Customer Reviews

Leslie Sansone - Walk Away the Pounds for Abs - 3 Miles

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was my first-ever Leslie Sansone video, and I was surprised by how tough it was, especially given that I already exercise regularly and have even started a running program in the past month. Leslie uses four basic moves--march, side step, front kick, and knee lift--but varies the speed and execution of each movement to change the intensity. In addition, this workout uses Leslie's special weight belt for upper body toning work; I don't own the belt, so I substituted light (3 lb.) hand weights throughout the workout.

The workout begins with Leslie introducing the four basic moves, and in the warm-up phase, she gradually picks up the pace until you are moving along at a fairly good clip. At this point (about 10 minutes into the workout), she introduces use of the belt or weights for some basic upper body exercises, including overhead press and flies. For the middle part of the workout, or Mile 2, the weights are not used, as the pace increases considerably. Although the movements stayed the same, I sometimes found it a bit difficult to keep up with Leslie's quick movements. However, Leslie is extremely encouraging, frequently saying that it's okay to go at your own pace and not to follow her form exactly. For the first half of the last mile, the belt or weights are again used, repeating many of the previous exercises. The pace then slows down a bit to start bringing your heart rate back to normal, and finally, the last 2 minutes of the workout consists of cool-down stretches for a total of 44 minutes.

The only problem I had with this workout is the title, as I think it would have more appropriately been named WATP for Upper Body rather than Abs. Leslie does provide frequent reminders to concentrate on your abs and some of the moves (especially the knee lifts) do work the abdominal area, but the toning segments were more focused on the upper body in general. Overall, however, I found this to be an excellent cardio workout, and although the moves are repetitive, the time really does fly by. It is probably most appropriate for intermediate exercisers, but experienced beginners could manage by moving at a slower pace and skipping the weights.

I bought this video as a set with the ab belt that goes with it. You could just at easy use weights instead of the belt. It might even be better b/c you have to tuck in the handles of the belt often.

I like the video best of all three. If you know Leslie, she tends to talk a bit much at times. But it's not as bad in this video. But anyone's chatter will get annoying when you listen to it over and over. That's why it's good to have more than one video so you have variety. It also helps you stick to it better.

Even when I only want to do a mile or two I usually pick this video and then fast forward to the cool down when I'm ready. You really feel this workout. It's one that you have to work up to. The first time I tried it I couldn't get through it. And this was after about 3 weeks of doing the 1 and 2 mile with no problem.

I am blessed with coordination, but you really don't have to have much to do any of her workout videos. If you can raise your hand and kick your leg at the same time you can do a Leslie Sansone video. I wouldn't start with the 3 mile first but you should have no problem getting to it. If you don't have this tape and want more of a challange than the 2 mile this will help you. It does repeat a lot of the moves she uses in ever other tape, but it works so why change it?

I ended up losing 10 pounds in 6 weeks without changing my eating habits (I eat my fair share of carbs!). I also lost 2 1/2 inces off my waist and some off my arms and legs. My hubby commented on how much difference he saw!

I own a collection of Leslie's work out programs, and this is one of my favorites! It's fast-paced, and I really work up a sweat. It targets all parts of your body, not just abs. The walkers are wearing the abs belt (which you have to buy separately). I don't have the belt, but use 3 lb. weights instead. It works just as well.

Both the music and the energetic group of walkers make the time fly by. It takes about 45 minutes to complete the 3 miles. Throughout the program, Leslie shows the meter at 1/2 mile increments so you can see how far you've gone.

As this is in a DVD format, I should be able to bypass the sales pitch for the abs belt in the beginning of the program and just get to the warm-up; however, you have to fast forward.

Although I agree with one reviewer here about the lack of menu control on the DVD, I also agree that it is one of the best programs I have ever used. I own the DVD which contains the 1-mile, 2-mile and 3-mile programs. For a beginner, the warmups and cool downs may not seem long enough (I solve the cool down problem by walking around the house slowly until the sweat stops dripping) but once you are conditioned, the warmup will be enough; otherwise, you could pause it and continue to walk in place until you feel you are sufficiently warmed up and then continue the tape. I think it is one of the most effective workouts out there. I especially love using the belt. It increases the challenge and really works well on my arms, back and breast/chest muscles. I haven't really noticed as much of an effect on my waist, hips and legs as I do on my arms and calves but I am sticking with this one because I feel that I will see results with continued use. I am firmer all over and have much more energy. It is not a speedy weight/inches loss program. It has been the most effective I have used since the Buns of Steel tapes of the late 80's/early 90's. I think the music has appropriate timing for whatever movement you are doing at the time and fun because it isn't music I would buy or listen to normally but works with this workout program. I don't mind Leslie's chatter. She loses count a little because of her talking but I don't mind. I like the way the walkers seem to be having fun and they are all attractive but not overly attractive, certainly not as unattractive as those in the awful Sexy & Fit After 40 program (had to sneak that in). Leslie interacts with each of the walkers. The tape shows varying degrees of fitness. Mostly they are all fit even if Jo appears to be a little heavy. It is a tape that I look forward to performing at least 5 nights a week. Leslie does a good job of demonstrating the moves before you perform them. The only error I find in her instructions is that she doesn't warn you from the beginning to pace yourself and not to attempt every move they do if you are not conditioned. Once you are conditioned and accustomed to the pace, you will want to move up in the miles. I am ready for 4 miles. I use this tape to prepare for the annual breast cancer walk. It really is a great tape. I did not give it a 5 because of the lack of menu control, Leslie not giving a warning early and often about pacing yourself. One other complaint I have applies to many exercise tapes and that is that there is not a list of accessories necessary to perform the routine. I did not see the outside rear of the box when I purchased this item and so wasn't aware of needing the belt before watching it the first time. I wouldn't pay $30 for one level of this program. I bought the 3 level DVD for $10. I bought the Bally belt for $8 plus shipping on Amazon. Great buy all around.

I got this DVD already prepared for the annoying chit chat. I was expecting the silly laugh and the nonsense discussion. It is a great workout, and I use hand weights instead of the belt. I am challenged and feel great afterward. It does not require too much space for movement, and it also has no fancy footwork.

The only thing I am upset with is the format of the DVD. I bought the DVD because I didn't want to have to fast forward to the spot I wanted - I wanted to have a menu or something...to be able to skip to the cool down if I wanted to finish before the end of the workout. Nope, still have to fast forward! No menu!! DVD in my opinion is nothing but a compact video tape. LOL...it is less bulky than the VHS, but I wanted the convenience of chapter selections. I also have to FF through the introductory material. If I'd have known this, I would have saved myself SEVERAL BUCKS and bought a VHS from the Amazon Marketplace. >:(

Incidentally, the Four Mile Express Super Challenge workout DVD, unfortunately, is the same way.

Anyway, the cruddy DVD format is why I gave 4 stars instead of 5. If storage space isn't an issue, there is no difference between the DVD and VHS.

I don't have the walk belt but really like this workout with handweights. This one has a great tempo and you really work up a sweat. I think this will be one of my favorite Leslie workouts.

I needed to find something to do indoors because I'm stuck at home with 2 young children or have to walk very slowly when I do go out with them. I considered buying a treadmill (expensive!), and thought I'd try this walking dvd instead. Am I ever glad I did!

I don't have the walk-away belt and bands which reviewers here said aren't really necessary. However, she does go on about HOW GREAT the belt is that I finally just went out and got a wide elasticized band to wear while doing the moves. Even without resistance bands, my arms get a real workout and I can feel my abdominal muscles working right along with everything else.

At no point am I gasping for breath, and the mile meter which says how far you are in the workout really does motivate you. This is a dvd that anyone can follow, and it's MUCH better than a walk around the neighbourhood (which is what I had always aimed to do before I became slowed down by my two little ones.)

This is definitely a keeper for me!

I have been using Leslie's Walk Away the Pounds Express II 4 mile walk tape (which I really have enjoyed) and was looking for something new when I discovered this tape. I think Leslie's queing has really improved. She still talks almost non-stop, but it's not as annoying as some of her other tapes. I used 2 lb weights (read too many stories about the belt not holding up well, so didn't get it) and really could feel this.

Collage Video catalogue rates this tape as intermediate. I have been exercising regularly for the last 3 years, and I have to say that this tape had me breathing hard by the end. A couple of the "regulars" who appear in almost all her tapes mentioned that it was "tough" for them too!

The music is good and loud enough to hear, unlike some of her previous tapes. Only she does tend to use the same songs over and over on her various tapes. There's at least one song on this one that is on her 2 Mile and 4 Mile Walk Off Weight Vol 2 and Vol 3 series. That's a little irritating.

It's fast paced and before you know it, you're done. It's a keeper.

I have some of Sansone's other tapes, but at times I get bored with them. This one, on the other hand, makes it a bit harder to get bored. The music is better--more upbeat and faster, maybe a little cheesy, but it makes the workout both more fun and more intense. The belt isn't my favorite, but I don't dislike it either. Haven't had any snapping problems yet as others have reported, but haven't had it long. Overall, good workout that doesn't get you too sweaty but does get you breathing harder and working those muscles.

I bought this DVD because I wanted to increase upper arm strength training with the cardio. I didn't buy her Walk and Tone belt; I just use 3# weights during those segments. She doesn't do as much of the strength training as her Walk Away the Pounds does with its hand weights, but it does kick the cardio up a notch during the segments. I can't quite agree with her statement that "just wearing the belt is already working the abs" - can't see the logic there. The resistance moves do require more holding in the abs to maintain core stability, but since there are only about 5 segments when the belt is used during the length of the workout, I don't feel using "abs" in the title is really justified. However, I do enjoy the workout, especially the speed walking section in the middle, and use this DVD 2-3 times a week for its cardio value.