Customer Reviews

Shaping Up With Weights for Dummies [VHS]

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I am a total novice when it comes to strength training. When I decided it was time to start lifting weights, I went out looking for a video I could use with ease. After buying, and not being able to keep up with, videos by Karen Voight and The Firm, I came across "Shaping Up With Weights for Dummies".

I have to admit, this tape is a God send for someone such as myself.

The instructor, Tracy York, was a good choice for this tape. Tracy, like the exercises themselves, is understated yet effective. Tracy talks non-stop throughout the video explaining in great depth how to execute each move properly and which muscles are impacted by the move. Without being too peppy, she explains strength training jargon and subtly encourages the viewer to hang in there through the burn.

There are 12 exercises in total. They are all moves you would be familiar with--squats, lunges, bicep curls, crunches, push-ups, etc etc. Both the lower and upper body get attention. Each exercise is done in two sets of 12 reps. You may think basic moves done in two sets may seem too simple. (I did.) But after the first few times I did this video, I was a bit sore the next day.

There is also just as much attention paid to stretching after each set as there is given to performing the set itself.

Like with the "for Dummies" books, this video includes little extras. Each move shows a brief split screen showing how to modify the move to either make it easier or more challenging. There are also quick blurbs that pop up as the viewer is doing the sets offering good form reminders, common-sense health tips and fitness myths demystified.

Overall, I believe, this is an excellent tape for the beginner who needs to build up proper form and skill.

However, this tape does have it's flaws.

While the thorough explanations of each move are essential, the long-winded verbal instruction gets really annoying really fast. After the first few times, and after I had grasped everything Tracy was saying, I found myself jogging in place for a good 2-3 minutes and getting really impatient while I waited for her to move on to the next move. There is just too much chatter in between exercises.

Once you get through establishing proper form, and once you get through doing one or two practice reps, the set begins and progresses rather quickly. This waiting and waiting between sets and then rushing through the sets leaves the workout feeling completely disjointed and lacking in flow.

Because the workout is so basic, I can easily see myself, after I memorize each move, doing this workout on my own and at my own pace without the video. And this goal allows me to forgive all that is lacking with this video. It does effectively teach all that one needs to get started in strength training. I couldn't ask for anything more.

As an instructional video, it is exceptional. As a workout video, it is lacking.

This is a typical "Dummy" approach - friendly, unintimidating yet containing a complete introduction to the fundamentals of weight training, You are shown 12 exercises - most use barbells to enhance the experience. Alternate (easier) positions are provided for the out of shape participant. Like the book format - warnings, noteworthy points, common misunderstandings are included to observe while you are working out. I feel confident that I am using the most efficient approach to weight training. Tracy's enthusiam and expertise are both obvious.

I wanted to incorporate weight training into my weight loss adventure but had no clue how to do that. I have read no books or anything on the subject. This video gives the basics that you need to get started and works at a slow pace so you can keep up. Tracy is motivating without being too peppy and pushy. I have been using this video twice a week for several weeks and can already tell a difference in my body and the way I move. Certain every day movements I used to find difficult are becoming much easier. If you're looking for something for beginners that won't make you feel like a loser, this is the video for you. It's excellent!

This is the first exercise video I've ever purchased. I bought it when going to the gym became inconvenient. The workout covers the major muscle groups and the exercises are effective. I feel like I could use this for quite a while. I wouldn't have believed it before, but having an enthusiastic, friendly person, even if only on a tape, really makes me want to do it more. I could do the routine without the tape, but I like the company. I'm not sure the stretches are as effective as others might be, and I substitute some different stretches between exercises. Overall, I'm really pleased for $... . Maybe it should be a 5, but I don't have anything to compare it to.

I think this tape has a lot of potential as the instructions are good and clear. Unfortunately once you have watched it 2 or 3 times the insturctions and demo's seem to take forever and become very annoying and you then realize why the title "For Dummies". What would have been perfect is if they had the instructionals and then at the end maybe had a section where she just ran thru the sets w/o all the instructions as you would do them in a normal routine and then you could skip to that, or put it at the beginning. This video is only good for maybe 4 or 5 workouts, after that it is way tooooo time consuming for 12 exercises (45 minutes).

I'm a middle age woman in reasonable shape. I walk an hour a day, several days a week. I wanted to add weight lifting to my exercise routine. Kathy Smith tape was too energetic & fast paced for me. So I got this "dummies" video from the library. It seemed more instructive & moved at a pace I preferred. I finally broke down & bought the video. At first I thought I'd fast forward through the stretch exercises in between the weight lifting exercises, but I soon realized how great the stretch exercises were so that I didn't wear myself out by the time I finished. I love the thoroughness of the tape, exercising all muscle groups, and the instructor's all around style is subtle but effect & I liked her explaining what muscles are worked in each exercise. I buy very few tapes, but I recommend this one!

This video stresses form, which makes lifting more difficult. I can feel this more than using the weight machines at the gym. There are a lot of guidelines on keeping your lifting safe. After a few times through, I don't need the video any more but it was a great learning experience.

I'm 37 and and out of shape, in the low 200s. I usually shy away from "for dummies" products. The exercises are good, the instruction is good, the music is good, and she's NOT too cute or too perky. Using this video 2-3 times / week (alternating with cardio) for a month now I can see and feel a difference, and have increased weight on half the exercises. It feels like a "made by women for women" product. Modifications are offered for beginning and advancing. It's worth paying full price for (my highest compliment). Includes warm up and streching, also.

This is an excellent workout for beginners because each exercise is explained carefully and the importance of proper positioning is emphasized. I have used this program for three months and have developed noticeable definition in my muscles, especially in the arms! I've been able to move up in weights and can definitely feel my body growing stronger! It's a wonderful feeling!

This is an excellent video for learning the proper techniques that you can then later use with other videos (after you outgrow this video).