The Bar Method Body 2-Pack (Fat Free / Designer Sculpting)

Rating:
Summary: Fun, but ultimately only beneficial for beginners
Review: I want to start by saying that I really enjoyed doing both of these DVDs and looking forward to them kept me motivated to workout everyday. However, after two months the results have been minimal. I'm already in pretty good shape, not looking to lose weight, and I was hoping these exercises would help to tone some of my trouble spots, but I haven't really seen much of a difference. I'm especially skeptical about the abs sections on both videos. They don't seem intense enough to actually effect any sort of change and I never, ever felt sore afterwards. I will admit that I have trouble holding the necessary pelvic tilt during abs work but I have become very skilled at holding it during standing exercises so I don't think my "form" is the reason I haven't seen any results. That being said, I have noticed that I am finally able to really hold in my abs and/or tuck under during other types of workouts and I attribute that new ability to these videos.

My biggest overall concern, however, is that there are no advanced videos available. I also purchased the four Lotte Berk videos which all have 10 minute advanced workouts that tease that there is much more to this method than they can reasonably include on these "beginner" level videos. I find this pretty frustrating since there seem to be no advanced workouts in the making and, not living in California, Connecticut or New York, I have no access to any Bar Method or Lotte Berk Method studios. The bottom line is this: I think it is entirely probable that the Bar Method and Lotte Berk classes taught in studios are extremely beneficial for building and sculpting muscle, but the workouts on these videos are simply too basic to achieve real results. If you haven't exercised in a while or are new to exercise entirely, these workouts are likely to be both enjoyable and beneficial. However, if you are in reasonably good shape and, like me, have trouble fitting exercising into a busy schedule, the sheer length of the workouts (45 minutes) makes them impractical for more than once or twice a week usage as they provide no real cardio effect and only minimal strengthening.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent workouts, excellent value
Review: I'm English, and wanted to add some American DVDs for more variety to my daily home exercise routine; I must admit, I chose pretty much at random from reviews, because to me it's "Billy who? Tami what?" Mostly, I picked well (thanks reviewers!) and here I picked extra well: I love, love, love these two DVDs; it is *amazing* how effective such teeny, tiny movements are. Ouch, though. Big ouch (in a good way). BTW, I have a chronic back problem and rheumatic knees (I sound 70? 38 actually, so no bendy young thing), and I don't have any problems doing these. I'm not saying that would be true for everyone with back or joint issues, I admit I'm pretty fit and that probably helps, but don't be put off from trying.

Rating:
Summary: Uplifting and slimming
Review: These two workouts will make changes to your body that you have probably never been able to achieve before! I am an avid exerciser and believe in changing up my routine on a regular basis as well as adding something new at least once a year...fools the body! Anyhow, these two routines are easy to follow, slow and deliberate in pace, and really pull in all those outer bulges! The tapes are long enough that it's a substantial workout. Great compliment to pilates, power yoga, and weight lifting. Definitely a worthwhile investment.

Rating:
Summary: if you like lotte berke workouts you will love this
Review: this is essentially a lotte berk workout without the slowness or mumbo jumbo that the lotte berk dvd's make you sit through. It is quite good and will give you a good anaerobic non-impact workout. For aerobic workout, look elsewhere. Also, if you have back problems or are not flexible this may pose some issues. however, if you have a dance background, this is heaven!

Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: This is so good! for bar method beginners... Intermediates can add this on to their cardio for some toning and stretching. I use it as a cool down after stepping because it really shapes your body. I love Burr, and I'm anxious for some advanced tapes to come out.