Customer Reviews

Absolute Body Power: Intermediate Step Workout

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I have never written a review for a book or a DVD before, but I feel compelled to do so now. This is absolutely the worst DVD I have ever purchased! I actually thought it was a joke at first. After reviewing the first 15 minutes, I actually took it out of the DVD player and resisted the urge to throw it in the garbage. The instructor, Alan Harris, is rhythmically-challenged and unbearably obnoxious (if you can believe it, he comes right up to the camera and yells). He was off beat so many times I stopped counting. The choreography is boring and uninspiring. The production quality is laughable and clearly the work of amateurs. I just tried calling the production company, M2K, to complain. Now that I've opened the DVD I can't return it, so I'm going to let everyone know how horrible this DVD is.

My original review disappeared... here we go again!
The dvd has a 14 min 'how to step' segment then a 40 min step workout. The 40 min segment is not programmable, so you can't repeat/skip sections.
I bought both Vol.3 and Vol. 4 and find that although the workout gets you sweating, it has the SAME arm movements thru the entire workout (although Alan does say you can invent your own patterns). There are too many participants and they are all over the place and not keeping up with Alan. Alan himself hardly ever leads the class, he is always hopping off the step and running around the room, the camera angles are terrible (you can even see the 2nd camera person in many shots) and they focus on the faces of the participants and not their feet or the step so it is difficult to follow.
An amateurish, back-yard production dvd with a premium price tag.

What is this?!?! I couldn't even finish this horrible DVD. The camera sometimes focuses on people's faces and you can't see what to do with your feet. Although, all he really had you doing was stepping up and down on the step. He doesn't know how to put together a fitness routine and the other people in the video don't seem to know what to do either. I liked the instructor's energy, but I wanted a workout DVD... not this junk. Don't buy!

The GOOD points:
This dvd is NOT region encoded so will play on any player (I confirmed this with M2-K). It has a 14 min 'how to step' section then a 40 min workout. The workout does make you sweat so it is effective but...
The BAD points:
The dvd is not programmable ie. it is a block 40 min workout, you can't skip/repeat sections. The camera work/angles are very amateurish, too many people in the room, participants use the same arm movements thru entire workout (although Alan does say to invent your own) and Alan is annoying in the way he constantly stops leading the class and runs around the room.
For the price I expected a professional workout and was disappointed - it is a budget production and workout at best.

I usually research feedback on videos before buying them but was in a store unexpectedly and saw this and took a chance. I own _dozens_ of workout videos and never have I ever seen such a worthless workout. If I was willing to spend the gas and drive the hour back to the store I would do so and toss this DVD into their trash can. I prefer a workout that's a well thought out routine, with exercisers behind the instructor who have the ability to follow the routine. I swear, I wonder if this Alan Harris is some farce being pulled on consumers. I'm stunned any reputable production company would put this quality of product on the market. As working RN and mother my time is precious. I've used fitness videos to get in shape at home over the years, and there are many many better instructors out there worthy of people's time and efforts. My favorite instructors include Cathe Friedrich, Gin Miller, older Firm videos, Gilad, and Jari Love.

This really is great all around. I don't understand the negative reviews at all. Good quality picture, good sound, a very professional instructor who is direct and easy to understand as he instructs. Great for the person just getting away from the beginner sessions.
I think this is one of the best DVD workouts out there!

I got the beginners DVD of this set as a gift and liked it so much I bought the others. I found it to be a soild, enjoyable workout, The moves were clear, easy to follow but challenging. I really enjoyed it and had none of the issues the other negative reviews stated so I'm not sure why it's getting a bad rating. I highly reccomend this workout.

I actually think it is a great workout, to add to your other gym routines. It makes you sweat alot at the end.. You can add more height to the step and it will make it more challenging. The instructor is pretty yelling but also funny. I think it is a good video. And it helps me alot, of course while adding other routines too.

OK... My sister lost almost 30 pounds with this DVD. I bought it for her several years ago and she was hesitant at first, but she stuck to it and she started to lose weight and then she "believed"! She has purchased the advance level and goes back and forth between the two. If you have done step before, you know well that you memorize the steps and don't even need to look at the video anymore! All you do is listen to his instructions and you know what to do! So what he yells at the camera??!...he is all pumped up and he is loving the workout! To all the people that have complained... you are the typical work-out DVD junkies that buy 10 different kinds and all you do is complain and find something to justify why you didn't use it!! If you really want to work out, you look pass the filming flaws or here and there loss of rhythm....You find your 'own' rhythm! I just ordered the DVD for my husband. He has been using my sisters and he loves it! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this workout DVD for those who are 'serious' about losing weight and keeping in shape.

Absolute WHAT?! Honestly, I don't even remember when/where I bought this thing.....He doesn't even coach for the viewer and the girls look like a jiggle show.....and he even yelled at one of the girl's stomach's and said, "you hear that baby?!" If I knew where/when I bought this thing, I would ask for my money back!!!!!!!!!