Customer Reviews

Cardio Kickboxing Mechelle's Way & Self-Defense for Women [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have tried 3 kickboxing tapes up to this point - Billy Blanks', Kathy Smith's and, tempted by the reviews here, this one. When people are right, they are right. This is a workout excellent for those of us who have never done a kickboxing-based workout before and would rather start from the top as opposed to getting dazed and confused by yes, effective, but rather convoluted moves that take days to get right. Mechelle's routine is challenging yet simple enough to follow, and it seems to me that, contrary to the other two tapes I mentioned, the risk of hurting yourself or cancelling out the results intended due to doing the move wrong is rather low.

Although the workout is not hours long you feel like you've worked hard. Mostly because you have - you'll likely find the standing abwork she gives you is just as effective and much more invigorating than the countless crunches and situps you're used to. Like other reviewers have said, the repetition of basic techniques (enough to feel the burn without boring the hell out of you) does become second nature with time, and in my opinion once you feel confident enough to go on to her second tape (which builds on this one and offers more advanced techniques) and stay with it, you might even become capable of defending yourself decently enough. I hope I'll never have to find out if that's really the case, but I think I'll get there.

Regarding the quality of the production, you can tell it wasn't expenisve. Commentary was recorded over the original and that's easy to tell. Sometimes she sounds a little monotonous and uninvolved, but these things really won't bother you given how adequate the comentary is. But for those to whom it does matter, the second tape if a considerable improvement in that department.

I have to say that for myself, it's a pretty good thing that I own both Mechelle's tapes and also Kathy Smith's Kickboxing Workout, and Tae Bo Advanced. Once you've got very comofrtable with what Mechelle's teaching you, you can move on to the other two, have lots of variety (Tae Bo works you so hard you feel like you'll drop dead, while Kathy's tape is cool and funky) and reap the benefits they all offer.

This video gives women a great work out but most important unlike any other videos on the market it teaches women self defense techniques for protection. I have been working out with this video for 2 months and feel alot stronger,healthier and confident. I also feel more aware of my surroundings and better prepared to handle potential crisis or attack situations. I would recommend this to all women. I even have my 16 year old daughter work out to this video with me. The self defense techniques taught in this video are some of the best skills that I can learn and also pass on to my family and female friends.

I liked the video because it gives you an even total body workout. She doesn't do a gazillion moves on one leg then when your echausted move to the next. She does just enough to let you feel the burn then moves on. Then goes back again. So it keeps you going. You feel like you can do the workout. I don't dread the next time I workout because I think I'm going to do a gazillion in a row. So I look forward to the next time I pop the video in. She knows how to give you a great workout without killing you in the process. Moving from muscle group to muscle group and then coming back to it again, Is the way to go. I don''t feel like I'm just lifting my leg out of sheer exhaustion. I feel like I'm doing the techniques as best I can thru out the workout. The other thing I like is during the intro, she takes the time to explain and demonstrate each upper and lower body technique. So I know I can go back and review at my leisure. The GREATEST PART?? The self-defense demos thru out the video.. They are great to watch and it gives me purpose and comfort to know that while I'm working out I'm also putting myself thru a women's self defense seminar... Great Video!! I think every women should one..

Mekiela

I absolutely love this video! I love the workout, it makes me feel wonderful! I have a lot of energy, and I have to say, it gives me a good feeling for myself. People tell me all the time that I look great. So I blame all this feeling and looking good on this video! I wish I could be in your area, so that I could go to class with my sister-in-law, Rachel. She is the one who introduced me to this and the first video. Keep doing what your doing, Mechelle! I know I could speak for myself, and a whole lot of people, but we love your work!!!

This is a great video. I have recommended Mechelle's Way to several friends. While working out with this video for the past 3 months, Mechelle's pacing and words of encourgement throughout the session have made me feel like I have a personal coach training me and keeping the routines alive. The exercises push you to a certain point and then move on to the next muscle group. The repetitive cardio-kickboxing moves help you to develop a natural response instinct. It motivates me to concentrate and improve each time I do the workout because I know I am learning new skills. This is not an ordinary exercise video, it is helping me to build agility, strength and confidence. Mechelle"s Way is in my VCR 4x a week, while other fitness videos I own are collecting dust somewhere. You owe it to yourself to try this one!

I've been working out with Mechelle's Way for about 3 months now and it's a great video. It's fun and has great exercise routines, but what I really love is the way Mechelle weaves self-defense into the workout. The automatic reinforcement of the techniques is fantastic. I think this is an excellent exercise video!

I have just started taking classes at Mechelle's Way Cardio Kickboxing and at first I was VERY skeptical at my ability to succeed. I have only been working out under Mechelle's instruction for about 3 weeks now, but I absolutely love the classes and even though it's been only 3 weeks, I see a difference in myself as do others. That is what prompted me to purchase the first video. I find it very easy to do at home, step by step instructions and an excellent work out if I cannot make it to class. Mechelle is very talented and knowledgeable and she gives you the confidence you need to push further to do your very best. In the video, you find simpler techniques with easy to follow instructions that allow you to work at your own pace and build up momentum each time you work out. I am very confident that I will reach my goal to better myself not only by attending Mechelle's classes but by having this video at home to help me along the way. I am so glad I took the first step in to the class and extremely glad I made this purchase. Many thanks to Mechelle for creating such an excellent program and being such a wonderful motivator!

This workout video is pretty good. It incorporates weights, cardio, and repetitive self defense training. The self defense portion is very short, but the rest of the video is dedicated to repeating the movements used until they become second nature. The commentary was somewhat delayed as it was dubbed over the video, and often the movements changed before the voice instructed the movements. The quality of this video was horrible! No matter how much I tried to track it, the picture remained blurry. For the price of this video, and the user reviews given, I expected a top notch production. This video is worth no more than ..., and I fear it will wear out soon. I'll have to find a way to make a back up copy in the event that this happens.

Workout: 4
Quality: 2
Instructions: 3
Value: 1
Rating: 2.5 stars

I knew I had to write a review when last night my husband told me that my body looked sculpted!!! I've been doing your workout for 4 about months and it really works. I owe you big, Mechelle. This is a great, vigorous, empowering workout and it conditions your whole body. I've never felt this good - I'm stronger and much more energized. Thank you.

Actually I'm writing about the second Mechelle's Way workout video. I just got it and it's awesome!! The workout is set at a Inter-Adv. level but if you've been working out to her first video for awhile then your definetly ready for this one. I loved it! The workout was challenging, The self-defense scenerios were different from the first and I felt they delt with the most important attack issues women face these days. Date Rape, Parking lot encounters and Elevator attacks. So she still gets 5 stars from me.. I can't wait for the next one but this one is a must to add to your Mechelle Way Collection ladies!! P.S. A friend of mine just got mugged the other day..I'm getting her this video!