Customer Reviews

8 Minute Abs & Arms

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a good *toner* and the speaker even calls it a toner. You can definitely expect to lose and shape with this program but do not expect to build with it. If everyone did the routine, America wouldn't have the bad rep it has as far as average fitness goes.

The good stuff: it's based on sound techniques, it works and doesn't damage your lower back. Now that should be enough but I'll babble a bit more. With the DVD, you get three worthwhile programs: stretch, abs and arms. The other programs are pretty much worthless filler (with one exception). The constant movement even offers a *mild* cardio workout. Converting the program to build wouldn't be all that tough. The abs routine would just require more reps and a couple of weights. The arms routine needs a set of dumb bells that would allow working each group to failure and a few sets. So, for the arms, figure 3 sets of 8 minutes and then another six minutes for all the bell changes.

Now, for the bad stuff: music - bad; dialog (i.e. "Ok, gang") - cheesy, enthusiasm of two support people - they look bored and, in their defense, they are bored. She gets modified push ups and no weights and he gets, what looks like, 5 pound dumb bells.... pulleeeze.

I have used this tape everyday now for the past 2 months. I have seen results. It is a great tape to work out with, because you can go at your own pace. Also, there is a constant flow of movement. Therefore, if you need to take a break, you do less of one exercise, but don't miss out on the entire routine. My mom even started doing it with me. There are various levels that she was able to work at. Try it for yourself, you will get a lot out of these exercises. For abs each exercise is 45 seconds and for arms each is 30 seconds. Although it is a continious 8 minutes in rotation. Try it! You'll LOVE it!

I bought this primarily because of the reviews I read here and the fact that exercise DVS are still a rarity (love DVD format). I was skeptical because I thought "How am I going to tone my big fat stomach in 8 minutes a day?" Well my friends this WORKS. I am already seeing a difference in 3 weeks. What's more, the video, while challenging, is easy to follow. I hate it when the exercises are so complicated that I am not sure if I am even doing the exercises correctly. You will have no problem following these. I had bad lower back pain when I began this program and it is just about gone now. My Doc gave me a sheet of back exercises to do, but I never wanted to do them. As a bonus, there are some cool bonus workouts including a 20 minute kick boxing workout done by a tough navy seal looking dude. Boyfriend thought that was cool. I bought the "8 minute workout" DVD set that includes butt, abs, arms, legs, etc. It wasn't much more money just to get everything at once. I have to try the other workouts and will report to you!

I really enjoy this DVD. A few years ago, I bought 8 minute abs on video cassette and used it until the tape wore out. The video was just 8 minutes of ab work and that was it. I pretty much had the 8 minutes down, but after my tape broke I realized I needed the (albeit cheesy) motivation of the intructor making me do the movements for eight minutes. I am so glad I went ahead and replaced the video with this DVD. I really enjoy the arm workout and the bonus workouts too. The abs workout is pretty intense, even after all of these years. The good thing about it is that it is very concentrated and efficient. After just 8 minutes I feel more toned than with other ab videos that might last up to 30 minutes. The arm workout is good too, although I think it focuses mostly on shoulders, which is fine, especially if you alternate with other arm programs. It is a little silly that they have the woman doing the movements with no weights and the big men using 5 pounders and 15 oz tomato cans. I generally use 15 to 5 pounds for the arm exercises and because it is 8 minutes, it feels very rushed. You have to be ready to switch weights fast or go light. Still it is a great way to do something good for yourself in a very short time. There is an 8 minute stretch routine on this DVD which is a good warm up and easy even for people who aren't very flexible. I was also pleasantly surprised with the "bonus" workouts. These are really just excerpts from other people's workouts, as an advertisement, but they are good too. I have this DVD in my sometimes temperamental computer and I like the fact that I can use it for cardio without having to switch to a different disc. There is a 20 minute kick boxing routine done by a HUGE person. I don't know a lot about kickboxing, but this routine is still fun to try and works up a sweat. There is a 20 minute aerobics routine that looks like it came straight out of the 80's with big bangs and shiny tights, but it is a great leg and thigh workout. It is set up so you can do the whole 15-20 minutes together or divide it into 5 minute circuits.

This DVD gives you a lot of options and you can get a total body workout very efficiently.

I am amazed at how fast I am seeing results just after 4 days of using this tape, and the buns and legs tape. Although I am thin, I bought this tape to tone my body. It is excellent. It is so motivating to know that you are done in only 16-17 minutes for the abs and arms part, the time it takes me just to get to the gym. I am comfortable in my own living room, wear whatever I want, and listen to good music that is not blasting in my ears. I started with 3lb weights, but quickly moved to 5 lbs to make it a bit more challenging. The instructors are actually motivating, and will make you laugh. I like the fact that there is a clock so that you can see how much is left in 30 to 45 second segments. That is it- it is easy to continue the move when you know that only 10 seconds are left. A couple pointers- DO NOT STOP IN BETWEEN THE ABS AND ARMS WORKOUTS. Continue on, because it is easy to just bag the second workout later if you stop. Secondly, THERE SHOULD BE NO EXCUSES- IT IS ONLY 8 MIN LONG. Third, PAY ATTENTION TO THE MOVES AND BODY POSITION AS THIS WILL ONLY ENHANCE AND CHALLENGE YOU EACH DAY. Fourth, BE PATIENT. I started seeing results in 1 week. I use this when I come home from work, and know when I go to bed, that I have done something for my body every day.

This DVD is very effective for working out specific areas, namely the abs and arms. The time flies by quickly and I would say the level of the workouts is moderate. I like the fact that it has an 8 minute stretch section, but I only use it every once in a while. I agree with another reviewer that the other sections are useless filler. I do the abs every day, and the arms every other day in rotation with another workout DVD I have. I DO NOT like the music but once I start the exercises I hardly notice it. Also, sometimes when you are doing the exercises you will notice that the people in the DVD are not in sync and that can put you off a bit. However, you will definitely see results with this DVD, and I recommend it whole-heartedly.

I often think I should do an information for this workout series! I have been using this DVD for almost 2 months and have seen amazing results. Within the first month I began to notice my arms really take shape. I walk around telling people I know to "touch my triceps"! I have had the same results with the ab workout. I'm amazed that 8 minutes a day can make such a change in your body. These workouts are perfect for someone who doesn't have the time to get to the gym every day, or even 3 times a week. I can do my arms in the morning before I head to work and do my abs when I get home. Who doesn't have 8 or even 16 minutes every day that they can workout and see such great results. I recommend this series to everyone.

There is no denying that these workouts really work. After a while you not only see the difference but you feel it to. It feels great to run the workout and see how much more you can do than when you first started.
I'll agree that the music can become grating after a while, but I've learned to just turn down the volume on the TV and put the radio on when I'm working out. After a while you pretty much learn the routine, so a couple of glances at the TV and you can keep up.
But this DVD is definitely worth it. Not only do you get a great workout for your ALL of your arms and ALL of your abs, but the bonus workouts and stretching are also effective.
I highly recommend this DVD, as well as the Buns & Legs.

I've been doing the workout for 2 weeks. My husband has even noticed a difference in my stomach area! It's great, it's fast & it's to the point. Perfect. I'm also enjoying the 8 minute stretch that is a bonus to the DVD. I don't usually write reviews but this was a must. You won't regret it.

This is a great workout for people like me who never seem to have enough time to do a full workout. In only 8 minutes you complete a full ab or arms workout. The dvd also includes some extra features like a 20 minute kickboxing exercise which is really good also. Plus it gives you some stretching exercises as well as some exercising tips. I highly recommend this dvd for anyone who wants a good workout, but doesn't have alot of time.