Product Details

• Directors: Raphael Picaud
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• VHS Release Date: January 1, 2000
• Run Time: 40 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0967550718
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #479,610 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

"You have to destroy the muscle, so that it can refurbish and build a little more," explains Raphael Picaud, Beverly Hills personal trainer. "Nothing violent," he adds. He's talking about the process of using weight training to build new muscle fiber. In this video, Picaud explains and demonstrates the basics of strength training: how best to work muscles in general, tips for best alignment and technique, and how to target specific muscles like the abdominal, back, chest, biceps, triceps, shoulders, thighs, and buttocks. Picaud, looking something like a benevolent pirate with his short-cropped beard, headband, long pony tail, earring, and tattoo, takes a series of slim, nonbodybuilder, female clients through hands-on training demonstrations of proper form and muscle awareness overall, then his favorite exercises for each body part. This is not a workout video, but rather an instructional video on how to train muscles effectively using free weights and gym machines. You can create your workout, though, if you take notes and carry them to the gym. If you wish you had a top-notch personal trainer to teach you the best way to train for strength and definition, this is an excellent way to bring that trainer into your living room. --Joan Price

Amazon.com

Wish you had a top-notch personal trainer? This is an excellent way to bring that trainer into your living room.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening video that really helps get results, May 23, 2001

By 

"jennyhogan" (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fitnessology - Exercise & Weight Training Techniques, The Basics [VHS] (VHS Tape)

In my opinion, this video is as close as you can get to having a personal trainer without actually having to pay for one. Raphael Picaud gives you excellent tips and demonstrations on how to properly weight train. For most people who don't know much about form or technique this video will be quite enlightening. I thought I knew how to lift weights (seems simple enough, right?), but I never really got the results I wanted. After watching this video, I put the techniques to use and I got excellent results, quite immediately. It's also great for preventing injuries and muscle strain. I highly recommend this video for anyone who wants to learn how to work out the right way.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Basics is exceptional, June 11, 2000

By 

Aimee L Drolet (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fitnessology - Exercise & Weight Training Techniques, The Basics [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a GREAT video, particularly for individuals with a longer term, preventative focus on fitness and health. Unlike most videos I've used, it doesn't emphasize quick (and in my opinion unrealistic) results. Rather, the emphasis of the video is on educating individuals to understand (and not merely mimic) the basic movements and principles underlying weight training and plyometric exercise.

In the tape, Raphael Picaud explains the basic movements underlying exercises for the back, chest, arms, abs, and legs. He's very engaging without being irritating.

In my view, a really positive thing about the tape is that you can really do the exercises with or without equipment. In fact, I think this is an especially good tape for learning proper weight training techniques, especially if the weight room is a scary and foreign place for someone. In this way, it may be best to watch the tape BEFORE going to the gym and to rewatch it occasionally.

I'd also mention that the musical soundtrack of the tape is really good. Not cheesy. Also, it is helpful that the tape is shot in both black and white and color to indicate when a viewer can follow along versus just watch.

In short, I'd recommend this fitness video. It's no nonsense and I felt I learned a lot.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly motivational - highly effective techniques. Get it., May 19, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Fitnessology - Exercise & Weight Training Techniques, The Basics (DVD)

I don't usually review videos, least of all exercise videos, but a friend referred this one to me and now I want to return the favor to someone else. I couldn't afford a trainer, and I dreaded the idea of a fitness video. But this one was very refreshing. It provides essential training techniques without being overly technical or totally dumbed-down.

This video is a virtual lesson in physical conditioning, presented in a digestible way. It crams a lot of information into a short video, so you have to watch it a few times to take it all in - but it's the kind of valuable information that only trainers know.

The trainer who leads the video, Raphael, makes it feel personal and keeps it interesting. He breaks down a lot of information that I hadn't known before, and repeats himself to reinforce certain basic principles.

I ended up getting his book - which had even more motivational info and tons of nutrition tips. Based on my newfound knowledge and some serious motivation, I have begun to completely transform my body. No joke. I couldn't even believe it. I don't use a scale but the inches are just coming off.

It's way easier than you think, when you have the right tools. I'm still so inspired that I could go on and on... but just get the video and pay close attention. You'll learn a lot.