Kathy Smith - Timesaver Lift Weights to Lose Weight

Rating:
Summary: Great, but where's the warmup?
Review: This video has a lot going for it. For one thing, you don't need any equipment other than hand weights and a chair to get started. (Those familiar with videos by "the Firm" will especially appreciate this.) Additionally, the video provides lots of flexibililty. Do upper body, lower body or both at varying levels of intensity. This is all to the good. My problem with the video is this: don't call it a "timesaver" workout and say it can be done in 20 minutes when you don't include a warmup/cooldown. The TAPE takes 20 minutes, but if you're warming up on your own, you need to add that to your exercise time. This may sound picky, but I think it matters when the tape is specifically titled to appeal to the time-crunched. It's somewhat misleading. Kathy Smith is a wonderful instructor and in great shape, although I'm not sure her chest is God-given, (a minor point, and probably none of my business, but I WAS thinking about it during some of the reps.)

Rating:
Summary: Results!
Review: This workout is great. I have been using it for over a year and I love the results. I have recommended it to friends and they love it too. I too was a lightweight- I began this workout using 2 and 3 lb weights. You have to gradually work up to heavier weights. I now use 8lbs for most of the exercises in the upper body workout. I love Kathy's style- I do not think she is annoying. She is just trying to keep you motivated! At least she is not fake like other instructors- she is herself. Take it or leave it. I would take it though- since she must be doing something right (just look at her). If you are a beginner, make sure you have your weights ready to go, because it will seem fast at the beginning. After a few times though, you will get the hang of it. Results don't come easily. It will hurt. Your arms will feel like wet noodles afterwards (will hurt to lift an apple), but that means it is working! Do not be intimidated if you are a beginner- trust me- I had never lifted a weight in my life until I began this video. I prefer using a weight bench (40 bucks for a decent one at walmart) because there are certain exercises that are difficult to get good form on without a bench. Remember progress takes time! I also LOVE her step aerobic workout tape called Fat Burning Breakthrough, which combines step aerobics with upper body weights. Whew! It will do a number on you!

Rating:
Summary: Fast paced and Effective
Review: Kathy Smith leads you through two separate 20 minute workouts, one for your upper body and one for your lower body, and there is a "bonus" 7-minute abs and back workout at the end. Kathy uses her "dual track" system, so that you can either use lighter weights and do more reps, or heavier weights with recovery time. Kathy is extremly peppy, as usual, which might annoy some people. Frankly, the workout keeps you so busy that you don't have time to think about it! You move from one exercise to the next very quickly, sometimes a bit too quickly. I like this video, though, because you pack a lot into those 20 minutes--it's a great workout for working stiffs like me who really don't have much time to exercise. Many of the exercises themselves are classic moves, like concentration curls, french press, tricep dips, side laterals, flys, lunges, plies, etc. Some of the moves are more unique, especially in the lower body section. The abs section might be too short for some, or plenty for others depending on your level of fitness. I like that she includes a couple of back exercises--we mustn't forget about our backs in our quest to have "washboard" abs. Kathy's cuing is mostly good, at times a little off beat, and once or twice she cues a little late. I like the music, and it's at just the right volume relative to her voice. You will definitely see results if you use it regularly. All in all, a very good workout.

Rating:
Summary: What About Beginners?
Review: Two things I'd like to say but I don't want to disillusion others about workouts. One: To ME, Kathy Smith appears to be
clumsy and I think it has to do with her shoes looking big. I know that sounds cruel but it's my opinion, only.
Second: There doesn't seem to be any consideration for those of us who may be beginners so it doesn't rank well with me at all.
Obviously she is well-known so she must be doing something right but I think she's irritating and goes too fast.

Rating:
Summary: One of My Favorite Workouts
Review: I have had this tape for a few years now, and I haven't outgrown it yet! I just keep buying heavier hand and leg weights. Kathy systematically works you top to bottom using hand weights, leg weights (optional), and a step or weight bench (I use a step). Both the upper and lower body segments (she works on your balance some during the lower body segment, it's great!) are 20 minutes, and if you want to warm up, you will have to do that on your own because she does not include it. Overall, this is an excellent, well thought out tape.

Rating:
Summary: YOUR OWN PERSONAL TRAINER!
Review: THIS WORKOUT COVERS MOST OF THE BASICS IN DOING HANDWEIGHTS SIMILAR TO THE MOVES A PERSONAL TRAINER WOULD DEMONSTRATE. THE WORKOUT IS DONE IN 20 MINUTES AND MOST OF THE UPPER, LOWER, AND MIDDLE BODY IS COVERED. KATHY MAY BE A LITTLE HYPER IN THIS WORKOUT BUT I THINK IT'S FUNNY AND IT REMINDS ME THAT SHE'S JUST HAVING A GOOD TIME. I FIND MYSELF SMILING WHEN SHE LETS OUT HER WHOOAS! I SEEN RESULTS FAIRLY QUICK.