Customer Reviews

Trainer's Edge - Cardio Interval Training with Petra Kolber

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Sure, the title is misleading. This workout should be called circuit training because it's a combination of cardio and weights. Nonetheless, I love this workout! It is fun and effective in a short amount of time. You can make the moves harder by exaggerating your moves and using heavier weights. Even though you use weights, I would still consider this a cardio workout since the weight segments are too short anyway. This workout is suited for beginners/intermediates. As with most exercise videos, there is always a way if you want to add more intensity - MODIFY!

I have been an avid exerciser for 15 years, doing a lot of the Firm Videos. As I'm getting older, and my joints are getting more sensitive, I've been looking for a tape to get my heart rate up and really provide a good workout. This one is it! The Cardio is excellent and well cued and the balance and core work along with a little yoga thrown in is a great bonus. I can't recommend this tape strongly enough. Good going Petra!

Exceptionally well-cued, it includes both faster-slower cardio intervals and short toning segments. This gives you a good chance to catch your breath. You will burn fat for sure. You will need 2 to 5 lb. dumbbells for the toning and you'll need lots of energy for the aerobic portions. I like this kind of routine where you do intervals. This is what tempted me to buy this and I'm not sorry for doing so. Petra is a good instructor who knows her stuff and you'll love this I know.

I wanted a cardio session without any step routines and I got it. Love it!

It is very much like doing a session at the health club. ^_^ VERY fun but please be aware...the moves are quick and you must learn the routines quickly. She's got charisma and the upbeat music that is worthy of my fitness library. She is also realistic when it comes to our body's state each day. So there are three strength levels that you may choose from....I will leave it at that...buy the DVD.

I recently had read about how Interval Training was a very effective way to keep your heart healthy, but I didn't own any exercise equipment (you know, the kind you see at the gyms with the interval training option), so I stubbled across this video at the library. I REALLY like it. It truly is an interval training workout. She gets your heart rate up slowly, makes it work hard for a "power burst" of one minute and then slows you back down just to repeat it all over again several times. GREAT concept, and FANTASTIC workout. A true interval trainer's dream!

HOWEVER, if you are not very coordinated or you aren't naturally inclined to learn workout "routines" then you may want to look elsewhere for a good workout. This video moves fast, so if can't learn steps quickly then you may just get frustrated that you bought it.

Petra Kolber's Cardio Interval Training reinforces my admiration for Petra and her professionalism. What really attracts me to her style is that they are simple, easy but very effective. It gives you an instant fix, as well as a sense of well being which is just fabulous! My arms and legs are now more toned, without ugly bulky muscles. The shape the workout gives you is just really sexy, not over, not under - healthy, but still feminine of course that is, if you do her workout at least 3 times a week. Of course I do other workout still, like Petra's Sweat Factory which are faster, but I see the different shape I have since I started this new DVD. Congratultaions Petra! I'm a die hard fan and you still loook ever so wonderful!!

This DVD is fun, a pretty decent workout (advanced beginner - intermediate) and a good time (40 mins) for days when you don't have an hour or so to spare. I really liked the trainer, though you need to know something of form yourself as she doesn't say much about it, and the workout is over before you know it. I didn't find it confusing, but then I work out to DVDs every day - I just enjoyed myself. I have to say, I have NO IDEA what the weights parts are doing there: they are far, far too short to do anything really except give more variety to the moves - which I guess is okay. I liked the 10 minute bonus DVD feature of a Baron Baptiste yoga workout too; of course, I know it's really an advert but it provides a nice stretch for after this workout. I'm English, and don't like the over-peppiness of some American programmes - this verges on the annoying but doesn't get there as Petra is really likeable. Recommended.

I had a lot of Petra's VHS and just love her (Dance Step should be put on DVD, by the way). She is easy to follow, encouraging and positive, but not annoying. The program definitely gives you a good workout - and you can vary how intense you want to go. Although I am not an exercise fanatic (age 38, working mother) I would have liked more weight training. Overall, I like it.

I recently rented this video before purchasing. After doing the workout, I'm glad I didn't spend the $18 to buy it, although it was a nice change to my routine.
To start with the positive, Petra and her two assistants are real looking women. Not overly made up, and not in super tight spandex. They look like average women you would see anywhere-which I find refreshing! Petra is chatty, but not overly perky or condescending. During the minute long cardio bursts, Petra and her assistants provide three levels of activity, which is nice for personalizing the workout.
Now for the negative-other than the 3 or 4 cardio bursts, this wasn't much of an aerobic workout, even for a beginner like me! The video begins with little to no warm up (which at this pace, wasn't needed anyhow!). 2-3 minutes into the workout, and poor Petra is literally dripping with sweat (remember, I said she was real looking!), while my heartrate hasn't even gone up yet! The strength routines which follow the cardio bursts, are barely worth doing. Not enough reps, not enough variety of moves. Also, if you are a little uncoordinated, like me, some of the dance-y moves during the aerobic and cardio bursts may be a little difficult to keep up with.
This may be a good workout for those days where you aren't feeling very energetic, otherwise, I'd suggest renting this and trying it out for yourself before buying!

I am truly disappointed with it. It definitely did not feel like an interval training . Ok maybe she had 3 one min intervals but that's a joke. You don't call a workout interval training if that's all you offer. She should have called it a light or beginners' cardio so people know what they are getting.
And why were the weights there? She would have needed them if there were high intensity intervals that needed recovery time. And she's very fast with the moves. If I did not have good coordination I would probably have given up after 10 min.
I have Prevention's Walk your way Slim. This one is similar to Kobler's but it's so more advanced and it really gets your heart going and it's longer.
I don't think I'll be doing P.Kobler's Intervals Training again. She might have great step workouts but that definitely wasn't a good product. I just did not feel as if I've worked out well once I was done with it.
She should have not called it interval training.