Customer Reviews

Cindy Crawford - Shape Your Body Workout

5 star:		(119)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Shape Your Body was Cindy Crawford's first workout video, which she created in collaboration with personal trainer Radu. Shortly after its release, it was criticized for containing dangerous moves, largely because Cindy sometimes shows poor form and often moves much too quickly through the exercises; however, experienced exercisers who know how to modify should not have any problems. The video contains 3 strength-based workouts: a 45-minute workout focused on stretching and toning your legs plus working your buttocks, chest, back, and abs; a 40-minute workout aimed at building power and strength in your legs plus working your shoulders, arms, and abs; and a quick, 10-minute full body training routine using no equipment. Because the first two workouts target different muscle groups, they are designed to be performed on consecutive days, while the third workout is meant as a short bonus for days that you don't have time do more than that. The style of these workouts is high repetition, low weight training; you definitely don't have time to switch to heavier weights between the various exercises. Radu provides voiceover instruction for the first two workouts and occasionally appears on screen to adjust Cindy's form; Cindy herself also makes frequent comments throughout the workouts, which are filmed in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings to a pop soundtrack.

The first workout begins with a 6-minute warm-up containing fast-moving stretches. The next 12 minutes focus on standing leg work: you'll do a series of "leg swings" while holding on to a chair for balance and moving to the front, side, and back (these are sort of modified ballet-type movements). You then perform a lunge combined with a front kick. The leg swings and lunges are repeated for a total of three sets of each. Next, you'll move to the floor for 4 minutes of buttocks work, again doing a tri-set: pelvic lifts lying on your back with your heels on the chair, leg lifts lying on your side, and leg lifts back from an all-fours position. Moving on to the upper body, you do 3 sets of 10 push-ups. Next comes a lying tri-set of flies, chest presses, and lat pullovers, again repeating for 3 total sets. Continuing with back work in a standing position, you do a 1-armed row, a standing double row, and a seated row tri-set; total time for the upper body portion is 10 minutes. Last comes 7 minutes of abs work, and in this segment, Cindy moves particularly fast. She performs crunches, a full sit-up, reverse curls, and a side jackknife for 3 sets of each. The workout ends with 5 minutes of lying and seated stretches for a total of just under 43 minutes.

The second workout begins with a 5 ½ minute warm-up that is virtually the same as in Workout 1. Again starting with the legs, you'll perform an interesting side lunge series in which you lunge, lift, and turn, raising your back leg. This is combined with a plie squat, front lunge, and regular squat, with the entire series being repeated for 3 sets. To finish of the legs, you do just 1 set of leg swings from each of the 4 positions, bringing the legs segment in at a total of 9 ½ minutes. Next comes the 9-minute arms segment. Here, you'll do 8 different exercises (bicep curls, barbell press, flies, triceps kickbacks, reverse curls, shoulder press, front raise, French press), repeating the entire series 3 times total. Finally, there is a 9-minute abs section in which Cindy performs a variety of crunches at a lightning-fast speed; in fact, the moves are better thought of as pulse rather than crunches, as there is little time for a full crunch. The workout ends with a 4.5 minute cool-down stretch and comes in at just under 39 minutes.

For the last workout, Cindy is instructing alone without Radu. She does not use any equipment and is not even wearing shoes for this segment, but she addresses virtually the entire body in this short 10-minute workout. After a few quick warm-up stretches, Cindy begins with the legs, alternating squats and lunges for a total of 3 sets of each. Moving to the floor, she performs 3 sets of 10 push-ups using different hand positions. Next comes the abs work, and Cindy uses 4 different crunches to target the upper abs, obliques, lower abs, and entire midsection. Finally, she does some pelvic tilts to work the buttocks, and the workout ends with a brief stretch. I would rate these workouts as at an intermediate level and above; they would not be a appropriate for beginners who would be unfamiliar with how to modify the moves for safety. The exercises included are varied and interesting and I felt thoroughly worked out after each session. Despite these positives, this is not a video that I am interested in doing on a regular basis, mainly because the extremely fast pace made the workout feel more like a chore to me; I prefer Cindy's A New Dimension, which moves at a slightly more reasonable pace. However, if you are an intermediate-to-advanced exerciser who likes performing high repetition strength training workouts at a quick pace, you may enjoy these workouts. Overall, I rate the video as 3 ½ stars.

i've been using this tape on & off for about 8 years. it works the bits it should, they ache and then u start and look great. no prancing around like some chicken on heat, just concentrated reps and sets targeting all those essentally "dangerous" areas for the female form! It's not too fast, in actual fact once u do this everyday, it's counted too slow. as for "unsafe" - where? i always feel stronger in areas previously weak e.g. lower back, so ignore that! (just don't push til it burns, reduce the amount of reps as recommended!) looking at cindy's figure throughout actually motivates me as she isn't a stick insect but has the body I want and can aim for (apart from the extra 5 inches in height unfortunately!) and the music is good, although if i had one dig - bring out another tape of similiar format, 2 new workouts and newer music...everytime i hear "crazy" by seal now i'm constantly reminded of kicking my legs in the air!!!! and one more thing - YES, for the first 2-3 days after the first workout dont be surprised if ROBOCOP can walk better than u can!! It hurts!

Apart from Cindy Crawford's "New Dimension", this one is a vigorous workout! Included with two separate 45-minute sessions is a 10 minute session for those days when you are in a hurry.

RADU the fitness trainer is considered New York's toughest trainer. He has worked with models, actors and executives. Shots include the beautiful beach, rooftop, workout room

MUSICAL CHOICE is not the usual instrumental used in most videos; her choice is similar to her other video. Credits of musical selections are listed at the end, most songs performed by Primal Scream, Seal contributes "Crazy", "Ice" by Daniel Lanois, "State of Shock" Revenge and "Dis Moi Dis Moi" by Mitsou. It's unique and refreshing.

ALTERNATE DAYS - The video is incorporated to do on alternate days. The nearly 100 minute tape is structured in two separate workouts. Workout I- 45 minutes is focused on leg work, use a chair, swing the legs this way, that way, back, front, etc. This "legwork" isn't usually done in most other workout experts, but it is very effective. She then continues a vigorous workout with buns, abs, chest (with small weights). Workout II is similar with concentration to the arms and shoulders, and more abdominal work.

MINI WORKOUT - 10 minutes. This is done to get a real quick workout when time is essential. This is a challenging workout! I recommend it to anyone. It isn't difficult, it is just about getting to do it to make it easier! .......MzRizz.

It reminds me of the exercises we did at school but 20 times harder! This is a no nonsense, work your muscles to death type of video. Beginners take care and don't try to keep up with Radu's counting but when you manage to complete the first 45 minute workout and not feel pain - pat yourself on the back. Cindy tends to whiz thru the warm ups and cool downs/stretches so hit pause and do it at your own pace. Great music and cinematography and 3 workouts to chose from. All in all a very good buy.

I first went to Radu's gym about fifteen years ago. I started up again a few years back, but then switched to a job that was on the other side of town and just couldn't make it. I remember hearing he had made a work out video with Cindy Crawford and Voila!, quickly found it at a video store.

I LOVE IT!!! It was just like the classes, so I knew I made the right choice.

Every so often, when I realized I wasn't getting enough excercise in my daily routine of life, I'd start using the video again.

Radu is really a very tough trainer. No kidding, he doesn't mess around.
Knowing this, if you haven't worked out before or in a long while, start with the 10-minute routine first. Some reviews say how sore everyone is in the beginning - start with the 10-minute workout. After you're comfortable doing that for a week or so, move on to the 40-minute workouts. (Switch between the 10-minute and a 40-minute one if you're still too sore?) This last time around, I did the 10-minute one for about 4 weeks. (I began working at home and was dearly out of shape!) I then moved onto the 40-minute routines. After about a week or so of those, my boyfriend said "WOW! You look great! You really are doing those workouts every day, aren't you?" I don't know if it's the first 4 weeks of the 10-minute routine and then the 40-minute ones or just the 40-minute routines that made enough difference for him to notice, but it was still enough to make a difference. I'm no longer tired doing the simple things.

Even if you're a workout fiend, you're still going to be challenged with this video.

As for one posting saying doctors have seen patients with back pain after using the video... Isn't it a long since known fact to consult a physician before beginning any type of workout regimen? If that same person went to a fitness class, the instructor would have noticed they were straining and had them slow down or stop. You have to use your own best judgement when you do it yourself at home.

I cannot recommend this video enough. I guess there's a reason they say it's sold more than any other workout video.

The music doesn't get tiresome and some of the excersises for the same body area alter enough so it's not boring. The changes between black & white and color and the different backgrounds also keep it interesting. Add that to the fact that the routines aren't so "wild" that I can't do them in my tiny NYC apartment living room make it just the perfect fit.
After so many uses, the tape finally went "snowy" this morning, hence I'm on this site to buy a new one - along with the follow up I hear has long since come out. Stick with it and you WILL see changes.

One last thing - I used canned soup and later liter sized bottled water as my "weights" for years. You don't want to be so sore in the beginning that you can't lift your toothbrush the next morning.

I had lost this video during our move and had to get another one that's how good it is! After having my second baby I wanted to get back in shape and this has helped me tremendously. You will feel like you've done a hard workout the next day...you won't move as fast! Cindy stresses in her video to take breaks which I've found out is very important and beneficial because your reps need to be strong. Don't try to keep up if your out of shape because it'll wear you out. It has alternating workouts for each day. The last one is a quick workout when you don't have a lot of time to do the 45min. ones. The music is great and as you build your muscles you will burn more fat. I've lost 10 pounds and I'm feeling great! I've never found another video like it. I tend to stick to all the Cindy Crawford ones!

I've been using this tape and Cindy's other one (The Next Challenge) since they first came out. This is a terrific workout and a great way to get into shape. There's no complicated aerobic steps or anything confusing to learn. Occasionally, I try other tapes, but hers are still my favorite. I think it's because her tapes are just straight forward excerice programs. You'll be sore at first! Especially if you haven't excercised in awhile, but if you stick with it and take it at your own pace, you'll definitely feel stronger. I'd stopped excercising this past year and started again a few months ago. My legs and arms are already noticably more toned and I feel better. It's nice to switch back and forth bewteen the two tapes for variety. The second tape is much harder than the first one. So if you're just starting to excercise, I'd stick with the first tape for now and then get the second one after you've built up some strength. I was happy to see that she's coming out with a third tape too!

This is one of the best work out tapes I've ever used. It's challenging, fast paced and when you're done the first 45 min workout you'll know that you've done something to change your body's appearance. I saw slight changes in my triceps, legs and abs in about a week and a half which motivated me to do it even more. One great thing about the tape is that it offers a short ten to fifteen minute workout for days that you still do want to work out but are tired or don't have a lot of time. I highly recommend this tape to healthy people who want to get their body toned up. Remember, if it's too hard at first when you're doing all those crunches... just tell yourself "I'm going to end up looking like Cindy" and you'll find the strength to keep going.

This was the very first workout tape I ever bought. I was sixteen, and I really wanted to get in shape so that I could make my high school dance team. I knew NOTHING about proper form, tempo, intensity--you know, all the things that are so important in a good workout. But once I popped this tape into the VCR, I was hooked! I did the routine day after day; and at the end of the year, I got picked for the dance team! I was definitely sore a lot, but I never experienced any injury. (Ah, youth--it truly is wasted on the young.)

Flash forward fifteen years. I was surfing Amazon a couple weeks ago, looking for a new routine to add to my home workout library, and I came across this old gem. I grew instantly nostalgic, but after reading the negative reviews, I was VERY hesitant to purchase it. I didn't recall it being such a bad workout, but then again, I didn't know anything back then. Still, I thought, "What the hell?" and decided to review it with new eyes (and a much less flexible, 30-something body).

What do I think of it now? Well, it's true what they say about Cindy--her form is pretty bad throughout the workout! It's a wonder that she didn't pinch a nerve flinging her head back so far during the warm-up, and I seriously don't know how her knees held up all those years doing lunges so poorly. Beyond the bad form, she races through the exercises so quickly that it's almost like you're watching the video on fast forward! I can see how a viewer (especially one who is an inexperienced exerciser) could injure him or herself by imitating Cindy.

That said, this DVD has some great exercises that you won't find anywhere else. I love the unique lunges and the leg swings, and I also like the abdomnial work. I feel powerful and sexy when I do this workout, and I love the fact that Cindy doesn't try to "encourage" the viewer by saying things like, "C'mon--you're almost there!" In fact, she seems to struggle through the workout as much as I do, which is its own kind of encouragement. I also really like the music she's chosen--it's both enjoyable to listen to and the right tempo to perform the reps in time to the music, if you like doing that sort of thing.

The trick with this workout is to keep your remote handy and pause often so that you can do the exercises with proper form at a slower tempo. Even if you don't feel like hitting the pause button, you can still get a great workout by doing slightly fewer reps in the ammount of time alotted, focusing on form and working in a safe range of motion. You'll still be sore the next day, just not hobbled.

In sum, I like this workout, but I would NOT recommend it for the novice exerciser. The risk of injury is just too great if you don't know how to modify the exercises to workout safely. In fact, I'm amazed that I never injured myself doing this workout as a teenager! But if you understand proper form and you don't mind doing the exercises at a slower tempo than Cindy, you can really get a lot out of this DVD.

I have never understood the poor reviews this video has recieved. I have suffered numerous back and knee injuries in the past (while kickboxing and skiing) and have never had any problems with this routine. I have been doing this workout since it debuted in 1992! I have, however, injured myself while using other well-reviewed exercise videos such as Tamilee Webb's Tighter Assets CardioBlast (which is HELL on the knees!). I suppose that any workout or sport activity can be unsafe for anyone with pre-existing conditions, and it is a person's responsibility to work-out SAFELY, and only within their personal limits. My only criticism is that her form does need a little improvement - and could possibly be a bad influence on someone who is inexperienced at exercise. But these moves can be easily done safely and effectivly, with great results! I still think this is one of the best home exercise videos I've done - and boy, have I tried a few! I recently ordered a new DVD because I wore the old tape out! And unlike MANY other highly-recommended videos... you will see results FAST!