me VERY SWEATY and feeling like I got an AMAZING WORKOUT in a short amount of time. This DVD arrives in a hard shell case, with artwork as featured. Three, 35-minute routines are included on 1 disc for a total running time of 105 minutes. You will need 1-2 sets of weights for this program, one lighter and one heavy, weight dependent on your fitness level. I am an intermediate to advanced exerciser, and used 5 and 8 pound weights. If you are working out on a hard surface, a yoga mat or towel is suggested. Supportive footwear is also a must, as you will be lunging, squatting and there is an occasional pivoting move (modified for those unable to do these movements). A count down timer is present during all the routines. As advertised, Jessica Smith is your trainer for these three routines, joined by her Mother, Debbie, on modifications. We do see Peanut in the introduction, but unfortunately during the workouts, she is busy directing the production. ' This DVD is beautifully set in a gorgeous home in front of a pair of French doors overlooking a serene pool and beautifully landscaped yard. The music for these workouts is upbeat, and motivating, as is Jessica’s careful cueing and bubbling personality. As always, Jessica demonstrates all levels of each move, providing modifications, and tips for maintaining safety and getting the most out of each move making this a DVD that will work for most everyone. The three, 35-minute routines include: Upper Focus (Circuit 1): This routine begins with a 4 minute walking/marching warmup, followed by multiple supersets focused on the upper body. Shoulders, chest, biceps, triceps, core and back are all worked, many of the moves incorporating both upper and lower body at the same time. Familiar moves, like shoulder presses, bicep curls, triceps kickbacks, and crunches are featured, many with the added bonus of leg work to increase your caloric expenditure. I was a sweaty mess, and felt like Hawkeye from the Avengers in the upper body by the time I was finished. LOVED IT!!! Lower Focus (Circuit 2): My ABSOLUTELY FAVORITE ROUTINE ON THE DVD. This routine begins with a 5 minute walking and dance-y warm-up and is followed by concentrated leg work with weights. Featured are squats, lunges, deadlifts, plies and the final 10 minutes is set on the mat, with additional abdominal work, single leg hip bridges. The routine concludes with Pilates-inspired concentrated work for the hips that BURNS SO GOOD!!!! 1 set of weights is used for this routine, the size is your choice. I stuck with 8# throughout Total Focus (Circuit 3): This routine combines upper and lower body work, but the moves are entirely different from the first two routines. No time is wasted, as you jump straight out of the gate, doing the first set of exercises sans weights, then you repeat the set with weights. The sets are not as long, but with the exception of a few movements, they are repeated once. The first 2/3 of the DVD is standing work, finished off with a core segment on the floor. Some of the combinations and moves featured include stationary lunges (with or without pulsing) with bicep curls, single-leg triceps press, courtesy squats with shoulder presses and Turkish Get-Ups to name a few. Each circuit was exciting, challenging, and left me feeling like I got an amazing workout in a short amount of time. And I sweat just as much, if not MORE than I do with my typical cardio routines. I love having the option to pick or choose depending on my preferences, while ensuring that I get the biggest bang for my buck. This DVD will become a regular addition to my strength training rotations.