An inspiration or a fantasy?

Although my wife has never been much of a keep-fit enthusiast, she soon changed her tune when she discovered that Natalie Cassidy had brought out an exercise DVD. Doreen didn't initially take to the physical demands with any particular ease (by the time she had finished the five minute warm-up, she was sweating like a Catholic priest inside an orphanage sauna!) but she has perservered and her hard work is now gradually paying off.

Let's be honest though, gents! Let me stress that nobody can blame a lady for seeking to improve upon her personal appearance. HOWEVER, if Jo(sephine) Public sincerely believes that the use of this expert-led workout video is likely to bring about the naturally ravishing looks of Sonia from Eastenders, she is simply kidding herself! Does this film act as a positive example, or does it merely serve to dupe our ladies into harbouring ill-fated delusions that they could truly attain such an unrealistic level of feminine beauty?

Excellent Pilates Starter DVD and a good daily work-out

As a first DVD, this is a great start into understanding Pilates and the essentials. It's well taught (by Tracey Thompson), and she covers breathing (when and how), stretching, ab exercises, legs/buns and arms. I use it everyday, and its a great wake up call for the rest of the day, and its helped me lose weight and build toned legs/arms and strong 'core'.

Very good and professional excercise plan

It was the first exercise DVD that I have bought and it turned out to be a great exercise regime not only for me but also for my fiance who does these exercises with me. Very well done, varied and fun as much as sweating in front of the telly can be :) Results and tonning of the body visible after 3 weeks and that's without being on a strict diet. You can mix these however you want. Big plus is the warm up and cool down - very thorough - you are ready for everything. Well almost :)And another imprtant bit - you are kept motivated throughout the tape - very nice to hear all these positive words especially whne you are on your last legs. Yes, Davina might be a bit annoying (unless you are used to northern sense of humour) but i prefer that to dead silence. Would recommend to everybody. Hope it helps you as it helped me. Alex

A cut above

I bought this DVD about 2 months ago, having purchased various other fitness DVDs by other celebrities in the past. This is by far the best fitnes DVD I have ever tried.

The warm up is brilliant, really gets you warmed up and ready to go. It's about 10 minutes long.

the aerobics section is very hard going, although you really do reap the benefits with perseverance.

the legs section is one of my favourite sections to do, I saw results with regular use in about 3 weeks.

the pump section focuses on the arms and upper body, and after using this DVD 4 times a week for a month I feel more toned and firm in the upper body.

the abdominals section is my least favourite section to do, partly because it's so hard going! It really does get results though, so it's worth getting it done!

the boxing section is my favourite. I was a little apprehensive about this section as I'd never done any boxercise before, but I thoroughly enjoy it. The routine takes a few sessions to get used to, I was punching with the wrong arm a few times! It really gets your heart rate up and I feel energised and like I've had a really good workout after. I cannot recommend this section highly enough!

the cool down does what it says on the tin, stretches the muscles and is a very relaxing end to a tough, but worthwhile workout.

As the sections are split into 20 minute slots, I found it great to be able to choose the two sections I wanted to do each day. The music is really good, and the 'just music' option is great when you are familiar with the routines.

I really cannot recommend this DVD highly enough. I've tried various other DVDs including Jordan and Natalie Cassidy, but they are nothing on this DVD. It really is brilliant! After 6 weeks of regular use (2 sections back to back 3 or 4 times a week) I feel toned, healthy and fit. This is definitely the DVD to buy if you are looking to change the way you feel about your body and want to tone up for summer.

I lost loads of weight! yehoo!

For me this DVD has been the best way of losing weight....and the most fun. I tried dieting, jogging, swimming but BY FAR this DVD helped the most.

I do it 3 times a week before work and because there is one warm up and then 4 different work outs to chose from, i always do a different one. There is:

An Aerobic section which last for 15 mins and is quite hard but there is someone demonstrating the lower intesity version of the same workout so it's not too bad - sure as hec sweat!

A Dance section which also lasts 15 mins but i never do this one because it's more about the dance than the work out and i suck at dancing and i get embarrassed doing it.

A Boxing section -My favourite, as it get's you sweating, is really fun but isn't too intense -15 mins

And a Toning section - this really burns but like in every other section there is a lower intensity version of the workout.

All of the sections are easy to follow for simple people like me. Deanne Berry (instructor) is very clear on what move comes next so you don't spend the whole time figuring out how to do it - I LOVE IT :)

Oh yeh - the cool down sucks, it works but you do the same thing over and over again. zzzzzzzz

Good excercise solution

Must admit that the idea of choosing the length of the workout is a great one - you can either do 10min or 50min if you are up to it. This DVD represents a good, varied and comprehensive set of excercises that can be done by anybody. The bonus power-strech at the end is a great addition if used as a cool down after the tonning session. Loads of encouragement from the trainer definitley helps especially if you dont think you 'have 8 more in you'. All in all, if you fancy a change and are searching for something new yet quite dificult this would be your best guess.

Fantastic package

I have never felt compeled to write a review before but these dvd'd are FANTASTIC. i have been using them only for two weeks and used them about 4-5 times a week and can already see results!!
although two of the dvd's in the set are the same just with different titles i find using the 30 min active dvd for cardio burning and the abs and glutes dvd for toning is a really good workout. but don't expect the toning to be a gentle session like on other fitness dvd's because it's almost the same speed as the cardio!! it's absolutley exhausting!! but you feel great for having done it and once you've got your breath back you feel energised and as previously said i can see results already after only 2 weeks.

Great simple but effective

This was the first yogalates Dvd i bought and I liked it so much that I have now bought others.

Its divided into 2 workouts first for core toning and the second cardio enhancer. A real bonus as well is the separate quick results workout which is just 15 mins and a real killer on the abs, very effective.

Its not going to get you running around but it is great for general toning, general strength, suppleness and posture. Sicne I have been doing it I have noticed that I sit up straigher and walk better and that makes me look slimmer and feel a lot better about myself.

There is no music during the workouts, just guided through by Louise solomon. I really love it and hope others do too.

feel the burn!!!!!

I love it! It gets quite addictive, I put it on with the intention of doing just the first 10 mins, but find myself 25 mins later with the (light) weights out, red faced from the burn I'm getting!
I have not done pilates before using this dvd, but it gives intruction on breathing, body position and support. Like most classes it takes a couple of times to master the technique but I think it's well worth the effort. The knowledge that it each section only lasts 10 mins is a brilliant motivator, I've been using it 2 months and already I feel stronger and more toned (especially my waist and back)

Effective, but perhaps a bit boring

I have no experience with pilates before this DVD. That being said, I found the exercises effective (I could feel a difference in the muscles the next day) and interesting. The exercises are explained easily, and not all that hard to follow.

My issue with it all is the choice of music - it was good to have some relaxing music on, but during some of the low-demand exercises I found myself so relaxed that I almost fell asleep. Not the ideal thing for a training programme.

Another thing is the amount of time spent on the warm down - I didn't feel at all like all the muscles I had used during the exercises were being cooled down properly by the stretches introduced.

All in all, it is an interesting programme, and I can definitely see myself doing it several times.

Hard but worth it!!!

Firstly i have to say after reading the reviews and thinking i was a fairly fit and active 22 year old, i wouldnt have any problems and would be able to complete without a stitch, however...........this is intense!

I have been doing this DVD almost 5-7 times a week for the past 4 weeks and at first could only get through the warm up stage, bums and tums and the final cool down part. I found the 2 high energy work outs tooo intense. But now on my 5th week of this DVD i Get through Part 1 twice, half of part 2 twice, still cannot manage part 3, bums and tums twice and the cool down section. I usually spend an hour doing so.

I HAVE noticed a difference! It makes you feel like you have done a workout, its fun, non repetitive, the girls with the hot bodys make ya wanna do it everyday! I actually feel like i have achieved some thing when i do this workout, I have lost weight, already dropped from size 14 to size 12 (i have also been watching what i eat) and i think i'm addicted to it which cant be a bad thing!

So here are my Hints and Tips for this Workout:

1. Only do what you can, dont force your body or you may end up injured.
2. If like myself the high energy work outs arent what your capable of yet, repeat what you can do twice. (i.e heat, bums and tums)
3. If you struggle with a certain move, dnt stop, continue with the previous one or improvise!
Repeat sections if you dont feel it was intense enough. Bums and Tums only last around 10-15mins so i often repeat this as its quite easy.
4. No offence intended when i say this, but my mum tried to do this workout with me and ended up with a bad back, I think this workout is aimed at the fit and healthy between 16-35.
5. I wouldnt say it was dance, more aerobics, but still just as fun!
6. Keep up with it because it does work! Honeslty! I have 8 weeks till my holiday and i'm going to do this each night until then. I'll give you an update the night before i go away!

Good for beginners

I have found this dvd really useful in trying to help with some back problems I've had in the past. It has modifications for those with difficulties in some areas - sitting on the floor, lower back problems - as well as modifications for when you get better at the basics, although I haven't got to that stage yet! A lot better than a lot of other work out dvds I have used in the past, as everything is explained clearly. The one thing that does bother me is that there is a small portion of the DVD between each move when you just have to listen to her explain. This is obviously great the first time round, but more annoying each time round, especially when you are trying to fit it in before work!! All in all a great DVD though that I still all the time!

One of the best workout DVDS

I bought this DVD a few weeks ago and I love it. Cardio is my least favourite form of exercise but breaking it up into 10 minute intervals makes the time fly. Because you can mix and match routines it means you're not doing the same boring exercises every day too which I love.

The best thing about this dvd is there is a lot of toning based exercises so even though you're working off fat, you're still toning arms, thighs and butt. (I still do pilates dvds though)

It would be good if there was a warmup/down section, but you can do it yourself easily. It's great there's no annoying people in the background, just the one instructor. My biggest criticism is that I find"anti-carb" mentality really annoying. But it's still one of the best exercise videos I've ever seen.

Fab, worth every penny!!

This DVD is tough going, but my gods its worth it. The moves are a little complicated at first, but if you persevere you will get the hang of them. I was alittle put off to begin with as i didn't have a very high fitness level and only just made it through the warm-up! But as my holiday is fast approaching i grit my teeth, then found myself really enjoying it and itching to do more.

I would highly recommend it, but you must be determined. You get out what you put in after all.

Good Exercises

I've had this DVD since I was about 14 weeks and I'm now 27 weeks. I agree with the other posts that this is not a heavy duty workout but my impression is that it wasn't made to be.
Personally I am not super fit and I work with a reasonably active job. I've found this DVD brilliant because I've suffered a lot of neck and back pain throughout my pregnancy and have found the exercises really help. I also do not feel like doing a heavy workout when I've finished a full day at work where-as Davina's DVD motivates me because I've found its really made me feel relaxed and helped me to feel like I do have some energy after I've finished.

I like the way the DVD is in sections of approx 10-15 minutes so that you can choose how much or how little you want to do. THis again helps me to do it even when I come home tired because sometimes I've just done the warm up section of about 15 minutes and then stopped.

I think it depends what you are looking for and your lifestyle whether you would like this DVD. I do think the jokes become a bit repetitive but Davina and her trainer are so positive and remind you that you are pregnant and what a positive thing that is. That has made me smile when I've come home feeling tired, achey and fed up so for me overall I can ignore the repetitive jokes (and there's only 1 or 2 anyway).

Overall this DVD has been brilliant for me. It's made me smile, helped with my back ache and shoulder/neck pains so I've really felt it was value for money and would recommend it to others.

Not sure I can do this every day...

Have just done this workout for the first time at 6 months pregnant and feel really good afterwards. Like I've had a proper workout - pregnant or not - while feeling safe and controlled throughout. As the other reviewers have said, this DVD is refreshingly unpretentious and didn't annoy me at all (unusual in a fitness DVD!). Having said that, not sure I'd be up to doing this workout every day - there are some days where just getting up to fetch more chocolate ice cream is too much of an effort! But on good days, I think I'll enjoy this 40 minute workout. Not sure about the circuit training with a partner though - that just doesn't sound like me and my man...

Hello old friend!

I was a bit dubious about this at first as I remember Rosemary from the '80's in her leotards so didn't hold out much hope.
I was pleasantly surprised at the intensity of the workout which targets every part of the body. It's a bit 80's time-warp with the dodgy music and the fixed grins give it a 'stepford wife' vibe but overall it is an easy to follow workout which will give results.

Excellent!

This DVD really is first class. All the moves are carefully explained, with likely common errors pointed out and what to do if you find the moves"too strong" - her term, I would just say excruciating! Having said that, the things I found ’too strong’ just a few weeks ago are now considerably easier - I am definitely firmer, fitter and more flexible, just as it says.

I positively enjoy following this DVD - I really like her calm, reassuring, but not patronising manner, and I feel very confident she knows what she’s talking about, unlike some other ’celeb’ videos I have seen. The instructions are very clear, eg on how you should be breathing, and things to beware of -"watch you’re not dropping your hip" - this again helps me feel confident that she’s done this many times before. Following the same routines you can really measure your progress as the weeks go by, and there’s a fair amount of variety in the DVD, so it’s not boring. Sadly I don’t (yet) look like her guinea pigs, nor have I taken to exercising in full make-up (yet), but give it time!

Fitness dvd with staying power

I'm new to fitness dvds but I bought this at Christmas for my New Year's resolution and I'm still doing it in April. I found it frustrating the first couple of times as I wasn't sure of the moves, but I soon picked it up.

I'm not sure how it compares to other dvds on the market but I thought it had a good mix of aerobics and muscle toning. I found the muscle toning quite easy but it gave me an idea of the warming up/down routines I should be doing and then you can do that by yourself.

Plus with 3 dvds for the price of 1 compared to a lot on the market at least you get a bit more variety for your money.

Bloody hard!

This is really hard, not so much the movements you have to do just the fact that all the dances are soooo fast and you are leaning a complete dance to a piece of music. At the beginning they explain each move and its correct name then when it comes to the actual dance they call them out, so unless you have studied the moves and there names a number if times first when the routine starts you will be totally lost.

It reminds me of people ion dance classess when there is always one person that is too seconds behind everyone eles!

I have only done the dvd once so far and i think that after pratise and pratise you will really enjoy the whole dances it teaches you.

The instructors are fun but the dvd is as if they think the people buying it are already aware of the dance moves etc..

The actual dance to watch look really fun and will work you hard but it will take a while for you to be able to learn.

Defo not for complete beginneers or those with two left feet!!