Rating: 
Summary: I Want My Money Back
Review: I couldn't stand her annoying voice and screams -- I didn't even think she was capable of continually doing what she was instructing. No warm up, no emphasis on technique, no smooth transitions...please...don't buy this tape! I purchased several videos for a well rounded workout targeting abs and aerobics(Denise Austin and Leslie Sansone), body sculpting (this ugly tape) and sheer fun aerobics (Richard Simmons) and by far, the best was on Denise Austin.
Anyone interested in buying a useless tape?
Rating: 
Summary: An Effective & Easy-to-follow Workout
Review: This workout is fast-paced yet easy to follow. There are two tracks shown simultaneously so that beginners and more advanced exercisers can both see results and get a great workout. The exercises are basic (push-ups, curls, crunches, etc.), but the order in which they're done is logical and shown with proper form. The workout for the abs and the lower body are the best on here, and are highly effective. The workout is tough, and every muscle group is used. The upper arm workout is a bit much for a beginner to handle, if every set is followed, but can be done with lighter weights than are recommended. I used both 2-pound and 5-pound weights to follow the workout and saw results within two weeks of doing the workout twice per week. It also helps that the three workouts are in separate sections (upper body, lower body, and abs) so that you can use only one workout per day if desired. And, after each workout, there are stretches that can be followed as well.
Rating: 
Summary: ouch! i forgot i had biceps!!
Review: i bought this tape 2 weeks ago, and until yesterday i had time to do the tape. I decided to do the entire tape to see how it was, and at first i didnt know it was going to be so tough! The tape has no warm-up, (and has 2 separate 20min each upper body and lower body) which is great after a quick aerobics workout, it starts with the back muscles, then goes to chest, arms and then shoulders, and ouch my biceps got the best workout!! they hurt!!!! and i only used 3lbs!!!!
One cool thing is that you use different weights for different muscles, ex. triceps use 3lbs while shoulders use 5lbs., also you can follow 2 different 'tracks' one with lighter weights with more repetitions and the other track with heavier weights and a break in between exercises for more variation with the workout. The lower body section has mostly squats and leg lifts, and then changes to lunges, and then some butt exercises, then to inner thighs, and lower body hurts a lot!!! There is just one thing that bugs me, is the people in the background are rather fakey...but that doesn't really matter much. Kathy is a great instructor, and the woow's and all the shouting she does, did not bother me at all! But my most favorite thing is that it exercises the muscles right below the back of the neck for good posture, which is very important!! I would recommend this tape, its definitely a good combination with my tae bo tapes; it incorporates the muscle toning that i need! I only gave it 4 stars because you need a bench to do these exercises, and if u use a chair instead of the bench, u gotta switch the chair from one side to the other in some exercises, it is kind of annoying! (i would have given it 4 and a half though).
Rating:
Summary: Recommended
Review: Great exercises but very rushed. I sometimes have to stop the video to make sure I have time to get into the proper position to perform the exercises. I am also disappointed that the video does not have a warmup and a stretch. But I still use and recommend it. Unlike so many other strength training videos, Kathy's videos work all major muscle groups, including back, calves and chest. I have been using it for over a year and am still getting great results. I am also not bored--which is very unusual for me.
Rating:
Summary: Great Workouts
Review: Aside from her annoyingly perky voice in the early morning hours, this video is great! Since you can increase weights as you get stronger, this video will grow with you. The twenty minute workouts are challenging, don't require a lot of space and really help tone. I have definitely noticed a difference in my arms and shoulders. The Legs workout could stand some improving though. Don't even bother with the bonus abs section. Your better off getting Tammilee Web's "I want those abs" or "I want that body" - which has all three "I want..." series.
Rating:
Summary: Great Fast Weights Workout
Review: Quick, easy, effective video - both the upper and lower body workouts are only 20 mins each - great for busy people. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Great short strengthening workout, despite annoying tape
Review: This short total-body strengthening workout is flexible for different levels (just change the weights) and its two 20-minute workouts plus 7-minute abs section can be done on separate days if you are in a hurry. You need two or three sets of hand-weights, a chair, a step or bench to lie down on, ankle weights, and an exercise mat. It is not complicated, but it is fast-paced. When I was a beginner (6 months ago), I used this tape and noticed GREAT results in a short amount of time, especially in strengthening but also in weight loss. It is still very effective (I use heavier weights now) although now it is one of 4 strength-training tapes I use. The others are Kathy Smith's more thorough "Secrets of a Great Body, parts 1 and 2" (40-minutes each, and also with a few annoying problems), the excellent "I Want Those Abs" by Tamilee Webb (30-minutes), and the very tough new pre-release Reebok video "Simply Strong" (an hour) by Gin Miller (see her website). My complaints about this video are mainly aesthetic. Kathy howls like a coyote and wears an overly revealing outfit, as do some of the members of her workout team. One of the male workout-team members leers at her in a very off-putting way during the hamstring section, and two members of the team look greased-up as if they are shiny with sweat. Yuck. There are a couple of places in the lower-body section where the left and right sides do different numbers of reps, but once you figure out where they are, you can compensate by doing it correctly on your own. If you can make yourself ignore the annoying parts and just focus on the workout, this tape will give you great results in a very short amount of time.
Rating:
Summary: NOT FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS
Review: I bought this video recently after I became determined to start a strength training program to help me lose weight. After reading all the 5 star reviews I believed it was the way to go. Kathy is her usual enthusiastic and informative self, however, she runs through the workout way too fast for a novice to be able to keep up. I tried several times and had to give it up. It is too difficult to learn the basic moves, figure out whether your form is correct, and at the same time keep up with the almost mad pace of this workout. For those who are already experienced with weight training it seems like a great workout. I am now ordering "Shaping Up For Dummies" so I can learn the basics before returning to Kathy's video. I advise all of the the "true beginners and novices" out there to go with the very basics (either a video or book) before attempting this workout.
Rating:
Summary: Good tape to start strength training
Review: I enjoy Kathy Smith's aerobic workouts very much (I use both the Timesaver Cardio Fat Burner and the Functionally Fit Fat Burner), so I ordered this tape to get started on strength training. She guides you through each muscle group, reminds you to keep proper form, and is peppy and upbeat. The ab workout at the end is tough - I still can't complete all the reps! If you want a good starting point to begin a strength training program, this tape is effective.
Rating:
Summary: Great and Fast
Review: I own every Kathy Smith video and this ranks up at the top of all of them! She is inspiring and to the point. This video helps you work every part of your body with focus on all major muscle groups! She is great at what she does. This video works.
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