Customer Reviews

Kathy Smith - Ultimate Burn & Firm

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

 

 

As most of Kathy Smith's workouts, these are very effective but be aware that these 2 DVD's are the exact same as the VHS version of Peak Fat Burning and Lower Body Firming, both of which are great vidoes (I purchased simply to update to the DVD version). The only issue I have with these workouts is similar to what was mentioned in a previous review, the Peak Fat Burning DVD already has a ton of lower body exercises making it hard to rest your lower body muscles if you choose to alternate these videos, which is recommended on the back of the DVD. It would have been great for an upper body work out to be included with the Peak Fat Burning DVD as opposed to a lower body work out. It's just too many lower body workouts.

This is a combination of 2 DVDs.
The first is a cardio DVD. It is ~6 intervals, each followed by an active recovery in which you work your butt and thighs. Kathy is great at cueing and the moves are fairly easy to pick up after you start. It will get you sweating and burning calories!
The second DVD is a toning for the butt/thighs. You will see (and feel) results ASAP. She is good about making sure you are in the proper position. This DVD has two 10 min sections, the first for beginners which does all the moves alternating legs and the second 10 minutes is for "Advanced" meaning you spend 5 minutes on one leg then do it on the other side. (the first time I did the DVD I only got through 8 minutes of the beginner section and couldnt sit properly for 3 days... and I am in shape although apparently I didn't work out my butt like I should have!)
This is my favorite workout!

These are by far my favorite workouts and worth owning! They are fun and interesting without being too complicated. I love the intervals in Peak Fat Burning they really make the time fly!

On one of the back sleeves of the DVDs, they suggest doing the Peak Fat Burning 2 to 3 times a week alternating with the Lower Body Firming 2 to 3 times a week. I tried this for about 4 days and found that because I was doing many of the same exercises with the same muscles groups (squats, one-legged sqats) these muscles never got a break.

So, if you're starting out I would recommend starting with the Peak Fat Burning and find a different toning video (e.g. Lower Body Pilates or Lift Weights to Lose Weight) to alternate with. When you have mastered that a bit or want a change switch to a different cardio (e.g. Timesaver Fat Burner or Instant Workout) and use the Lower Body Firming. Hope that helps!

I was hesitant to pick up this set because I find Kathy Smith's workouts to not be suited for all fitness levels (specifically, beginners though I consider myself more on the beginner-intermediate level). However, I did and although the workouts are not really suited for beginners (not to mention the modifiers are also kinda advanced) I found that I could keep up at least 98% of the time. I work up a real sweat, and the workouts are done before you know it (which I looooove)!!

Definitely recommended for all the active afecionados; beginners should take a different route (no pun intended).

As already mentioned, this DVD contains Kathy's previous videos; namely: Peak Fat Burning and Lower Body Firming. Peak Fat Burning is an effective interval training workout that combines basic sports/athletic moves with lower body toning. Lower Body Firming promises just that - a time efficient all-standing workout that brings results. It works!

My wife has tried numerous exercise videos and she finds that this is one of the most efficient and versatile.

Functionally Fit Peak Fat Burning, and Lower Body Firming
are the two included videos. tons of reviews on those two are there. I would buy it just for the second one, both are great for beginner to intermediate, very motivating like all of Kathy's videos, and great results when you combine them.