Customer Reviews

The Lotte Berk Method: Basic Essentials, High Round Assets, Hip Hugger Abs, Muscle Eats Fat [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

These are four half hour workouts which all include a warmup and final stretch as well as scattered stretches. Basic essentials and Muscle eats fat are both full body workouts - the others are part specific - as implied by their names. Nice intro to the Lotte Berk method, may be beginner oriented but with focus will remain a challenge for quite a while. There are similarities to Callanetics (Callan had apparently studied the method) and Pilates but they are only similariites - this is quite unique - more total body and standing work than Pilates, more varied and fun than Callanetics. Recommended

The Lotte Berk videos are based on some of the most challenging exercise classes out there. I took classes at their NYC studio four years ago for a few months out of dire curiousity, but had to stop because it is {spendy} . The classes will change your body if you are consistent, more than pilates. I am a former dancer, and I know this is the most intense yet safe workout one can do. Of course I had to buy the videos.

The videos are terrific. Great production, gorgeous physiques, no annoying voices or jokes, good music, clean set, and easy to follow. The exercises are mostly isometric, with small, pulsing movements. You have to keep going long after your body starts to feel the burn. You may shake. And you FEEL it working. There are lots of stretches to keep the muscles long and to help lessen soreness. So why the four stars? Two reasons: First of all, when you take the classes, the instructor gets on you to not let go. You never can cheat--it's like having a personal trainer in a group class. That's why it's worth the money. They really don't let you get away with anything (I could barely walk down the stairs after the beginner classes and I am very fit). At home, it's hard to work yourself that relentlessly. Even if you are capable of that, the exercises can be subtle, and hard to really grasp. Someone who doesn't quite know what they are doing could think it is too easy and lose the benefits. Trust me, it isn't easy if you get it. The other problem is the tapes are too short. The real classes are an hour--these tapes shorten the length of each exercise section, and the number of reps. So if you get it and are capable of pushing yourself, you are still not getting the total experience. The classes make your muscles shake and make you have to concentrate so hard that you are totally unable to be "out to lunch." And unlike boot camp and all that, the exercises are orthopedic and well-considered. You are unlikely to injure yourself; you can do these at any age.

The Lotte Berk videos are really fabulous--I just want more. I hope they put out some longer tape...

The Lotte Berk videos are based on some of the most challenging exercise classes out there. I took classes at their NYC studio four years ago for a few months out of dire curiousity, but had to stop because [of the cost]. The classes will change your body if you are consistent, more than pilates. I am a former dancer, and I know this is the most intense yet safe workout one can do. Of course I had to buy the videos.

The videos are terrific. Great production, gorgeous physiques, no annoying voices or jokes, good music, clean set, and easy to follow. The exercises are mostly isometric, with small, pulsing movements. You have to keep going long after your body starts to feel the burn. You may shake. And you FEEL it working. There are lots of stretches to keep the muscles long and to help lessen soreness. So why the four stars? Two reasons: First of all, when you take the classes, the instructor gets on you to not let go. You never can cheat--it's like having a personal trainer in a group class. That's why it's worth the money. They really don't let you get away with anything (I could barely walk down the stairs after the beginner classes and I am very fit). At home, it's hard to work yourself that relentlessly. Even if you are capable of that, the exercises can be subtle, and hard to really grasp. Someone who doesn't quite know what they are doing could think it is too easy and lose the benefits. Trust me, it isn't easy if you get it. The other problem is the tapes are too short. The real classes are an hour--these tapes shorten the length of each exercise section, and the number of reps. So if you get it and are capable of pushing yourself, you are still not getting the total experience. The classes make your muscles shake and make you have to concentrate so hard that you are totally unable to be "out to lunch." And unlike boot camp and all that, the exercises are orthopedic and well-considered. You are unlikely to injure yourself; you can do these at any age.

The Lotte Berk videos are really fabulous--I just want more. I hope they put out some longer tapes! If you ever get to New York City (or Bridgehampton or Greenwich, Conn.) try to take a class. They make all first timers take a beginner class, but I assure you, it will be one of the hardest workouts you ever do.

I ordered the tapes after seeing them in a magazine. I've used them three times now and can really feel my muscles tightening up. I am the type who always says I'll start exercising on Monday and do it for 2 days and quit because it always takes so long. With these tapes, they are each only 30 minutes so you can only do one a day if you want but the 30 minutes seems to go by so fast you will be doing 2 or 3 tapes per day. I like the fact that they tell you to stop and shake it off if it is gettig to be too much for you...which it sometimes can be at first. You definately will find yourself yelling when you have to hold a pose and you will definately find you muscles shaking...but that's when you know it is working. I could hardly move after the first day but it gets easier. It would be good if they would put out a little bit more advanced tapes because I do think you could get bored with these ones after a while and will feel like you need more of a workout.

I am so impressed with the creative, innovative exercises presented in these tapes. While the tapes are only 30 minutes long, they are perfect for a quick workout before the day gets started. The warm-up is quick and the tapes get you right into the exercises. I can feel a difference in muscle tone in my arms, abs, glutes and legs after only a few days of following the tapes.

The arm exercises in "Muscle Eats Fat" require light weights to be most effective. All tapes require a piece of furniture (like a chair) for balance, but they show you how to use the wall for balance.

I recommend buying the whole set of 4 tapes because they are all good and well worth the money. You can rotate through the 4 tapes on a daily basis and not get too sore.

I, too, would like to see a longer version of each tape, but you will get a terrific workout with this set of tapes.

I can't say enough about these videos! I work full time and go to school so I want a video that is going to make the most of my time. These are it. My buns were sore the first time I used it and I've seen a difference in only three workouts. They are relaxing and challenging and NOT cheesy. If you are busy and need a workout that is quick an effective- try Lotte Berk !!!!

I have always been the biggest work out [body] wimp in the world. I am famous for buying work out videos that i never use or use once. The ones i force myself to do i have usually hated. Other videos that i have kept up never seem to show any results.

Not so with the Lotte Berk Method. They work you hard (for a beginner) are accessible on all levels. I was hopelessly out of shape and inflexible but i could do these exercises. The best part was i got results FAST. THEY EVEN GET RID OF BACK FAT! They work all the female trouble areas. I think i may finally be getting a butt, not a sack of potatoes. My arms look fabulous, no more jiggle! ok u get the point. I felt the exercises working and actually began to look forward to working out and pushing myself. Ive gotten all my friends doing it. My friends who go to the gym a lot or have personal trainers said this works them far more than their usual exercise. We all have felt and SEEN results quickly. I have more energy, am a supprising amount stronger, and am more flexible from these tapes. Yet it just doesnt seem that hard to get through. (ok it kicked my butt the first time) I just cant rave enough about them. For those more experienced the benefit is primarily in improving firmness in trouble areas and improving balance and coordination. It also works muscles usually missed by normal workouts as my in-shape friends have commented that they feel these simple routines far more than they would have expected.

The tapes also arnt annoying or likely to become outdated quickly from flashy gimicy fads that are in many videos. Music, setting, and outfits are not obnoxious and the DVD versions are easy to navigate. Instructors are great, they dont yell at you and arn't fake peppy or hyper. They are calm, and actually instructive, not like the air heads in many videos. Even in muscle eats fat where i spent the first few times through cussing at her because every exercise was her favorite.

Only flaw is I want more tapes at higher levels! These can only take you so far.

I recommend these tapes for beginners who hate to work out and also for older people and those with injuries who need a gentle but effective workout.
In addition, for those who need to burn many calories I would recommend a cardio work out in addition these exercises which improve flexibility and tone but serious calorie burning always requires more active exercises. However, I think this is a good way to start even these exercises as it improves strength and endurance.

I have tried many exercise tapes over the years. Trying to be consistent with one is a challenge. I love everything about the Lotte Berk method of exercise. The instructors are very thorough, the music is very upbeat (makes you want to rock) and i find myself screaming in agony, but it's a good thing because you know it is working. I actually do two videos back to back because i want to get a hour workout. I'm even thinking about investing in a ballet barre to get the most out of my workout. I've only been doing these workouts for the past week and i can't wait until i can do the workout all the way through without stopping. I love these tapes and am so glad i purchased them. These definitely are keepers for me and I will do these videos faithfully.

I wasn't sure whether or not I should give four or five stars but ended up with five because the tapes are really wonderful. I used to do Lotte Berk three or four times a week as I lived right around the corner from their New York studio. After the first class, they told me to try ten classes and if my body did not change, then I shouldn't continue. Well, my body visibly improved after ten classes and I continued. I was in fabulous shape. Unfortunately, I left the US 8 years ago and certainly can't find Lotte Berk in France. Barbara's shape (she teaches Muscle Eats Fat), by the way, is at least as good as it was eight years ago (she looks fabulous) while mine has deteriorated quite a bit despite doing lots of Pilates (which is good but not nearly as good as LB). I was thrilled to find the tapes. Only complaint - there should be a tape/dvd for intermediates and also I really wish that they could put together a one hour or one hour and fifteen minute class (or classes)so that one could get something resembling their intermediate classes that they teach at their studio. The tapes can never replace the classes that they teach at the studio but I for one would pay a lot of money for a few one hour intermediate Lotte Berk classes on tape or dvd.

Finally! I no longer have to travel to NYC for the best workout I have ever come across. It delivers exactly what it advertises: Long lean muscles! The best!!