Customer Reviews

The Abs Diet Workout

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I liked this DVD a lot. There are three levels of ab workouts, and three levels of full-body circuit workouts as well as a full stretch to be used alone or during cool down period.

I can't imagine that someone can find this too easy. When it gets too easy, raise the amount of weight you are using. Do the circuit again. Currently, I'm doing all three ab workouts and then immediately start the full-body workout. When I'm done with the full-body workout at intermediate, I do it again at advanced. I choose heavier weight. Furthermore, even the DVD reminds us that the Abs diet DVD is supposed to be a guide. We have to change our workouts fairly often (monthly, some say), and this is a guide. Once one is familiar with these exercises, do some research and choose different exercises that work the correct muscles. Sometimes I workout along with this DVD, but I do a different exercise than they do. But, I like the rhythm and ease of working along with a dvd if I'm doing circuit training. I find it motivating.

Tom Holland is great. He knows his stuff, he's charming without being too chatty-- a definite problem with many exercise dvds-- and personable, and fully explains what he's doing. He stretches after the reps are completed while explaining every move he is making and how it benefits. I'd really like to see him in some other exercise dvds as well.

Lastly, the music is motivating without being too intrusive. It adds to the workout without distracting from it. Sound quality is good, camera work is good.

I purchased this dvd because I own the 2nd one and like it so much. Boy, was I disappointed! The abs diet people must have decided to create the second dvd because this one needed a good edit. The second dvd covers basically the same exercises but with better instruction and form. Skip this one and buy the Abs Diet Workout 2!

I'm a HUUGE fan of the Ab's Diet...I've lost 40 pounds using it because it is NOT a diet...it is a lifestyle change BUT...THIS DVD IS NOT THE BOOK! Many of the reviewers here are confusing the two. While I see this DVD as OK it is the weakest offering of any of the Ab's Diet material...only get it if you can purchase it cheaply. My advice is to borrow the DVD first before you purchase.

Ok...why do I feel this way? I feel this way because I don't think the DVD really fits the Ab's Diet program in two ways...first, this DVD was made for women or by a host whose clients are primarily women...and second, the philosophy that focuses primarily on aerobics over muscle building just doesn't fit the Ab's Diet focus OR fit my experience...when I lost the most weight was when I shifted from aerobic exercise to muscle building...third, it seems like to get anything out of these routines (according to some reviewers) you have to ADD other routines such as walking and so forth...that will NOT work in the long run as you lose motivation...so, it doesn't seem comprehensive...

Before getting the DVD I expected something other than a women's aerobic workout...I wanted more details related to circuit training using free weights or machines...I say "women's workout" because of a few clues...a) he has two women as models...ok, not damning on its own but...b) the host literally IS talking to women...and during his dialogue he talks about how you can get the abs you want...which is fine...and then adds as an afterthought "and even men too!"...check it out if you already have the DVD (OUCH!)...and c) add to that evidence the bent knee push ups used for women (and only to finish off a men's push up routine) and that turned me off right away...this program is from Men's Health...NOT women's health...so the host is off the mark...

Second, this is primarily an aerobic workout...the only thing missing are the old women's leg warmers...as I said from experience...the Ab's Diet is about both BUT it's priority is building a fat burning machine through muscle...

An upside to this DVD?...I would say that this DVD would be ok for beginners who haven't been off a couch in years like I was 18 months ago (and that goes for all levels of difficulty in this DVD...it's ALL beginner level even at the "advanced" level)...also, the abs workouts on this DVD are super...those two reasons and my appreciation of the Ab's Diet in general give this DVD three stars...otherwise it would only be two stars for the reasons stated above.

My hope is that the Ab's Diet people get together and produce another DVD more suited to men and their philosophy of focussing on building muscle.

Bottom line: Get this DVD if you are an extreme beginner OR you're someone who would like a resource for a variety some of some nice abs routines.

When someone decides to begin any home workout program, many times help is sought from DVDs and videos so they can exercise from the comfort of their own home. After personally using a variety of workout videos over the years, I've discovered an easy, yet highly effective way to get a full body workout, while targeting the difficult-to-tone, abdominal region.

"The Abs Diet Workout" is a new DVD, which is based on The New York Times bestselling book by Men's Health Editor-in-Chief, David Zinczenko. This DVD contains: Abdominal exercises for three different fitness levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced; Full body circuit training for beginner, intermediate, and advanced, including power stretches; and bonus material such as -- Abs Diet Basics, which describes a six week diet and exercise plan designed to flatten your stomach; a sample meal plan for a day on The Abs Diet, and a list of the power foods. In addition, this hour-long DVD contains Abs Diet recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. If you have a DVD-ROM on your computer, you'll also be able to print out recipes.

This DVD is hosted by Tom Holland -- 9-time Iron Man champion and professional fitness trainer. While the upbeat music plays in the background, Tom demonstrates each move, while explaining how each stretch and position will benefit your workout. The background music is upbeat, but not overpowering so it doesn't detract from Tom's direction. The program is easy to follow -- you start as a beginner, and move up to the next level as you progress. There are close-ups shot at different angles, which allow you to see exactly how each of the exercises is being done. After each of the ab workouts, you'll take on the full body circuit training, where you'll get a chance to tone the rest of your body -- you'll need that toned body to go with those abs :)! The bonus material gives recipes and shows you how to incorporate an Abs Diet plan into your life -- learn basic principes, get a sample meal plan, learn what the power foods are, and gain other helpful tips.

MyParenTime.com highly recommends this DVD -- it's easy-to-follow exercises and informative bonus material make this DVD a winner for toning your body in no time. In addition, Tom is very motivating and doesn't appear arrogant like some other workout video hosts. Here's to a great workout!

OK, allright, yes, I am working out... and my secret weapon is this DVD. In less than one hour I can cover the essentials (Abs, shoulders ,arms ,lower body) and do a stress-relieving stretch and get on with the rest of my life. (Take out the trash, etc.)
Tom Holland is a straight-forward kinda trainer and gets the job done in an effective, quick and simple manner. You can always cheat a bit and start at the beginner level and then switch to advanced (or intermediate) before your body can complain and your mind choose taking the trash out to working out.
And, the good news: if you follow through with this exercise DVD you will see positive changes. Thanks in part to the use of weights and lower-body work that practically guarantees success.
Are there any cons ?
Not really... The price is reasonable and the DVD is a quality product.
In time you will, I assure you, be answering that oddly pleasant question: Have you been working out?

I'm not keen on workout tapes or DVDs but I bought this because I got a deal when I bought the book, too. But this is a great workout DVD with 3 levels, one right for everyone. It doesn't take long to work out with it and the music that accompanies the action really gets you going. I've lost 15 pounds in 6 weeks by using the Abs Diet book (it shouldn't be called a diet - more of a lifestyle change in a positive way that anyone can stick with) and the DVD.

This is the perfect DVD companion for the The Abs Diet Book.

You eat more frequently, you eat consciously, and you exercise. It works !!! This plan keeps your metabolism at maximum speed all day long. I eat more than I ever ate before, and I have been able to keep in good shape.

I was able to lost more than 200 lbs, I have been able to keep in shape for more than two years. I am in the best shape of my life thanks to The ABS Diet.

The really important thing for me is not just that I look great, but that I feel great and that I am healthier than ever.

Don't take my word, try the ABS diet and I am sure that you will get the results that you expect. Just stay in the plant until it becomes habit. !!!

Another tools you may want to consider, to complement The ABS Diet DVD and book with your strategies for boosting your metabolism, loosing weight, and even more important keeping that weight off are:
- A Body Fat Monitor or Scale. This will help you monitor your progress, to assure that the weight you are loosing is fat (fat lost = increased metabolism) and not muscle, water or bone mass (decreased metabolism).
- A Heart Rate Monitor Wrist Watch. This is an excellent tool that will help you monitor and control your Heart Rate in order to keep yourself in a burning fat state (increased metabolism).
- "Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss", which is another very practical, readable and insightful book, focused on how to boost your metabolism.
- "The Hard Body Guide". Excellent strategies, programs and workouts, aimed to increase your muscle mass.

Just got the new DVD in and I love it. I got into a workout rut, got bored and haven't done anything for the past 2 1/2 weeks so when I got this in I was anxious for something new. It's like any typical video but this one actually works you out instead of killing you or being so slow you're finished before they are. Yes, the jokes are kinda cheesy, the ladies in the back aren't using much weight, blah, blah....whatever----I had such a good work out yesterday I can feel it all over, esp my legs. I love how he demonstrates every exercise. And as for some of the reviews saying it wasn't all that, it's like any routine. You have to tweak ANY fitness plan to your level. If you're expecting a "made just for you" workout, hire a personal trainer. The modifications you'd make would be simple. Someone mentioned it was a "women's workout" b/c it has women in it and b/c of the push-ups. Umm, get off your knees, on your toes, and place your hands a little closer together. See, a simple modification. The girls in the video not lifting enough for you? Umm, increase your weight. It's an awesome addition to any workout routine or a great start for those just beginning. I myself will still make my bowflex the foundation of my workouts but I like knowing I have something else I can do when I'm just not feeling the treadmill or weights.

Most books and magazines have printed exercise pictures. But who has time to read the description while balanacing on one leg? The book and the workout are excellent. If you are re-starting an exercise program (after pregnancy or pro-longed inactivity), this will get you going. The first circuit is easy, but if you do it together with the intermediate, it burns. The advanced should be done after a few weeks on the 1&2. The book is also en excellent and no-nonsense education on nutrition. I had no idea that it matters not how much you burn during exercise, but how much your body burns after you build the muscle. If you hate aerobics, this is the realistic plan for you.

I was a big fan of the Mens Health Abs Diet series, so I bought the DVD. The information on the diet is the same as the books and magazine, there is no new information.

The workout is awful, and totally unchallenging. Tom Holland is clearly targetting the workout to women. His comments of fitting into your miniskirt are unnecessary on a "men's" dvd. This just another women's workout that Men's Health is trying to position as a Men's Health product.

If you wan t abetter workout, look for a used Men of Steel series tape. There si nothing better then "Abs of Steel" volume 1 and 3. Gilad's Abs workout is great.

Again, avoid this product!!!!