Customer Reviews

Lotte Berk Method For Beginners - Muscle Eats Fat

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The Lotte Berke Method is a non-traditional type of toning developed by a dancer of the same name. It emphasizes the creation of long, lean (not bulky) muscles through the use of small, precise movements, and it has inspired similar methods such as Callanetics and The Bar Method; this particular video is very similar to TBM Designer Sculpting.

In MUSCLE EATS FAT, the focus is on whole-body toning. The workout begins with a warm-up, a type of high-legged marching in place, and includes simple stretches. The first section targets the arms using light weights. The movement are similar to traditional toning (eg, bicep curls and tricep extensions) but are made unique by both the preciseness of each movement as well as the use of the "Lotte Berk tuck," an isometric stance which works the legs while working the upper body. The arm section finishes on the floor with some tough plank moves which also work the buttocks.

The leg work comes next; although the moves are displayed using a ballet barre, a sturdy, high-backed chair works fine. These exercises clearly derive from ballet and really target the thigh muscles. Again, the Lotte Berk tuck is used to increase the work on both the legs and the hip area. The final exercises for the lower body are done on a mat using the signature Lotte Berk movement, Knee Dancing--again, you will really FEEL this in your thighs. The workout ends with a final stretch, although in the Lotte Berk Method, stretches are also woven throughout following each strength move.

The video is led by three Lotte Berk certified instructors. The main instructor, Barbara, looks amazing for her age, which she says is close to 50. She's a bit goofy in her comments (eg, repeatedly saying "did you feel that?" and "I love this workout!"), but she provides good information and cuing. The remaining two instructors do not speak, but one shows modifications. The Lotte Berk Method is great for all exercisers who are looking for a different but challenging strength workout, including those at a beginning level; for full-body toning, this is a very good workout.

We all know who the irreverent Lotte Berk was and that she designed these deceptively simple work-outs to help herself get back into shape after a paralyzing car accident. Lydia Bach brought the Method to the U.S. where other programs were spun off (Callanetics, The Bar Method, Core Fusion, etc) These are the originals and these gals are serious about sculpting and reshaping your body. I know there are a few comments regarding snob appeal and snootiness but I honestly did not detect any of that from the instructors. They seem genuinely involved and invested in getting you to understand the Method and do it correctly. Not all of the instructors appear comfortable as background exercisers but each as the lead instructor is absolutely confident in what she's doing.

So. Having babbled all that, here we go. (I do tend to compare them to The Bar Method and that instructor Burr Leonard, which is where *I* started so indulge me.)

These workouts are approximately 30 minutes each and the time flew. You are working hard right away. There is no easing in.

Muscle Eats Fat is led by the most advanced instructor, Barbara. She is 49 and incredibly strong and shapely. Her waist must be 16" honestly. Really.

There were a couple of exercises you know from Bar Method and Callanetics, such as the tuck work at the barre; however, the instructor really explains what she's doing and why what you're doing is important. She also explains why the stretch after each exercise is crucial. While Burr has us gently tucking while doing the arm exercises, this chick has you intensely tucking while each time, asking you to bend your knees and lower yourself a few more inches with each set. So you are tucking, holding hard and periodically dipping a bit lower ALL THE WHILE working the arms with weights. They're light weights but by the second set, you're trembling and shaking (and taking her name in vain, lol)

The only issue I had here (and what prevented me from giving her five full stars) is the commentary during the arm work. She wasn't on beat while she was counting and some of her "encouragement" was distracting. You grow accustomed to it and after a while it doesn't bother anymore at all. Her personality does grow on you because you can tell that she really wants you to understand what you're doing and why so that you do it properly and don't waste time. She gives more reminders than Burr and she points out where you should be feeling the work. But initially, to be honest, you just wish she'd shut up so you can scream and curse in peace.

There is an exercise called The Plank (and if you do Yoga, you're already very familiar with it but in Yoga, you go down much lower and hold just an inch off the ground.) and what makes it so difficult is that you're lifting the opposite leg and raising and lowering it while keeping your abs pulled in and your weight balanced on your arms. It looks like a full-blown push-up but you're on your forearms rather than your hands. Very challenging, very tough, very effective.

The knee dancing, according to the instructor, is the key to the workout. It seemed very challenging and did make me laugh, unlike Burr's knee dancing and marshmallow punching. I didn't initally like sitting on my heels and this bothered me at first but by the third set, I was pretty well stretched and it actually was kind of fun. Now (I've been doing Lotte Berk since 5.13.05) I can sit easily on my heels and I'm far more flexible now. I can do the knee dancing easily. I'm still winded and grateful for the respites but I don't think I'm going to fall over the way I did at first.

The stretches, she reminds you are not for relaxation but for elongation and you do stretch each and every time. There are three instructors and one does a modification for beginners. This workout was exhausting but in a completely relaxed and gratifying way. You understand what I mean, lol. You feel as if you have worked every muscle in your body but you're strangely calmed and refreshed at the same time. Not sure how they accomplish this mind/body/spirit relaxation and serene reaction to the workout but they do it marvelously.

The Bonus Blasts are kick-your-bum tough. In *all* of them, particularly this one.

I've changed my body to the point at which people in my office are asking me what I'm doing.They don't want to do the work, though. People always expect a quick fix and when I explain the workout, I can see the disappointment in their eyes. BUT, if I'd known how difficult these exercises were initially, I wouldn't have done it either. But I'm glad that I didn't know because this program is outstanding. What Burr Leonard began in The Bar Method, this program finishes with a lithe and strong body. My goal is Labor Day and I know I'll be in my tiny goal size because I've already dropped to an 8 (I'm 5'9").

I wholeheartedly give it a thumbs up. BUT be warned: it's tough, it's challenging and you will work very hard. But the body you create is well worth it. I promise.

Like any exercise, if you don't focus, this workout can be pretty easy (if you're already in reasonable shape--if not, prepare to sweat and quiver!). But if you really establish your foundation like the instructor says (on this one and all the Lotte Berk DVDs), you'll know full well why dancers look like willow trees--you're working those muscles harder than you have ever done before. I'm a big yoga exerciser and tried Pilates for a few years, but I get bored with Pilates since all my instructors take themselves so SERIOUSLY as if it were some dictatorial, overly pious religion. Lotte Berk's method is simply more FUN. You work like a dog and, by doing the regular program and adding the "bonus blast" program you'll be shaking...a good thing. Really pay attention to how they tell you to set up, just like you would in yoga and Pilates, and you'll protect your joints, spine, and truly get the most out of these exercises. If you just go through the motions, you'll not get much out of it. Try it...the Method is a great complement to running or your other exercise. If this is your only exercise, do it every day instead of once or twice a week, and you'll see a big difference within a few weeks. Really!

I have been searching for a short, challenging, effective and fun workout for the last year that would help me get back in shape, and strengthen my knees, back and abs. I am a long time fan of "The Firm" tapes, however my old favorites are now just too long (60 mins.) and too intense for me to use. This Lotte Berk DVD is just what I was looking for: two different segments, a beginner and an advanced, 30 mins. long. This video remind me of the intense modern dance exercises I did in college. One thing to note is that the exercises only LOOK easy as you watch them being done, but, they are challenging! After using this just once, I could feel my "dancer's legs" trying to make a comeback...and It felt great!!! My back and knees must be getting stronger -- because they don't ache anymore! I highly recommend this DVD. I have already ordered a second in this series and I can hardly wait to try it out!

I really like this workout. It's pretty effective. She's very good at explaining what she wants. The emphasis on stretching is really nice. The workout's not terribly long (30 min?) It feels pretty reasonable. There's no real aerobic component. Lots of weights/toning and stretching.

The instructor is very good. My favorite part is when she says (in this serious guru-diva voice): Stretching is NOT relaxation... Its's elongation. Cracks me up! But I'm easily amused.

One small warning:
If you have knee problems, this might not be the video for you. Most of the exercises have an obvious dance like origin. If you can't comfortably bend your knees, you won't be able to do the lower body section, and if you can't sit on your heels (legs completely bent at the knees), you won't be able to do the Hip Dancing(?) section. This being said, I have somewhat sensitive knees; the instructor talks about how not to injure one's knees when she's doing the lower body excercises; and I've suffered no ill effects.

All in all: I love this workout, and I'm considering buying more of this type.

I found Lotte Berk by accident and thought I'd give it a try. I really like the format. There are three "demonstrators" showing advanced, intermediate, and beginner variations. The workout goes very quickly as the exercises are very concentrated and there aren't a lot of reps. They are very effective and do work I have found.

I have a short attention span. Period. After twenty minutes, I'm in my own world. I adore Callanetics, but the workout is an hour long and one's mind (namely mine) starts to go elsewhere.
The Lotte Berk Method is extremely effective, and after two weeks I noticed a difference in my strength and ability in my own dance. When added to the others in the series, it's an excellent workout. It may not seem like much at first, but if you TRULY concentrate on what you're doing, tucking, and holding that stomach in, in perfect form, it's amazing what this video can do.
I recommend the DVD version due to the blast at the end.
The only thing that prevented me from giving this 5 stars is that there should be a little bit more of a safety warning about knee dancing, as well as an alternative for those who may have had previous knee or thigh injury.

I LOVE this vid! It's so much fun to work out to (Barbara is an excellent instructor, I love her little "I don't mean to be a nag, but..."), and really effective too. I've been belly dancing for over twelve years now, so my thigh muscles are pretty developed from that, plus hula for the last year, and these exercises still feel like they work your legs. I also do Pilates to give me some calm workout time, so I guess I'm already in good shape. Now for more critical analysis:
1. Warm-up: Knee-chest lifts. This seems to be the primary Lotte Berk warm-up, and it does get your blood pumping if you've been sitting all day. Not bad.
2. Upper body: The tricep extension is the only one that felt like it did anything for my upper arms, to be perfectly honest, but I lift weights so my biceps are pretty well-developed as is. Still, for someone who does this as their only workout, I think it should give you enough to get definition.
3. Lower body: If you don't already have strong thigh muscles, this will give 'em to you! Definitely strengthening.
4. Knee Dancing: This wasn't much for me, if you've ever done floorwork in belly dancing you'll think this is easy, but I liked the segment anyway.
5. Shape by stretch. Nice ending to the workout, and like the instructors say, don't skip the stretch section!

Overall this video is worth the money. I quite enjoyed it and will keep going with it. I'm easily bored but I love doing this workout. And like I said, I love the instructor. Good video! Buy it!

All 4 of the Lotte Berk dvd's are worth their weight in gold. Though they're aimed at beginners, I've been using them for over 2 years now, and still get superb results. That's because the toning work is isometric, so you can continue to work harder as you get stronger. Also, you get better at positioning, and understanding how to make the exercises work, thus giving better results. I also enjoy the fact that the workout is only 30 min long.

This is the only one in the set that begins with light weights for the upper body, rather than push-ups & tricep dips. so on days when my wrists are bothering me, I chose this one. If you have any foot issues, wear shoes during the first part of the workout until you've completed the planks -- you'll be up on the toes of one foot while you raise the other foot.

The instructor in this one is the "elder statesman" of the group, and does a great job. She says she's close to 50, and she looks terrific. She's personally engaging and precise in her instruction. Both workout and instructor get an A++++++++.

I try to do this work out every day. The instructure says "In ten days you will feel the difference, and in twenty days you will see the difffence." It has been about 8 days that I have used the dvd and I can already see flatter abs and thighter thighs. The moves are easy to do but challenging depending on how low you can perform the moves. I love it. I know if I do more cardio I would see faster results but I am very happy with the results I already see. Knee - Dancing is the best! I burns soo good and makes you legs shake. I wish I could go take classes at the actual studio. The instructure is very good at what she does.I plan on buying Hip Hugger Abs and The Basic Essentials DVD also.