The Basics

Rating:
Summary: Highly motivational - highly effective techniques. Get it.
Review: I don't usually review videos, least of all exercise videos, but a friend referred this one to me and now I want to return the favor to someone else. I couldn't afford a trainer, and I dreaded the idea of a fitness video. But this one was very refreshing. It provides essential training techniques without being overly technical or totally dumbed-down.

This video is a virtual lesson in physical conditioning, presented in a digestible way. It crams a lot of information into a short video, so you have to watch it a few times to take it all in - but it's the kind of valuable information that only trainers know.

The trainer who leads the video, Raphael, makes it feel personal and keeps it interesting. He breaks down a lot of information that I hadn't known before, and repeats himself to reinforce certain basic principles.

I ended up getting his book - which had even more motivational info and tons of nutrition tips. Based on my newfound knowledge and some serious motivation, I have begun to completely transform my body. No joke. I couldn't even believe it. I don't use a scale but the inches are just coming off.

It's way easier than you think, when you have the right tools. I'm still so inspired that I could go on and on... but just get the video and pay close attention. You'll learn a lot.

Rating:
Summary: Some good info, but not easy to grasp on a video.
Review: I envy the reviewer who gets to work out with this guy--I imagine he knows his stuff and would be great in person. However, for me it did not translate to the video and I have been unable to get much assistance from the video. Learned some items about proper form for lifting, but I really think this is the kind of thing that can only be learned with an actual trainer watching you and giving you comments. There is a reason people have coaches for just about any sport...you cannot really evaluate yourself and you need someone watching you to give you this type of information. At this point I cannot affort a trainer, but I also wish I hadn't spent the money on this video and had instead put it toward a live training session.

Rating:
Summary: Some good info, but not easy to grasp on a video.
Review: I envy the reviewer who gets to work out with this guy--I imagine he knows his stuff and would be great in person. However, for me it did not translate to the video and I have been unable to get much assistance from the video. Learned some items about proper form for lifting, but I really think this is the kind of thing that can only be learned with an actual trainer watching you and giving you comments. There is a reason people have coaches for just about any sport...you cannot really evaluate yourself and you need someone watching you to give you this type of information. At this point I cannot affort a trainer, but I also wish I hadn't spent the money on this video and had instead put it toward a live training session.

Rating:
Summary: Why This Is The ONLY Fitness Video I Own
Review: I have the pleasure & good fortune to work out 3 times a week with the most talented, skilled & dedicated fitness trainer, Raphael Picaud. I also use his amazing video as a refresher to help me better understand and fine tune my technique & form in weight training. The easy to follow & informative video works for Everyone! It's great as an intro for beginners & and helps those who have made a commitment to health & fitness get the MOST out of their workout. It's a wonder that it took so long for someone to put all of this great info in one place!? I guess it just took the right person. Thanks Raphael!!!!

Rating:
Summary: I finally understand this whole fitness journee
Review: I read about raphael Picaud in in style magazine ,and bought his books and tapes at maxxfit.com . Although I exercised for years , this tape really showed me what I need to do at the gym . How to do it . And if I cannot go to the gym , he makes me practice at home . It s so good , i came back to order some for all my stockings this christmas . It s the gift of health, that will go right next to the chocolate , and the bonbons.

You ll enjoy this genuine exiting man .

Rating:
Summary: Enlightening video that really helps get results
Review: In my opinion, this video is as close as you can get to having a personal trainer without actually having to pay for one. Raphael Picaud gives you excellent tips and demonstrations on how to properly weight train. For most people who don't know much about form or technique this video will be quite enlightening. I thought I knew how to lift weights (seems simple enough, right?), but I never really got the results I wanted. After watching this video, I put the techniques to use and I got excellent results, quite immediately. It's also great for preventing injuries and muscle strain. I highly recommend this video for anyone who wants to learn how to work out the right way.

Rating:
Summary: Basics is exceptional
Review: This is a GREAT video, particularly for individuals with a longer term, preventative focus on fitness and health. Unlike most videos I've used, it doesn't emphasize quick (and in my opinion unrealistic) results. Rather, the emphasis of the video is on educating individuals to understand (and not merely mimic) the basic movements and principles underlying weight training and plyometric exercise.

In the tape, Raphael Picaud explains the basic movements underlying exercises for the back, chest, arms, abs, and legs. He's very engaging without being irritating.

In my view, a really positive thing about the tape is that you can really do the exercises with or without equipment. In fact, I think this is an especially good tape for learning proper weight training techniques, especially if the weight room is a scary and foreign place for someone. In this way, it may be best to watch the tape BEFORE going to the gym and to rewatch it occasionally.

I'd also mention that the musical soundtrack of the tape is really good. Not cheesy. Also, it is helpful that the tape is shot in both black and white and color to indicate when a viewer can follow along versus just watch.

In short, I'd recommend this fitness video. It's no nonsense and I felt I learned a lot.