Is this a joke?
K. Harrell | United States | 01/08/2009
(2 out of 5 stars)
"First of all, I had a really hard time taking the workout seriously. The leader, Lauren Jones, tries too hard to be cute and comes off cheesy (I guess this is somewhat expected because its' Baywatch). She blows kisses, frequently mentions thongs and lingerie,does a "booty dance" between lunges, and often refers to adjusting herself because of "wardrobe malfunctions". However, she demonstrates every move with proper form before having the viewer perform it, and seems sincere and doesn't come off like an airhead the entire time. The music could just possibly be the worst workout music ever-very drab guitar stuff. She has a few unique variations on some basic moves, but there is nothing too imaginative or new here.
I think the main problem with this workout is that is confused about its' target audience. It's not really a beginner workout, because of all the jogging (that begins in the warm-up) but it does not perform enough reps of any of the strength moves to really challenge the intermediate or advanced exerciser. There is generally 10-15 reps of each move and she uses light weights. So it is probably best for the advanced beginner. You need weights and a mat for this workout. You can always mark in place if you want to make this low impact and use heavier weights to make it more of a challenge. She looks like she is using 3-lb weights, but that's not really much of anything.
The DVD is divided into several sections named with a lifeguard motif in mind. The sections can be done together or individually. The first section, "Rescue Shapes" focuses on lower body toning (squats, lunges, knee raises) and intersperses the strength moves with jogging in place. Then there is the "Swimming" section, where you focus on shoulder toning using light weights. Next, the "Resuscitation" section is a combination of push-ups, tricep kickbacks and chest flies. The "Surfing" section concentrates on improving your balance with standing moves that work your core. After that is the "Bi's and Booty" section which targets your biceps and butt. The "Abs" section is probably the most intense section with more reps and two types of crunches. You finish with a nice stretch.
Overall, I can not recommend this workout because it is not intense enough for anyone but those who are entirely out of shape, but if you are just starting out it would be good to show you proper form on some basic moves. However, I think you would quickly outgrow it and there are much better workouts out there that demonstrate good form."
Mostly Toning
Valentine | Rocky Mountains | 01/15/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a nice beginner/intermediate work-out...not a lot of cardio but rarely do other fintess videos have instructors who blow kisses during the rountines. Lauren is fun albeit a bit stereotypical of a beach bunny. Great scenery, lots of good weight work and abs.
The only criticism is the routine is divided into three parts and then each part is repeated...this can make it a little slow.
"
My favorite toning DVD
Katrina Matthews | 06/20/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this DVD! I thought it was going to be easy, but it kicks my butt everytime. It tones the whole body and is broken down into sections. There isn't a whole lot of cardio but there are intervals of running/jogging in place and a lot of the squats and lunges help get the heart rate up too. I am definitely sore after I do it. I have started using an exercise band in addition to my weights on the back exercises so I dont have to buy heavier weights and it makes it a lot harder.
She is a cheesy intructor and is constantly flirting with the camera, but I don't mind it. It helps keep my mind off the workout and keep me engaged. I would recommend this DVD to anyone looking to tone up for the summer."