Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition: The Workout [DVD]

This DVD may not be a 5-star for me personally, but I think it's a great place to start if you are a beginning exerciser. That level one work out is TOTALLY achievable for anyone at virtually any weight! And if you modify it up, it can get the heart rate up for someone who is in moderately good shape--though, to be fair, you would have to modify up A LOT. The second and third level are a good challenge with nice levels. His assistants generally have very good form and Chris is very encourage and motivating--not like scary, barking trainers of other DVDs!Now here comes the criticisms. My main issue is with the shredders on levels two and three. The first low intensity level of shredders on each DVD is good. But then level two moves into butt kicks, which is a move used in many of Jillian Michaels DVDs (a pretty advanced move) and these fairly killer squat uppercuts! Level three's second level of shredders has VERY SLOW jumping jacks and VERY SLOW high knees that do absolutely nothing for my heart rate. Level two's third level of shredders are "down and outs"--or, as they are more commonly known, burpees! Whoo-ee! I know when I was a hundred pounds heavier, that was EXTREMELY challenging for me to complete. Level three's third level of shredders is the "cross country skier" which, while being fast paced, isn't nearly as intense as the burpees. Then--the second level moves into draw bridges (used in a Bob Harper work out!) and supermans (used in LEVEL THREE of Jillian Michaels' Thirty Day Shred!) What gives, Chris? Are you trying to kill beginners?? In my opinion, any move that is used in a Bob Harper or Jillian Michaels DVD should be saved until the last level--and then performed modified!There is a little bit of a lack of balance in the work outs, but if you power through, you will see results. I definitely recommend this for people who are just beginning--just don't get discouraged by that nasty level two!

I'm on a quest right now for a fun and challenging variety of low impact workouts. Due to my pretty severe lower back issues, I will never try P90X type exercise videos nor do I have the desire to. So far, I like this. I only have a passing acquaintance with shows like "The Biggest Loser" and "Extreme Makeover" so I wasn't inspired to buy it due to fandom or by Chris Powell's celebrity trainer status. I picked it because I knew the people in the video were successfully losing a lot and still working toward their goals (I like inspiration through the success of others).Anyway, about the actual video:There are three workouts on this DVD--Level 1, 2, and 3. Level 1 is of course the easiest. It provided very little challenge for me--It's more for someone who is very obese or perhaps elderly. This didn't bother me. I just considered it a warm-up.Levels 2 and 3 steadily grow in intensity while still providing modifications in either direction. For instance, if you're feeling too challenged, you can keep doing a certain exercise in the simpler form it was done in the 1st level (shallower squats, less hopping) or you can do a slightly harder version of the exercise being shown (full push-up rather than knee push-up).I'm not in the greatest shape but I have only been working out regularly for the past few months, so I found Level 2 a nice challenge without leaving me exhausted and impatient for it to end within the first 60 seconds. Others may not agree. It all really depends on where you're at in your fitness level.I'd definitely suggest it to beginners or casual, non-fanatical exercisers who want a good sweat without any serious pain.

The cover of "Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition: The Workout" shows images of three people who have been on the show. They are Rachel who lost 161 pounds, LaRhonda who lost 202 pounds, and Alex who lost 216 pounds. There's also an 11 minute segment where they give advice. This workout is designed for those who want to start losing weight and have not been active. This DVD is probably not intended for experienced exercisers.There are three levels in the DVD. Each level has its own warm up and cool down.In all three, Chris Powell leads a group with various fitness levels.Level 1 is about 15 minutes. This workout is for people, (like the people on the cover, when they first wanted to get fit), who are just starting out. Movements are slow and carefully controlled. Mr. Powell instructs with safety in mind and works on the upper body, the lower body, and the core.Level 2 is about 25 minutes. This workout bumps it up a bit by introducing some aerobic movements. Aerobics include some high impact, but there's always a low impact version shown. Mr. Powell works more on the upper body, lower body, and the core.Level 3 is about 30 minutes. Mr. Powell continues the upper body, lower body, and core work with longer aerobics, a series of squats, pushups, ab work and so on. Easier modifications are shown.Mr. Powell's instruction is friendly, gentle, and mindful of newcomers to exercise. No equipment is needed. The DVD explains consistency in exercising over time to improve health.

I recently did this video. I am a person in a wheel chair with the ability to walk short distances. I am working on gaining back some mobility and use a walker to walk on my own street. When I originally bought this video was I not able to do it, due to a large part of floor work. Over a few months I have gained enough mobility to attempt this work out. The video features past participants from the Extreme Weight Loss show. There are 3 levels. 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 45 minutes. A person who is just beginning and is able to get up and down from the floor would have no problem at all doing the 15 minutes. I am able to do the 30 minute one, with doing the floor work on a higher surface, such as the couch. The video is broken up into segments. So that you work each part of your body, but it's not to hard to do. There is 1 person to the side doing modified versions of the exercises. You also have the choice of having the work out with instruction and music or with only music. I would recommend this video to anyone who is a beginner and wants to start working out. If you are a person that already exercises, it would probably be too easy for you. I like his attitude and how he can inspire people.

The video has 3 different levels of difficulty which makes this great for beginners!

I, for one, am tired of hardbodies trying to "motivate" me to work out... but I was pleasantly surprised when I bought this dvd. The instructor is personable, human, and doesn't make you feel stupid for not being a perfectly fit hard body. The first 15 minute session I used as a warm up. Level 2 will test you... I can imagine level 3! But just so you know, he's a good motivator without being obnoxious, like some of these workout people are.

Congrats to Chris Powell for making an excellent video for beginners. If you are very out of shape like me and want to know where to start buy this video and do level one. You won't be embarrassed or feel too out of shape. As you get better there are two harder levels to go. Great product!

This video is really geared to people who are starting from the beginning.He makes it easy to follow along and there are no skinny, muscle bound (except Chris) people in the the video.He has actual clients in the video, making this very realistic.Thanks Chris for keeping it real!