Crunch - Boot Camp Training

Although I enjoy Pilates and yoga, I need a good workout that makes me sweat. Boxing and martial arts classes are great for that purpose. But there are times where I prefer to feel the burn at home. To that end, one of the best cardio/strength DVD workouts I've found is "Crunch: Boot Camp Training."The workout runs for about 30 minutes, which is great for those days where I want a shorter (but still effective) one. It's short because exercises are combined together in order to minimize time and maximize benefit. For example, three-to-ten pound hand weights are used to work the upper body while doing squats and lunges. Abs and obliques are worked on the floor with different types of crunches, and during standing cardio work by side knee lifts. Of course, a boot camp workout would be incomplete without pushups - there are three sets, each with a different emphasis to shake things up (and the lower body is worked in as well). A cooldown/stretch session concludes the proceedings.As for the instructor, Susan Hitzmann is one of the best I've seen on a DVD workout. She has an infectious enthusiasm that challenges and encourages at the same time. She calls well, using a clear and authoritative voice. I also enjoyed the chemistry between her and the rest of the class. This is one of the few DVD workouts where I can identify with the assistants, because they look like they are actually working out. They moan, groan, and laugh like real people, and plastic smiles are kept to a minimum. Finally, the generic accompanying music complements the workout without overwhelming it.There are two caveats for "Crunch: Boot Camp Training." First, it might be hard on someone with sensitive knees because there are a lot of squats and forward lunges. I had an ACL recon years ago, so I usually do backward lunges in place of the forward ones (the workout also features backward lunges). Also, the routine's fast pace and combinations may confuse or wear out beginners. But easier variations are demonstrated by a woman on the instructor's left side, so this is a workout you can grow into. Even so, if your body takes time to get limber due to age or previous injury, you may want to warm up on your own beforehand."Crunch: Boot Camp Training" is an excellent boot camp-style home workout. I own a large number of exercise DVDs, and this one's on my go-to stack. Highly recommended!

I have been using this workout video off and on for a number of years. I have the VHS version and purchased this DVD for a second home. Many other workout videos have come and gone for me, but I keep returning to this one.As background information, I am a 57-year-old woman who has been using weights and working out fairly regularly for 12 years.This is, as the instructor indicates, a "high intensity workout." If that's not for you, however, there is one woman doing a no-impact version.As is the case with most of my workout videos, this one does not indicate what size weights the participants are using. Instead, the instructor says "every time pick up heavier weights." Based on that, I am now using 200-pound weights (LOL). But seriously, I use 7- and 8-pound weights.One of the things I like about this video is that when the instructor tells us to be on our left leg, she is on her right leg (and vice versa), so that we are doing the mirror image of her. Also, she always does the same number of reps on each leg, as opposed to other workout videos I use. I also like how the instructor combines high-energy work outs with sculpting. There are times when she is stationary using the weights, and I combine it with some footwork to keep my intensity high.This video is just 30 minutes long, from warm-up to cool down. There was a time when I didn't do this video much because most of my videos were 60-minutes long. These days, however, I walk 4 miles most days and do yoga workouts. But it's still important to do weight workouts so I'm doing this one more often now.

I got this DVD due to some reviews I had read about it in a magazine. Well, I like it due to the fact it is fairly fast paced, and packs quite a lot into 1/2 hour. It's a very good workout as far as calories lost and fat burned in a short amt. of time. Having said that, you'd think it's the first DVD I pull off my shelf everyday...well it isn't. Here's why.Everyone in the class looks so goofy. Their workout clothing is terrible and tacky. The room they are in is so depressing, too. As much as the instructor tries to fire everyone up, I hardly find the rest of the people or place inspiring. I have a home gym with lots of windows. The dark studio the video is completely the opposite!I have another CRUNCH DVD which I would describe similarly. One girl in the class looks like Pocahontas! Perhaps this is why I stick to The FIRM where the instructors and class attendees always look professional, and the rooms are bright, colorful and inspiring. The workouts, in my opinion, are usually better, too.

I have used the Crunch Studio workout dvd's for years and love them. I had this on VHS and the player broke down, I was VERY glad I could find it on DVD!!

In general I think this is a very good workout. Most of the exercises are varied and enjoyable. I'm not kean on doing press-ups however and there are quite a few - so I'll be fast forwarding those bits, but apart from that - its very good.It lasts about 35 mins and I highly reoommend it. Most of the crunch series (at least the ones I've tried) are very good.

Sans intérêt

La description dit "bilingual" cependant le DVD est exclusivement en anglais. Domage parce qu'il semble vraiment bon.