Product Details

• Actors: For Dummies
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
• VHS Release Date: November 14, 2000
• Run Time: 45 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004YZH0
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,615 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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  #11 in	Video > Fitness > Weight Training
  #14 in	Video > Special Interests > Health > Diets & Weight Loss

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Weight training is quickly becoming the workout of choice for men and women alike. These regimens incorporate resistance exercises that can increase bone density and metabolism while creating more lean muscle. Tracy York's Shaping Up with Weights for Dummies will introduce these fundamental strength training exercises in language that even a first-time weightlifter will understand. York debunks fitness myths, describes muscle groups, and focuses on the safe execution of each exercise. All of the major muscle groups are trained through 12 basic exercises that are cleverly coined "The Daily Dozen." A series of upper- and lower-body exercises are done in two sets of 12, with stretching spliced between each interval. York makes great use of these stretching segments to emphasize body alignment and proper form (however, these breaks may provide too much down time for the experienced fitness buff). This session delivers a four-minute warm-up, 35 minutes of resistance training (stretches, too), and five minutes of abdominal work. Light hand weights are recommended, but the first-time strength trainer may want to try this format without any weights. Overall this is a stellar pick if you are new to weightlifting, not familiar with muscle groups, or just need to brush up on the basics. Although the music is less than toe-tapping, this information-packed video will leave you anything but dumb. --Olivia Voigts

Product Description

This workout offers step-by-step instructions of 12 key strength-training exercises and makes it easy to work out at any level. It incorporates both upper and lower body exercises to help tone muscles and burn more calories per day - which leads to fat loss.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

161 of 162 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional instructional video, February 7, 2002

By	Scorpio Moon (Toronto) - See all my reviews

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.

99 of 100 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction To Weight Training, January 6, 2001

By	Ann W., Mathias "yesIknow_mathias" (Scottsville, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

50 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly educational!, August 9, 2002

By	"marlenekbaker" (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

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!