Customer Reviews

Denise Austin Power Zone - The Ultimate Metabolism Boosting Workout [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

Normally, I would give Denise a completely glowing review, but this workout was a bit different. Things I greatly enjoyed were the program: 25 minutes of cardio, followed by 10 minutes segements of arms, legs and abs. Also, the DVD version came equipped with a resistance band, which is necessary to participate in the workout. My criticism is that the whole DVD seems either rushed or was a production after-thought. The music is pretty generic and Denise's spoken introduction is part of the workout, you can skip it manually, but it isn't its own chapter. That's kind of annoying. As for the workout itself, it is very good. During the cardio, you jump around and sweat, all the while using the resistance band for simultaneous toning. The moves are simple, yet effective and the band is a wonderful piece of equipment to weave into your own personal home workout routine, it makes your muscles adjust, as weight routines cause muscle memory over time and your muscles grow accustomed and don't work as hard. Her workout group is made up of people who are thin and fit, but don't look super-ripped or sickly, which is nice and semi-realistic, not intimidating like others can be. She recommends a 6 day schedule, but I think that people who have been working out for a while or have some sort of fitness savvy can decide for themselves, though it is nice to have some guidelines for those just starting out or unsure of how to go about things. She jumps right in, so there is no real explanation section. While the moves are not extremely difficult, there are just barely enough reps to get it right, but that is something that will resolve itself over time. And my last bit of criticism is that Denise seems either tired or a bit disinterested in the workout, she didn't seem as into it as her previous videos. However, she does take the time to really explain the mucles being worked and proper form on her fellow workoutmates. I would like to think of this review as overall a positive one, I just think that if I were to read a review, I would like to know of the negative aspects, to make a well-informed decision.

The people who gave this DVD negative feedback must not be doing the video correctly! I am a Certified Personal Trainer and would recommend this video to anyone who wants to tone up and lose fat. Within 10 workouts, I could feel and see results and I've been working out for years and years! Denise is tremendously motivating and encouraging. The total video is about 55 minutes long, however the way the segments are set up, you can choose to do each section separately. Remember...give it 100% and you will look and feel better! Buy this DVD...it is so worth the money spent.

A lot of the reviews I have read on here criticse Denise's use of the resistance band in this DVD. I'll have to say that when I ordered this DVD, I actually wanted the free band more than the DVD itself! *shhhh! Amazon doesn't ship exercise equipment to New Zealand, and hey, I got a DVD that used it too!*

I love the resistance band because it takes up very little room and lets me perform cardio and toning simultaneously. I don't find the band awkward at all, and I'm quite surprised by the negative feedback that others have given, but oh well, to each his own.

There are four sections to this DVD, the 25min cardio routine that uses circuit training between short cardio segments and pure toning segments using the band, 10mins of Upper Body toning using the band, 10mins of Lower Body toning using the band and 10mins of Abdominal exercises. I haven't attempted the abdominal exercises... mainly because it looks as though she doesn't use the band in that section, which I really would have preferred.

I find the Cardio section fun, and I like it how she breaks down the routine into small combos and works on them for a few minutes before moving onto something different. A lot of people have complained about her cueing - but I have learnt to ignore what she's saying and WATCH THE DARN TV. The first few times, of course, I'm a bit out of step with her, but this is the case for all exercise DVDs - not just Denise Austin's.

I love the toning segments that use the band - and its especially good for my mother who has occupational overuse syndrome in her arms from writing on a blackboard all day. Weights are hard on her joints, so the band is ideal for her. Also, the resistance band is great to fold up and take away when you go somewhere.

If you find resistance bands awkward, don't like Denise Austin and aren't laid back enough to intelligently substitute parts of a workout that you don't like or can't do appropriately or lack the perseverence to try a DVD several times over before coming to a conclusion of its effectiveness, then don't bother buying this DVD. In fact, don't bother buying any DVD. Go to the gym.

This workout is really energizing! It contains a 25 minute cardio routine with 10 minute segments of upper body, lower body and abs. It also contains a free fitness band wich is a thumbs up if you don't have one.

I did found the routines a bit fast at the beginning, but I could catch up after a few tries. The fitness band is handy to tone and give youself some stability while doing the workout. I can't really understand either why this DVD has so many low reviews, but it did work for me. I've been eating healthy and using this DVD along with Shrink your female fat Zones DVD for the last 5 months and now I have lost about 20 pounds, have switched from size 18+ jeans to size 13 jeans and my body has lost most of its jello parts. If you like a fast energizing workout, this DVD is for you.

I really don't mind about denise's voice so I will not comment on that.

For all those who didn't like this workout DVD, I recommend you try it again and don't give up so quickly.

I love Denise Austin, and I love even more to workout to her DVD's. I have used this at least twice a week since the day it came out, and I can see amazing results, especially from the toning part of the DVD. For once she has people working out with her that don't look like zombies, and it makes the workout more enjoyable. I sweat a lot when doing the cardio part, and I feel GREAT afterwards. My metabolism is definitely starting to improve. She's not as obnoxious in this video, which is nice, and she really keeps you moving and burning fat. I would recommend this DVD to anyone who likes to get a quick workout in the morning before work to get them pumped up through out the day, or before bed for an amazing sleep, or to anyone who enjoys working out with Denise.

Taking the intensity up a notch was something I really wanted to accomplish after I finished working out to the same workouts that Denise Austin did everyday on Lifetime TV. Her new video, "Power Zone: The Ultimate Metabolism Boosting Workout" has done just that. Using resistance bands during the whole workout, Denise brings the intensity up efficiently and effectively....enough that I was sweating in less than 10 minutes into the workout! During the entire 25 minutes of cardio, you're burning OVER 300 calories! I am serious - with the resistence band, fat gets a powerful punch!
Denise has you do 25 minutes of cardio, then 10 minute segments each for your legs, thighs, buttocks, and abdominals. After working out with Denise for over two years, I have to say that this workout is the best and most effective that I ever used. Although, I do have my disappointments in this one. I noticed that Denise seemed hurried and uninterested in the workout in some points of the video. The moves are quick and fast-paced and if you are doing the workout for the first time, you may feel like you're not able to keep up. Of course, you will get used to the moves in time - after the first workout I got used to it, so it's not something tremendously serious that you need to think over. Denise's workout mates on the video can annoy you enormously if you let them - they seem like they're in a trance during the whole workout and look more like fake supermodels than workout mates (you notice in many exercise videos that workout mates seem more tolerable and real - like mothers who workout or someone from the street who is fit.. but these women on this workout video seem like they have fake personalities).
Other than that, the workout is great - you definitely feel like your muscles were worked hard enough and that you had a real, complete workout.
Recommended fitness levels are at least intermediate. You need to have at least SOME exercise experience - if you are just starting out, I would recommend Denise Austin's Xtralite Exercise videos that are available at Amazon instead.

This is the best investment I have made towards losing weight and feeling great. It really truely works. I have tried diet pills, fad diets, everything. But this video shows results within 10 days. I noticed results by the end of the 1st week. I have lost 12 pounds in a couple months. My arms, legs, abs, back are toned. I get complimented on it all the time. The resistance band really works. HONESTLY you should by this video.
As for the comments on drab setting and music. Here is my recommendation. Do what I do. After you get the hang of the routine and all the moves down. Put the TV on mute and blast your own music to get you pumped. WORKS for me! It will work for you! I lost 5 inches off my waist line.

Effective and fun. Good use of theraband and easy to follow. I only do the cardio aspect. However, the cardio aspect has cardio and strengthening together. I love this one. Good use of 30 minutes.

I have a lot of Denise's dvds,including the first power zone. I think this one is better then the first.I was actually sweating to this one! It flowed better,and the toning segments are great.I felt the pain the next day,which I didn't with the original.The only thing negative is that her back up girls seem to be doing this against their will.

It was something different. I like using a resistance band with the aerobics. I found this workout to be a lot of fun. But you know Denise, she's upbeat, positive, her cuing is not great, but she is friendly and encouraging! I sweat a lot when doing the cardio part, and I feel GREAT afterwards. I think it was a very good total body workout. I have a lot of exercise videos in my collection, but I return to this one often because it is so much fun.