Customer Reviews

Brazil Butt Lift

5 star:		(133)
4 star:		(50)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I'm just starting my second week of the program to help tone pear shapes, but after only one week, I've already noticed a difference -- and that is without making any changes in my eating! I will be sure to update my review after completing the full one-month rotation, but for now I wanted to record my initial thoughts in case others are thinking about purchasing this program to use this summer.

As a bit of background, I'm an advanced exerciser who usually uses Cathe Friedrich or Jari Love for my weight work, and, especially after doing Shaun T.'s Insanity program last summer, I was worried that Brazil Butt Lift might be too easy -- but it's not at all! The cardio workouts are much shorter than I'm used to doing (the cardio workouts range from 30-45 minutes long) so I had been worried that I would gain weight, but I'm noticing an allover tightening effect instead. In fact, the Tummy Tuck workout is one of the hardest ab workouts I've ever done.

The workouts are a lot of fun, and I love how they jump back and forth between the group being filmed in an indoor dance studio and the beach. The bright colors and the beach scenes make this perfect for thinking about looking good in a bathing suit for the summer. In addition, Leandro's energy is infectious, and I love his accent and enthusiasm. Many of the moves also come from samba and capoeira, which is fun for me since I did capoeira for several years.

If you're someone who doesn't like dance workouts, you might not like the Cardio Axe workout since it's very dancey, but it's a lot of fun and I would definitely attempt it a few times before writing it off! There is no way that I can wiggle or shake my hips in the same ways that the girls in the workout can, but I still have fun (and feel sexy) trying to move the way that they do!

As mentioned above, I will be sure to update this review after I finish the whole month of the pear rotation, but after just one week, I'm already impressed!

UPDATE ON 5/28/10: I just finished my third week of the pear rotation, and have noticed definite improvements! My thighs and saddlebags have trimmed down, as has my tush. I've been able to fit back into pants that had been a bit too snug in the rear end. I'll be sure to update again with my measurements after I finish my last week.

UPDATE ON 6/3/10: I finished the program today, and took my measurements and am incredibly pleased with the results! I ended up losing just a few inches overall, but my abs and rear end are in the best shape they've ever been in! Even though I'm small, I've always been cursed with a large, Italian rear end, and today I passed the pencil test -- meaning that the pencil that this set comes with didn't stay under my "overhang." I've never been able to get rid of that back overhang until now, no matter what I've done. I've also noticed a big reduction in my cellulite, and I think that the ab definition I have is because of all the ab work that is incorporated into all of the workouts. I can't say enough good things about this workout!

UPDATE ON 11/26/10: I'm just wrapping up another month of doing this series (I haven't done it since doing it back in May and June), and love it as much as I did the first time I did it. My legs are the slimmest that they have ever been in my adult life, and my "bum bum" has gotten more rounded and toned. Also, for any fans of this workout, I've heard that Leandro is developing a Brazil Butt Lift 2 that is supposed to be out in the spring of 2011.

UPDATE ON 5/7/11: If anyone is holding off to get Brazil Butt Lift 2, I was told last week by a Beachbody Coach that it won't be out until July 2011. The test group for it has been finished, but I guess they are filming two more workouts to add to the set. I had been holding off for the new set to get in bikini shape for this summer, but since it won't be out until late summer, I decided to do another round of this set. Once again, I am amazed at how quickly this works! I'm just finishing my first week, and am already seeing progress. Also, I want to emphasize again that this set does amazing things for your abs, in addition to your legs and glutes. So many of the workouts draw on your core that I've also noticed my abs tightening up. Can't wait to get BBL2!

UPDATE ON 12/15/11: If anyone is waiting on the BBL 2 series, Beachbody just announced that it will be out in early 2012. They said that it won't be out in January, but will be out some time after that. The new series are designed to be "add-ons" to the old series, and they said that they will be able to be used in conjunction with the first series.

UPDATE ON 1/2/12: If you're interested in more tips about the program and the best exercises to for your most difficult areas, Leandro recently did a webcast that is really good. If you do an internet search for "UStream and Leandro Carvalho," you can find a twenty-minute conversation with Leandro from 12/13/11, where Leandro answers questions about the best ways to use BBL to work on your trouble spots. He talks about doubling up on certain exercises, which exercises are best for certain areas, how to help reduce cellulite, etc. It's definitely worth watching!

I have never written a review before today but, the person who rated this program as 1 star inspired me to. I have been an exercise enthusist for 2 1/2 years now and this program is one of the best. I've never done any beach body stuff before. Got this program 3 weeks ago and have already dropped 2 sizes in my slacks. It's not easy by any means so if you're not willing to work hard and stay with it, don't buy it! Three weeks in and I'm still sore daily (in a good way)! I haven't even allowed myself to "graduate" to using the exercise band and ankle weights and I've rescuplted many parts of my body more so than any other program I've done in 2 years. If you want something different and fun and have the bonus of a great "bum" then this is the program. This program is tuff, the energy is inspiring and the direction is spot on. If you truly want to change the way you feel and look and are willing to work hard, get this program!

I got this about a week ago and I've been working out daily. I've been trying to do all the dvds but I found a favorite and I'm having a hard time tearing myself away from that one now. The box includes a tape measure, workout band, pencil (LOL) and diet plan. I loved the booklet "fat burning foods." All of the food looks delicious and the recipes seem simple. I have not actually made any of them. All the other stuff in it seem gimmicky like the 6 day supermodel slim down plan.
First dvd:
Basics - instructional on the steps used in the following work out routines
Bum Bum - squats, lunges, leg lifts, etc.
Bum Bum rapido - quicker version of bum bum workout
Bum Bum Live - one on one training.
Lots of lunges, squats, etc. in an aerobic type of workout.
2nd dvd:
High & tight
-standing work with bands
-floor work with bands
-floor work with ankle weights
Sculpt -- 45 minute workout using weights. Excellent workout. This one does include upper body exercises with weights.
This dvd is my favorite. I love using the bands and I can feel it burning in my thigh muscles and my butt. I love the floor work and I haven't seen too many workout programs with this floor work included. I can feel it working.
3rd dvd:
Cardio Axe -- a 45 min high cardio workout with a bit of dance steps in it.
Tummy tuck -- very traditional ab work, situps, crunches, leg lifts, etc.
Overall I think it's a great system. I love all 3 DVDs and the workouts. My favorite is Sculpt. They do go from being in the studio to the beach constantly and at first I found it annoying but now I got used to it.
I could have done without all the beachbody commercials in the rest of the dvd. They have an advertisement for almost everything Beach Body sells But that was just a minor annoyance. I'm glad I bought this one and I'm working out everyday. I recommend it. I think it is worth it.

Don't get me wrong, this system is a great workout. I definitely felt the burn! However, some of the moves may be a little too advanced for some who are not familiar with yoga or pilates. Some of the moves are not eased into enough so that you don't throw your back out! For example, there is a backbend at the end of the Tummy Tuck DVD that could be dangerous for some who are not as limber. Overall, this is a high intensity workout (even the basics's DVD) that could potentially transform your rear end. Also, you must somewhat practice some of the workouts before you can jump into the whole routine. I say this because the workouts are pretty fast paced and you could be hastily doing some of the movements just to keep up...and this is how you get hurt.

Late night surfers have all seen and lingered on the barrage of infomercials featuring Leandro Carvalho and his bevy of Brazil butt-lifted beauties dancing, sculpting and defying gravity while scantily clad in skin-revealing bikinis and the teeniest work out shorts. Boy oh boy--no wonder Carnivale is held in Brazil! His B(ea)utties surely look good, but is the system all hype or does it really work?

After consistently working out with Leandro of the smiling face, heavily accented English ("Ni---ice"---"Don't settle for less") for over four weeks, I can happily say that yes, indeed, it does. Carvalho, workout butt-miester to celebrity models and Victoria Secret stars, delivers an intensive program that can be extended indefinitely in an infinite maintenance phase that actually gets the results. A consolidated effort at his "Triangle Training" accomplishes that rounded effect one expects to see on the backend of a bikini.

However, there is a reason that Leandro's workout team consists of twenty-something lovelies--this regime is not for the faint of heart. As a woman of a "certain age," I found this routine tough and I have been running for over twenty years. With that in mind, if you haven't been changing it up--doing calisthenics, weight training or stomach crunches for a while--even if you have been aerobically working out, you will definitely feel your body creak and groan as it gets back into shape--making the old adage "no pain, no gain" a butt-clenching reality. If you are an exercise newbie, this routine may prove to be too challenging by far. Those of you stuck in your own exercise limbo need to think outside your carefully constructed box. Try this and over the span of the first four weeks you will find that gradually--like everything else--it will get better with practice and familiarity. Your body will begin to respond, your brain will register the routine as rote and you will find yourself smiling while doing some of the toughest butt exercises out there in video training land. Nevertheless, it would be nice, Leandro, in the next Butt-Lifting go-around (I know you are now offering a Brazil Butt Lift Maximum Results System of which I am a proud owner) to have some aging Brazilian cuties so that we, age-defying die-hards, don't feel as if we aren't even supposed to attempt your possibly youth-specific regime.

Not that these routines are new--Leandro puts a samba spin onto his moves with upbeat music and sequences shown alternatively in a studio and on a beach. Some camera shots showcase full screen blow-ups of the team's beautiful derierres that, nice as they are, do not help the at-home participant focus on the movements that will enable learning the moves faster. Any of you Tae-Bo Workout (SET OF 4: Basic, Instructional, Advanced, 8-minute Workout) [VHS] aficionados out there have done many of these butt beaters before. What's different is the pace--where Blanks sometimes motivationally speaks until the exercise became too repetitive, slow and cranks to a standstill, Leandro knows when to transition to the next move--he keeps the tempo accelerated until he reaches his cool-down stretch. By that time, you know that even after that hot indulgent soak in the tub, you will feel the strain of your muscles the next morning.

Wisely, Leandro anticipates this also--scheduling in days off in the first week so that your body can adapt. In addition, he mixes it up with five separate workouts to keep the repetition free from the boredom of doing the same 35-minute routine over and over again. In order to get a well-rounded exercise experience, I included an outdoor 3-mile+ run in on the days that Leandro recommends taking a well-deserved break. Keep in mind, however that running has been part of my exercise regime for years and that abandoning this activity while concentrating on my glutimus maximus/medius/minimus just would not work for me in terms of tiring me enough to provide me with sufficient sleep or a feeling of overall wellness. In conjunction with Brazil Butt lift sessions and running, I included a serious slim down plan of my own making which centered around the healthy consumption of green juices and raw salads with minimal amount of grains, fruits and protein--similarly Leandro suggests embarking upon a sensible 6-day dieting plan packaged superbly in a glossy foldout brochure featuring luscious looking foods and even more attractive Brazil Butt Lift graduates.

The five programs stretch out over three DVDs. The first, foremost and most frequently used is called Bum Bum ("boom-boom"). Consisting of 35 minutes of lunges, squats and Leandro's own trademarked moves like the Ipanema Walk (a real killer until you master it), Curtsey Lunge, and Squat Arabesque, `Bum Bum' introduces you an intense system of dance moves that incorporate butt-elevating magic that is sure to provide that proverbial pain that means delightfully rounding out your jeans. In addition, Bum Bum Rapido offers an alternative to Bum Bum--but, I confess to exercising to it only once as it was a more one-on-one targeted session featuring Leandro with only one model participant.

"Sculpt" (50 minutes) and "High & Tight" (35 minutes) require equipment--either handheld weights (Sculpt) or ankle weights and a resistance band (High & Tight). While "High & Tight" targets the lower body, "Sculpt" works out the arms and the chest. "Tummy Tuck" devotes an entire 20 minutes to tightening the core. Of the three, "Tummy Tuck" requires the least amount of perseverance--the exercises are tough but not grueling--you will, however, feel a bit of that familiar bruised feeling associated with stomach crunches the next day.

In the "Cardio Axe" (pronounced "A-shay") segment, Leandro teaches combination dance moves that he pieces together in a fun aerobic workout that seems like dessert after all the other, more butt-centric entrees. As I chose the "Lift & Shape"--"the Flat Solution" 4-week program to target my butt-shifting desires, "Cardio Axe" was repeated only twice--not nearly enough for me to actually learn the dance steps to perfection. Other butt goals include "the Pear Solution," "the Too Big Solution" and "the Classic Solution" all of which juggle the five routines in a way that will best help the participant achieve their desired "ends." The maintenance program repeats the Classic solution.

The package humorously includes a pencil that facilitates the performance of the "Pencil Test"--an easy indicator of one's derierre status. The pencil is placed in the crease where the butt meets the top of the thighs. If the pencil stays lodged in the crease, the participant has work to do. If it drops to the ground, the cheek is lifted sufficiently to indicate progress. Believe it or not, after completing the 4 weeks, the pencil dropped for me with a welcoming "plunk" onto the floor, proving, indeed, that Leandro's system does work.

Bottom Line? With steadfastness and determination, Leandro Carvalho's Brazil Butt Lift will produce the desired, promised results after fulfilling the four-week commitment to achieving a better looking, more rounded butt. The system includes handsomely designed booklets targeting: Booty Makeover (35 pages), 6-Day Super Model Slimdown--meal plan to loose 6 inches and 6 lbs in 6 days, and Fat-Burning Foods (51 pages of menus and recipes with a Brazilian flavor). In addition, a Measurement Tracker Card and Tape Measure provides a tracking system to monitor your progress as well as 12 large index cards detailing Leandro's signature moves. A yellow resistance band helps boost lower body resistance during the "High & Tight" 35-minute routine and a pencil advertising the entire program determines the rate of achieved "lift" with the traditional "Pencil Test." Be aware that Amazon's price is a little steeper than that offered on the infomercial. Recommended with the caveat that this program requires diligence to achieve results.
Diana Faillace Von Behren
"reneofc"

Ok, I am writing this review for all of you women out there like me who are tired of being overweight and want to find a video that they like, is fun, and for the most part does what it says it does and helps make you thinner!

I started these videos this week. I am on the 5th day of the "Combination- Classic Solution" video workout. I am about 200 lbs so I am overweight but have been working out for months now so I don't have as hard as a time getting into workouts as someone who hasn't worked out for a long time.
This is what I thought of the videos so far:

The "Booty Basics" is just that, it's the video that goes slow and explains to you how to do each move that is in the video. It's not intended to get your blood pumping or to be used alone to work out to. It's to teach you the moves so you know what the names are and how to do them. I would recommend going through this video first and learning the names and techniques of doing the moves before starting the workout because Leandro doesn't give you much warning when going into the moves while he is working out. Some of the moves like the Lambada, Samba, International Samba, Brazilian Mermaid (his signature move) and a few others were tricky at first when trying to do them. You don't want to be stumped when it comes time to do these moves when watching the other videos. You want to be able to just go into new moves when he calls them.

"Bum Bum" was the first video I did. It was really good. Did a lot of squats, lunges, and different variations of those exercises to work your `bum bum" at all the dif. Angles. It also works your hamstrings (the muscle in the back of your leg) to help you get the lift. Overall I liked the video and felt it working those muscles.

"Tummy Tuck" was pretty much what you think it's going to be. Lots of crunches and variations of those crunches. There's a few moves in there like "The Plank" that is hard to do- not to friendly for people with back problems. I have a herniated disk so skipped this exercise. I also had to put a pillow underneath my lower back because you are on the floor most of the time and some of the exercises have your tailbone digging into the floor- even with the yoga mat that they tell you to use. (The video does not come with a yoga mat.)

The "Cardio Axe" was a lot of fun. I got an "ok" workout but for the most part I could get this same result going to a club and dancing nonstop for 30 minutes. It's mostly latin dance moves incorporated into a work out. (Samba moves, Lambada, Cha Cha, etc.). The guy does make the video fun the way he talks and his overall attitude is fun. The pink shoe laces he is wearing made me laugh.. LOL

The "High and Tight" was a great workout and man did I feel it the next day! Some of the moves in there are hard on the back, tailbone, and sometimes the angles the girls were laying on the floor hurt my hips. Instead of leaning on my elbows and putting the weight on my hips while doing the leg lifts I laid on my side completely. This doesn't work all the muscles Leandro intends you to work during the exercise but it's better than throwing your back out.. lol. You are also on the ground for 30 minutes on your knees for the floor exercises with weights, so I put a pillow under the knee that was on the ground constantly. Even with a yoga matt on carpet in my living room it hurt, lol. Note: This video the workout calendar for your butt-type says "do this video without equipment" for the first week, but you will need to purchase leg weights. It does come with a resistance band that works "ok" but I find that if you provide your own you will be more comfortable because the one that comes w/ the video is kinda cheesy and bunches up and doesn't stay put when you use it.

The `Sculpt" video I really didn't care much for. For the most part it was like any other workout video that you used either resistance bands or weights. Also some of the moves in these videos I couldn't do and they didn't give a variation for beginners. (Who can do a 1 handed push up laying on their side? Not me!! Also, his signature "Brazillian Mermaid" move was pretty tough. I can see it working your core muscles big time but you need to be in pretty good shape and not have a bad back or hips to do this exercise. Again, there was no substitute exercise for beginners.

Well, that was my run down of what I thought of the videos. Overall, I feel like I am getting toned but I can't see it yet because I am still overweight. (If I push around on my bellie and bottom I feel the muscles are a little more defined.) Their diet plan consists of less than 1,000 calories a day. I can't prepare all those special meals or have time to do that, I have 3 kids, plus I don't think that is very healthy for you. I am doing weight watchers along with this exercise program. I will let everyone know how I make out when I finish the first 3 weeks!
My starting size:
Chest: 45"
R. Arm: 13"
L.Arm: 13.5"
Waist: 38.5"
Hips: 46"
R. Thigh: 26.5"
L. Thigh: 27"
Weight: 204lb.

The trainer is great--very personable and charming. And he really knows how to keep the workout going so you never do one move until your sick of it. The music is lively and helps make the program fun. My favorite routine is High and Tight--you'll walk around the next day with a sore "Bum-Bum" (as they say in Brazil), which you won't mind because it's how you know those exercises are definitely doing something good to your backside. I used this product for about 5 weeks so far and have absolutely noticed my behind and thighs getting tighter and more shapely. My balance is also better (you do lots of moves that make you balance and strengthen your core). I thought this program would just focus only on the butt, but he does sculpting exercises that also help your arms and the abs routine is challenging and really good. I have many Beachbody programs and this one is now my favorite. (You'll understand the title of my review after you've done a couple of the routines--it's something he says all the time, along with "Don't settle for less!")

If you want your butt more firm and perky, legs toned and elongated, and abs looking better than what you have now, this is the DVD for you! I do not work for Beachbody and actually hate exercise DVD's cause I have ADD and can't bear to watch them as I get bored. But this totally changed my butt and legs! I would recommend this to anyone who has problems getting their butt and legs perfect for bikini season. And the instructor's accent is really hilarious and he makes me smile, so not at all annoying.

Brazil Butt Lift is an awesome product for both your lower body and total body training. My 2 favorite workouts are Bum Bum and High & TIght because I can feel the muscles in my butt, thighs, calves - really everywhere on my lower body - working. I"m sort of a pear shape and I feel like doing those workouts - everything is just getting tighter and firmer. Another great workout is the Cardio Axe (pronounced ah-shay) because Leandro really gets you dancing and sweating for a great cardio workout. I really feel like I'm burning a ton of calories when I do it. I'm not even that coordinated and I can do it. Anyway, I just adore this product because my lower body is really my problem area and I feel like this is a great program to help me transform my trouble zones and slim down too.

I bought this work out solely because I have another product from Beach Body and loved it AND because I really wanted to get a great butt before our Florida vacation in early June. I have been doing the workouts now for 4 weeks and I am already seeing awesome results! I am 33 years old, 5'1", and weighed about 130 when I started. I did the 6 day Super Model Slim Down the first week (comes with the workouts) and it did a great job of taking off a few pounds. I now weigh 125. The slim down was very easy to do the food was really good and I could find most everything in my local grocery. The work outs are a lot of fun. The Axe took some time to figure out but it is a blast to do! Leahandro keeps everything up beat and I love all the encouragement he spouts often throughout the workouts. He has this great Brazilian accent but it is not hard to understand what he is saying. I also love that this program doesn't just work your butt but your entire body. The Booty Blueprint is great as well. It helps you figure out how to target the problem areas of your butt. I'm excited to see what my body will look like by the time June comes. I know my husband already can't keep his hands off the results I've seen so far. All in all I am very satisfied with this product. Thanks Beach Body!