Rating: 
Summary: A nice change of pace. Effective workouts!
Review: As someone who's done a gazillion video workouts since the mid 1980's, I can attest to the value of this DVD. It combines what is normally sold separately on regular VHS: Fat Eliminator and Strength and Grace. Fat Eliminator is a cardio circuit style workout with a bonus 15 minute toning with weights segment. Strength and Grace is a refreshing yoga-meets-pilates style of strength and toning workout (no weights). I bought this DVD without knowing anything about Minna's style as an instructor. I am definitely pleased -- she is confident and motivating, without being cheerleaderish, annoying or intimidating. This DVD has quickly become one of my favorites. (I also highly recommend "Your Personal Best Workout" with Elle Macpherson + Karen Voight). Stick with it and stay strong, healthy + happy!
Rating: 
Summary: Good workout
Review: Good beginners - intermediate workout ( in order to keep the intensity up I usually exercise with light dumbbells ). If you have knee problems you'll have to modify a couple of exercises in the fat burning section.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing Workout
Review: Holy *expletive*! This is a challenging workout that is sure to get your heart poundin' and your muscles burnin'. I liked Minna's workout segment in the QuickFix TotalMix DVD (also excellent and highly recommended) and decided to buy this DVD. I thought I was getting in good shape already, but this DVD taught me that I have a long ways to go! I can't wait to so the Strength and Grace segment tomorrow!
Rating:
Summary: My favorite workout!
Review: I am very picky about the type of workout DVDs I use, and this is by far my favorite. Granted, I really only ever do the Fat Eliminator routine, but it is excellent. Great mix of cardio and toning. Minna Lessig really packs a lot into 30 minutes. I always feel like I've had a great workout when I'm done. I highly recommend!!
Rating:
Summary: A Perfect Workout & a True Balanced Blend
Review: I bought this DVD looking for something more exciting, effective and less time consuming than most workouts. I was previously working out with Cindy Crawford's The Next Challenge and The Firm Volume 1, which I consider to be among the best workout videos. I have to say that Balanced Blend has immediately made it to my "favorites" pile.Blanced Blend consists of 2 separate workouts which I am currently alternating 6 times a week. The first time I worked out with Minna my entire body was sore and I was already in pretty good condition, but the exercises Minna has compiled really target your muscles and get you in the best shape possible without having to workout for 2 hours. Fat Eliminator's circuits will get you heart pumping and it really builds strength and tones your muscles while burning fat. The 15 minute bonus fat blast section is great and it uses weights to target your buns, legs, arms and abs. Strength and Grace is an excellent workout that combines Yoga and Pilates and helps you feel centered and relaxed with exercises that focus on breathing while you are breaking a crazy sweat and burning a lot of calories. I highly recommend this DVD to anyone. I think it's the perfect workout and once you do both workouts you will understand why it is called Balanced Blend.
Rating:
Summary: Two very good, very different workouts
Review: I enjoy this DVD very much. I like the fact that there are two very different workouts on it to choose from. The Fat Eliminator is not overly difficult, yet you get a good sweat going quickly. I love the Strength and Grace workout, it is hearder than it looks and really does what it promises. This is the first DVD I bought with Minna and I was happily surprised. She is clear and motivational without being annoying. The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is because the girls in the back look bored and have fake smiles permanently plastered on their faces. That aside, it is an excellent DVD and I highly recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Workout - More For Beginners/Intermediate
Review: I enjoyed the DVD, and I like the fact that you have an upper and lower body workout on one DVD. But it was relatively easy, and I was looking for something more challenging. The workout is in a nice setting and is in the form of an instructional class (Minna Lessig in front with around four individuals behind). It's different and interesting, but I did not find it very challenging (I found the advanced buns of steel a much more intense leg/buns workout). On a personal note, I found it really irritating that all of the class had permanent, fake smiles glued to their faces for the entire workout DVD...!
Rating:
Summary: Minna is Awesome!
Review: I first became familiar with Minna from the Quick Fix Total Mix DVD - which I love as well - and thought I'd check out some of her other fitness DVD's. I bought this workout based on the great reviews it received here at Amazon. I wasn't disappointed! The two segments that comprise this DVD are both 45 minutes long. The Fat Eliminator is 30 plus a 15 minute spot exercise/hand weight segment that follows. The Strength and Grace segment is a full 45 minutes. The Fat Eliminator segment is set up in several circuits designed to gradually build you up to a peak heart rate and then bring you down again - both within each individual circuit segment as well as all circuit segments combined as a whole. I like this quite a bit because although each circuit is challenging, you are given an opportunity to breathe and grab a swig of water in between each without feeling like you are going to fall over and die. The Strength and Grace segment of the DVD is non-cardio, but active enough and a lot of fun. There's also something special about this second segment that I've not experienced in other workout and fitness tapes - it leaves you feeling peaceful and grounded even though you know you've just challenged yourself a bit. You can do each 45 minute workout by itself but I've also done both back to back for a total hour and a half routine with no problem simply because the two workouts are so different in activity and focus in a way that is very complimentary - or, as the title clearly states: a balanced blend. Even after doing both workouts back to back, I didn't feel over-exerted or exhausted. In fact, you hardly feel like you've worked out at all... at frist. However, let me tell ya - you really feel the effects of what you did the next day! I'm an intermediate/advanced fitness level but this workout targeted muscles I clearly haven't used in a long time - and it felt great! This is one of those rare programs that actually make you look forward to your daily workout because it's fun, challenging, has a calming and grounding effect and leaves you feeling peacefully energized but is also easy to do for all fitness levels. I can't recommend it enough!
Rating:
Summary: It works!
Review: I have lost almost 30 pounds by eating healthy food and using this DVD. It was pretty hard to do at first, but with time it is definitely getting easier. I bought a whole pile of DVDs a few months ago, and this is the one I go back to over and over. Effective!!!
Rating:
Summary: GREAT WORKOUT & VALUE
Review: I have really enjoyed this DVD, and it's a great value. It provides two 30 min., very effective workouts you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle. The moves for both routines are easy, adaptable and effective. The Fat Eliminator is really a great workout and burns a lot of calories in only 30 minutes, which is nice if you're a busy person. The Strength & Grace portion is great if you want a low impact workout with high impact results. I would definitely advise anyone to try this video.
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