Customer Reviews

The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning with Kettlebells DVD Volume 2, with Lauren Brooks

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

 

 

Being a fan of Lauren Brook's first kettlebell workout DVD, I had to buy this one when it came out. It definitely does not disappoint. Lauren kicks up the intensity a bit with this DVD and includes some new moves such as the Turkish Get-Up. I have always been intimidated by this move because it seemed complicated, but like her last DVD, Lauren includes an instruction section where she explains most of the exercises. After following her step-by-step instructions, I can now do a Turkish Get-Up!
There are three short work-outs on the DVD: The Grind, The Smoker, and The Finisher. All of these names are quite appropriate. There is also a joint mobility warm-up, a tough ab section, a short cool-down as well as the previously mentioned instruction section. In my opinion, this justifies the price for this DVD.
The production value is a little spotty in some areas. This doesn't bother me at all because the workout is so incredible.

Lauren Brooks gets your heart rate up there and keeps it interesting! If you are looking for a way to shake up your workouts this is the one you want. Take time to check out her website also. I bought the DVD from Amazon originally but will go through her website from here on out. I had a problem with the DVD I bought from Amazon. I was not sure what to do as I did not want to spend the money returning it and the hassle, so I contacted Lauren's staff. They were quick and professional and replaced it fast.

I bought 4 kettlebells (varying weight) and Lauren's DVDs Ultimate Sculpt volumes 1 and 2) without having worked out with KB. Having pushed aside any workout routine for the past year, I felt it was time to give KB a try.
I began working out to Lauren's Ultimate Sculpt volume 1 DVD for 12 minutes with 5lbs for 4 days the first week and 10lbs the second week to see if I could even perform the moves correctly, as I suffer from regular neck and back pain.
I find Lauren's instruction-style to be very user-friendly, especially for a beginner, and as I've progressed to my 4-week point and want something a little more demanding, Ultimate Sculpt volume 2 is fitting the bill very well. Overall, I really like Lauren's more subdued approach to exercise. I have strained my back in the past by performing strength training exercises incorrectly and Lauren's approach is slow but intense enough to make you really focus on each move being performed so that you won't injure yourself. Her exercise demonstrations are great and a must if you're a beginner; her warm-up and cool-down sessions are amazing medicine for your joints. Albeit, there are some moves that I simply cannot perform well yet (Turkish Get-Ups and pushups with KBs for fear they will turn over - I'm a clutz, too. lol!). For these moves, I either lay out or do traditional variations like regular pushups with no KBs.
Note: I did purchase a KB workout DVD from Amy Bento to break up the routine and I have to say, I honestly found her style to be almost manic. Although, my heart rate was up during the entire workout and this was great (heart rate is up with Lauren's, too), plus, some of her moves are rather challenging and provide an interesting approach to KB, her style is not my cup of tea. It's like Amy is grasping to come up with some new twisting move just to make the 20-minute mark. Lauren's style is methodic, intense and you can feel the fruit of your efforts the next day.
When I want quick and calm, I go to Lauren's Ultimate Sculpt volume 1 for a basic 12 minute workout or do it all again for a total 24 minute workout. In volume 1, Lauren's workout partner is also an inspiration, as she is either in her 40s or 50s and has a super-sculpted body thanks to KB, according to Lauren. There are three things that really appeal to me with Lauren's DVDs: her purposeful instruction, the fact that you can get a 12 minute quickie in or go full throttle with a 20 or 40 minute workout and the time cue included in each session is helpful. Also, the music is actually kind of soothing and is very appropriate to each workout session. I'm getting ready to purchase her US volume 3 today - from her website - [...]. Also, another note to add about KBs - they are great - I'm seeing a difference in only a few weeks and actually look forward to my workout, which are two major accomplishments, in my world! I'm really noticing definition in my glutes, my arms and my waistline is shrinking. I'm able to lift and carry items I was having trouble with and the best part - no more daily back or neck pain!

After purchasing, AND LOVING, Lauren's KB Vol. 1 DVD, I decided I had to have this one as well. I love working out with kettlebells and think Lauren is probably my favorite instructor. She is so basic and always shows great technique to follow. She gives lots of reminders on form and her workouts are just so simplistic and easy to love! In addition, these workouts will make you sweat!! I have buckets of sweat pouring off of me everytime I do them. The intensity level is high and this workout gives me a challenge each and every time, even once I felt like this workout had gotten a bit easier. I just upped the weight of my bells and the intensity level changed and I had a whole new workout again! She has a joint mobility warm-up section which I definitely recommend, and do, every time. The workout is also broken down into segments: The Grind, The Punisher, The Finisher and Ab work, making the workout customizable. For instance, I find it more beneficial to do The Punisher and Finisher followed by The Grind, even though that is not the order that they are in on the DVD. It is easy to pick and choose what segments you want to do. There is also a Cool-Down stretch at the end. I am so happy that I found this series and have worked it into my regimen 3x per week. I am seeing results that I had not seen in awhile. If you're looking for a challenging workout and haven't tried kettlebells, think about adding them to what you already do and consider Lauren's Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning series.

Lauren's kettlebell workouts are quick and incorporate all the major muscle groups. From 6 minutes to 25 minutes, you can fit in a complete kettlebell workout any time of the day. I think this is a great format, & I hope Lauren's next dvd offers the same formatt but with even more workouts on one DVD.

I purchased Lauren Brooks first DVD and like this one even more. I recieved this DVD about one month ago and have flattend and toned my midsection quite a bit. I do the first workout the grind wich is twenty minutes long and then do about the first twelve minutes of the smoker giving me about a thirty minute workout . I have found incorporating the two as Lauren recommends has been really great giving me fast results over a short period of time. I use a twenty pound bell and plan on increasing to twenty-five to make the workout more effective. I highly recommend this DVD you won't regret it.

This is overall an very effective series of workouts. Like kettelbells themselves they are to the point. There are two kettlebell workouts and an abs section, that is a REAL challange.(and perhaps too long) and a tabata section that I really like...when it is over. The stretching and warmups are a bit shortish at about 4 minutes but are also well done. I alternate these workout with another one that features more presses. The combination is easy on the shoulders and results in quite good conditioning.

The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning with Kettlebells DVD Volume 2, with Lauren Brooks will not disappoint. If you like Volume 1 you will LOVE volume 2. These are great workouts! I have both DVD's and find both to be fun and challenging. Lauren is a first rate instructor. If you are a RKC purist it is a MUST have!!!

This is an excellent DVD for runners. This DVD is broken into 2 20 minute workouts, a 6 minute workout, and a 13 minute ab workout. The first of the 20 minute workouts is called "The Grind". It is a perfect workout for an easy run day. It involves Turkish-get ups, push-ups, single leg dead lifts, one arm rows, and some squats. The ab workout is a nice length and really works your core. I also like the 6 minute workout. It's called "The Finisher" and consists of snatches and squats done in 20 sec intervals, and it is also perfect to tack onto the end of a run. I don't do the second 20 minute workout. It's more intense and I don't usually have that kind of stamina after a run. The video also includes a section giving detailed instructions on how to do each exercise if you are new to kettlebell.

I purchased Lauren's first kettlebell DVD and love love love it! I was so excited for the 2nd one. Sadly, the killer abs section was defective and kept freezing. I sent it back for an exchange. I received the replacement and the whole DVD is frozen! I guess it wasn't meant to be, Lauren :-(